Healthy Nature

Quinoa is known as a superfood and for good reason. Many people think that quinoa is a grain, but it is actually a tiny seed that is filled with protein, has loads of fiber, contains essential amino acids, and has high levels of antioxidants.

Quinoa is also filled lots of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. Iron and magnesium are found in the highest levels with zinc and potassium not far behind. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and the perfect substitution for other grains and starches such are rice, barley, faro, and more.

Since there are so many health benefits found in this small seed, including quinoa in your diet is a great idea to help round out a healthy meal plan. It is relatively inexpensive, you can make large batches and store them in the freezer, and include it is so many recipes.

But cooking quinoa can be a little temperamental. It is easy to overcook and then it becomes mushy and unpleasant to eat. Sometimes it comes out crunch and undercooked if you do not add enough water. Many times, it can often taste bitter after cooking as well.

In order to avoid all of these issues, you need to cook your quinoa in a specific way, so it comes out light, fluffy, and never bitter.

Below, you will find the best way to cook quinoa every time, so you can simply enough this superfood without any of the hassle or bas taste and texture!

Instructions

Rinse

The first and most critical step you always need to do to make fluffy quinoa that is not bitter is the rinse the seeds. Interestingly, quinoa has a coating on the outside of the seed called saponin. If you do not rinse that outer layer off, that is when your final product will taste bitter.

All you have to do it put your quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rise it under cold water for a minute or two. You are looking for the water to run clear and not look cloudy or murky as the water is running over the seeds.

Get the Right Quinoa to Water Ratio

For this part, stick to one cup of rinsed quinoa to two cups of water or broth of your choice. You will combine both water or other liquid and quinoa in a medium sauce pan.  Add salt to taste.

Bring the quinoa to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about ten to twenty minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed. There may still be a little bit of liquid at the bottom.

Remove from the burner and cover with a lid to let steam and absorb the rest of the water or broth. Let it steam for about five minutes.

Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.

And that is it! With just a few simple steps you will have light and fluffy quinoa without any trace of bitterness.

What to Do with Your Cooked Quinoa

There are so many ways to use cooked quinoa and the possibilities are truly endless. Quinoa can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

For a sweet breakfast that is simple, quick, and great for mean prepping, this cinnamon quinoa breakfast bowl should be your new go-to recipe.

It combines fresh raspberries, fresh peaches, coconut, almonds, and cinnamon for a perfect healthy and light breakfast for both weekdays and lazy weekend mornings.

If you want something savory, warm, and comforting make some tasty quinoa mac and cheese. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and filled with wholesome ingredients.