How to make tasty quinoa in 5 easy steps

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is one trendy super-food which boasts plenty of benefits. Quinoa is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. No wonder it has taken the markets by storm over the past 2 – 3 years and is widely available in supermarkets and restaurants.

I have a natural liking to grains, however, I have friends and colleagues who find quinoa bland and tasteless.  I guess it’s one of those foods which you either love or hate.

If you’d like to give your quinoa a bit of a kick, try the cooking method below and let me know how you get on.

5 easy steps to tasty quinoa

1. rinse one cup of white quinoa under running water (drain well)
2. put one tablespoon olive oil in a large pan and sauté one finely chopped onion, three cloves crushed garlic and quarter teaspoon crushed red chillies (optional) 
3. tip the quinoa with the onion mixture and toast until the quinoa is dried from all water and coated with the mixture – stirring continuously 
4. add 1½ cups hot water – stir well – cover with tight fitting lid and bring to boil 
5. lower heat to minimum and simmer for 15 minutes – turn off the heat and stand (covered) for an additional 5 minutes – fluff, add finely chopped parsley and quinoa is ready to serve.

How can I use quinoa?

Quinoa is pretty versatile. You can use it instead of couscous, rice or barley.  I use is as a side dish with fish or as a salad base topped with grilled vegetables.

I have also used quinoa to thicken soups.

Lately, I found breakfast porridge made with quinoa instead of oats.

You can also use quinoa flour for baking.

Share your quinoa recipes

If you have any quick and easy quinoa recipes you’d like to share, contact me and I will publish your recipes for others to enjoy.