how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker

About Quinoa: How to Grow and Cook Quinoa Recipes

by happynutritionist

Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") is seed that has become a popular side dish or part of recipes. The protein to carbohydrate ratio is higher in Quinoa than Rice.

Quinoa is a seed, not a grain as, that is rich in protein and delicious when prepared right.

Many wonder how to cook Quinoa, it's very easy and doesn't take long to prepare. Quinoa can be cooked in a rice cooker, in the microwave, or on the stove top. Instructions for each can be found on this page.

The first time I discovered Quinoa was not online or at the food store, but when we were at our favorite health food store, Miller's Natural Foods in Lancaster County, PA. Each spring when we visit for our anniversary weekend, I stock up on seeds and grains for the year that I store in our refrigerator, freezer or cabinet..whichever is appropriate.

Quinoa is popular because it is a unique and natural, and is a good alternative for those who must avoid glucose. It is higher in protein than rice and has a lower glycemic index than rice.

What does a Quinoa Plant Look Like?

Here is a picture for you, and there is another in the introduction

What does Quinoa look like before cooking?

Here is a close look at uncooked Heirloom quinoa seeds

Quinoa has been cultivated and eaten in South America for thousands of years

Quinoa is a .... Chenopod?

Wiki information about Quinoa

Quinoa, a species of goosefoot , is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a member of the grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds.

How to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop

How do you cook Quinoa? First, here is how to cook Quinoa on the stovetop.

Cooking Quinoa is similar to cooking rice, it cooks in 10-15 minutes.

• Cook with 2 cups of water to every 1 cup of Quinoa
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  
• Cover and cook 10-15 minutes
  
• Turn off heat as soon as liquid is absorbed, then let sit for about 5 minutes
• Add seasonings and "fluff" with a fork
• You want the Quinoa to be cooked firm but soft, and not "mushy.

If this is your first time cooking Quinoa and it doesn't have the consistency that you like after cooking, don't worry, you will learn from your experience and do better the next time.  As mentioned, I turn the burner off as soon as liquid is absorbed, but leave the lid on and let it "cook" in it's own heat for a little bit.

When you look at cooked Quinoa, it may appear to you that the "grains" have a little white string wrapped around part of them...this is normal...it is the germ of the seed.

Let us know in a comment if you have had any experiences cooking Quinoa that might be helpful to us.

Inexpensive Rice Cooker

I have this brand and it works fine

How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

You may ask, "can you cook Quinoa in a rice cooker"?

The answer is yes.

Use the measure that comes with your rice cooker, and cook 2 parts water to 1 part Quinoa, the same as we did in the instructions for cooking on the stovetop.

From personal experience, this worked well, but with my cooker, I needed just a very little bit more water. You may have to adjust according to your cooker after trying for the first time.

How to Cook Quinoa in the Microwave

As you would expect, when cooking Quinoa in a microwave, you use the same ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part Quinoa.

• Put all in Microwave Safe Bowl
• Cover, heat for 4 minutes on high setting
• Remove, carefully remove cover, stir, cover, return to microwave
• Heat for 2 more minutes on high
• Remove and let sit for 1 minutes before eating

I have never cooked Quinoa in a microwave before, so am going to try that the next time.

Buy Quinoa Online

I always buy organic, this price is good for 4 lbs

Simple Ways to Eat Quinoa

It is good hot or cold

Quinoa is good just as it is, hot, with a little olive oil or butter stirred in, and we like to season it with Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Seasoning.

I will provide links to recipes for Quinoa below as we do tend to keep things simple.

Another thing that I like to do during warmer months is the following cold salad:

• After cooking, stir a little olive oil with the Quinoa so it doesn't stick together and refrigerate
• After it is cool, cut up in small cubs cucumber, green peppers, green onions and tomatoes.
• Add to the cooled Quinoa, and toss/stir together
• Add a few dashes of olive oil and either red wine or apple cider vinegar and stir in gently but well.
• Serve right away or put back in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors blend nicely over time.

Enjoy!

Quinoa 365 - The Everyday Superfood

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how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker

Source: https://wizzley.com/quinoa/

Posted by: bainknoted.blogspot.com

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