Best 3 Basic Steamed Quinoa Recipes

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Quinoa, a nutritious and versatile grain, takes center stage in this collection of delectable steamed quinoa recipes. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore various ways to prepare this ancient grain, from the classic fluffy steamed quinoa, perfect as a side dish or base for bowls, to a savory vegetable quinoa pilaf bursting with flavors and textures. Discover the secrets to cooking perfect quinoa every time, ensuring fluffy grains that won't stick together. Elevate your quinoa game with a zesty lemon and herb quinoa, a vibrant Mexican quinoa with black beans and corn, and a hearty mushroom and Swiss chard quinoa. Each recipe offers a unique taste experience, catering to diverse dietary preferences and culinary cravings. Whether you're a seasoned quinoa enthusiast or new to this amazing grain, these recipes will inspire you to create delicious and wholesome quinoa dishes that will become staples in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PERFECT QUINOA



Perfect Quinoa image

Learn how to cook perfect quinoa, every time. I've tried all the other quinoa cooking methods and this one works best. It's easy to cook fluffy quinoa when you know the right way to do it!

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Staple

Time 22m

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 part uncooked quinoa (e.g. 1 cup quinoa-any color will do-you will end up with three times as much cooked quinoa)
2 parts water (e.g. 2 cups water)
Salt, to taste (around 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of dry quinoa)

Steps:

  • Rinse the quinoa: Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh colander and rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. Drain well. This step removes any bitterness on the outside of the quinoa (caused by naturally occurring saponins).
  • Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat a bit to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 10 to 20 minutes (small amounts of quinoa will be ready closer to 10 minutes; larger amounts between 15 to 20). Reduce heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. This step gives the quinoa time to pop open into little curlicues, so it's nice and fluffy. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt, to taste, unless you're proceeding with another recipe as written.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup cooked quinoa, Calories 208 calories, Sodium 2.8 mg, Fat 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Carbohydrate 36.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

BASIC STEAMED QUINOA



Basic Steamed Quinoa image

Many recipes for quinoa instruct you to cook it like rice, in 2 parts water for 1 part grain. This works, but I find the grains are fluffier if I cook them in 3 parts water and drain the excess water once the quinoa is tender. The tiny seeds swell to about 4 times their original size, so 1 cup uncooked quinoa yields about 4 cups, enough for 6 to 8 servings.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 30m

Yield about 4 cups, serving 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 cup quinoa
3 cups water, chicken stock or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

Steps:

  • Place the quinoa in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit 5 minutes. Drain through a strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
  • Bring the water or stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the salt and the quinoa. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and translucent, and each grain displays a little thread. Drain and return to the pan. Cover the pan with a clean dish towel, replace the lid and allow to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 78, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 150 milligrams

BASIC QUINOA



Basic Quinoa image

This is the basic recipe for cooking quinoa. You can use it in place of rice, or you can use it as the basis of a salad or tabouleh. Quinoa is a light and wholesome grain that is gluten free. It is prepared quickly and easily with this basic method. This recipe makes 3 cups of cooked quinoa

Provided by Jubes

Categories     Grains

Time 20m

Yield 3 cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 2

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa

Steps:

  • Wash the quinoa with water, using a strainer. Same as you would wash rice.
  • Place quinoa and water in a 1 1/2 quart/ medium sized saucepan, bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until all of the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
  • You will know that the quinoa is done when all the grains have turned from white to transparent, and the spiral-like germ has separated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.4, Fat 2.6, SaturatedFat 0.3, Sodium 5.7, Carbohydrate 27.3, Fiber 3, Protein 6

Tips:

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any saponins, which are bitter-tasting compounds that can be found on the surface of quinoa.
  • Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. This will result in fluffy, cooked quinoa.
  • Cook the quinoa over medium heat. This will help to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the pot.
  • Do not stir the quinoa while it is cooking. Stirring can make the quinoa gummy.
  • Once the quinoa has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This will allow the quinoa to finish cooking.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.

Conclusion:

Steamed quinoa is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals. Quinoa is also a gluten-free grain, making it a good choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. With its mild flavor and fluffy texture, steamed quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are looking for a healthy breakfast option, a quick and easy lunch, or a hearty dinner side dish, steamed quinoa is a great choice.

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