Quinoa is a grain that is a great source of plant-based protein. It's also rich in fibre and a lot of essential nutrients. There are a few things to keep in mind while preparing quinoa as food. If it is boiled too much, it will get sticky and also lose its beneficial nutrients. But if it is not cooked enough, it will be firm and digestion becomes difficult. Let's see how this millet-like item can be cooked properly.
First, wash it thoroughly. A special covering called saponin can be seen above this grain. Wash it thoroughly and remove this covering. Otherwise, there is a possibility of experiencing a little bitterness while eating. Then, transfer quinoa to a sieve, rub and wash it thoroughly with cold water. Doing this will help in removing all the dirt from the grain.
Another thing to keep in mind when cooking quinoa is taking the exact measure or quantity of water. Two cups of water should be used to cook a cup of quinoa. Adding a pinch of salt will help you to cook it better. It can be cooked in a pan or saucepan.
Boil the quinoa well with the water and then put it on simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes. During this time, the grain absorbs all the water previously added and becomes softer. After cooking on a small flame for fifteen minutes, you can check if it's cooked. If it appears white, it should be cooked on a simmer for some more time.
After removing it from the stove, keep it closed for five minutes.
If there is excess water content, the grain will absorb it during this time. After five minutes, it can be opened and with a spoon or fork, any remaining small blocks can be crushed. Various delicious dishes like upma, salads, breakfast bakes, parfait and more can be prepared using quinoa.
