Quinoa Cooking: Rinsing, Oil-Free Toasting, and How to Know When It’s Done

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is considered a whole grain, native to the Andes mountains. Pronounced KEEN-wah, it actually considered a seed, naturally gluten-free and vegan. Quinoa is very small, resembling bird seed or another whole grain, amaranth. It is a healthy source of plant-based protein and fiber. Plus, it can be used in a variety of oil-free vegan recipes!

Is Quinoa Organic? Do I need to Rinse It?

Quinoa originates in Peru, where it has fed Incan warriors for centuries.  It is protected by laws to ensure it is GMO-free and organic.  Most quinoa you buy today is pre-rinsed, so there’s no need to wash.

How Do I Cook Quinoa? Rinsing, Toasting, and How to Know When It’s Done:

Quinoa is relatively quick to cook, making it a convenient go-to ingredient for weeknight meals.

1. Rinsing: Most quinoa is pre-rinsed so you don’t need to rinse it. However, you should double-check the packaging to make sure the quinoa you have is pre-rinsed.
2. Toasting: While not an essential step, toasting your quinoa adds a slightly nutty flavor and more richness. To toast quinoa, place it in a dry pan. Cover with a lid and heat over medium heat. Toast 1-2 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until the quinoa starts to “pop” and turn golden. Then, add your cooking liquid.
3. Quinoa to Water Ratio: You can cook plain quinoa with a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Simply combine the quinoa and water in a pot. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Simmer until the quinoa is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Ways to Add Flavor: You can add dried herbs, spices, and aromatics to the quinoa while it is cooking. Thyme, bay leaf, oregano, garlic, and paprika all add savory flavors. Cinnamon, cardamom, and chopped dates would add sweetness.
5. Water vs Broth vs Plant-Based Milk: Water adds neutral flavor when cooking quinoa. However, you can add savory flavor by using vegetable broth instead. Or, for a sweeter, creamier quinoa, use plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk.
6. Quinoa “Pops” When Done: When quinoa is done cooking, it literally “pops” open. The tiny quinoa seeds burst open. You can either fluff the finished quinoa with a fork for a light, fluffy consistency. Or, cook another 1-2 minutes for a creamier texture.

Watch this Helpful Quinoa Cooking Video:

Three Quinoa Colors: White, Red, Black

Quinoa comes in 3 colors: white, red, and black. You can also buy “tri-color” or “rainbow” quinoa, which is a combination of the three colors.

The white is the fluffiest and gets creamy when cooked like a porridge.  The black and red have a firmer texture, so they’re better for salads.

White quinoa is also the most affordable.

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What are Quinoa Flakes?

Quinoa also comes in flakes. Similar to rolled oats, the whole quinoa grain has been flattened into small flakes. Like oatmeal, quinoa flakes can be cooked for a creamy breakfast bowl or used in baking plant-based Peanut Butter Cookies.

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Quinoa Recipes: Oil-Free,Whole Foods, Plant-Based Collection

Ready to start cooking? Check out this delicious collection of quinoa recipes! All of the dishes are oil-free, whole foods, plant-based. Includes breakfast porridge, grain bowls, salad, soup, stews, sliders, and cookies.

• Charred Zucchini and Summer Squash Quinoa
• Peruvian Quinoa Vegetable Stew
• Smoky Broccoli Quinoa Crunch
• Italian Red Quinoa Fennel Citrus Winter Salad

• Quinoa Fiesta Bowl with Easy Oil-Free Avocado Lime Dressing
• Red Quinoa Enchiladas Rojas
• Quinoa Parsley Tabbouleh
• Blueberry Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
• Green Goddess Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Kale, Spicy Tahini Dressing
• Peanut Butter Quinoa Flake Cookies

Quinoa Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup

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Shopping and Gear List

• Nature’s Earthly Choice Quinoa, 24 Ounce
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• Pride Of India – Organic Three Color Quinoa – Protein Rich Whole Grain, 1.5 Pound (24oz) Jar
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