Learn the best way to cook quinoa. It's very simple and quick.

Hopefully, you're well as I walk you through how to cook quinoa perfectly.

When you're advised to go grain-free, gluten-free, and many other regiments, it can be very overwhelming not knowing where to start.
Quinoa is definitely that seed you need to have in the house.

What's quinoa?

To dissipate any confusion, quinoa isn't a grain as it's normally referred to. It's rather a seed from a plant of the same family as beets and spinach.

There are three types of quinoa: black quinoa, red quinoa, and white quinoa. White is the most flavorful and easy to find. Additionally, it's the cheapest, even though quinoa, in general, remains costly.

Origin of quinoa

Quinoa originated from the Andes mountains in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

Incas people called it the mother of all grains as it has been around for about 7000 years.

It can grow up to 4500 altitudes.

Quinoa almost went into extinction upon the arrival of the Spanish, who burnt it down. Only a few survived in high mountains.

Quinoa nutrients

Quinoa is a functional food because it helps reduce the risk of various diseases.
This is due to the presence of fiber, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
It possesses a high amount of proteins and contains all 9 essential amino acids.
Studies have shown that frequent consumption of quinoa helps reduce inflammation. So it's the best friend you can have daily in your path of healing
You'll get Vitamin Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin, Folate, Vit. E, A, B6, and B2.
It has a high concentration of calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Iron.

How to cook quinoa perfectly

Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly by following these simple steps

I recommend you soak your quinoa. Quinoa is bitter and has anti-nutrients that can cause inflammation in those with compromised gut health. Soaking will reduce its bitterness and cooking time.
Boil 1 and ½ cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa
Drain the soaked quinoa and rinse it.
In a saucepan, put quinoa, some salt (you can add ginger if you love it) and add the boiling water
Stir, cover, and let it boil at high heat for about 5 mins
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Place a parchment paper on the saucepan, then a lid to cover the pan tightly.
Leave your quinoa to simmer till the water is absorbed (about 10 minutes).

How much does 1 cup of quinoa yield?

A cup of dry quinoa will give you about 3 cups of cooked quinoa. Quinoa swells when soaked or as it cooks (in case you don't soak it). When cooked at low heat, it will swell more compared to cooking at high heat all the way.

How to make quinoa taste good?

Quinoa can sometimes be bitter. To avoid this, rinse your quinoa before cooking, but if you have time, soak the quinoa for about 12 hours to reduce the bitterness.
Add spices to your cooking quinoa. You can add ginger, cinnamon, or all spices to enhance the taste of your quinoa
Another thing is to add some cold pressed olive oil at the end of cooking; this makes quinoa so delicious, and I am sure you'll love it.

How to appreciate quinoa

Quinoa is versatile, you can enjoy it in salads, as a main dish with some veggies or on detox.

Here, my kids and I also love it for breakfast with some fruits and/or fermented coconut milk.
Just be creative, and if you have nothing else but quinoa, It's definitely sweet on its own.

You have a good reason now to add quinoa to your shopping list. There is no doubt that it will be your ally in replacing gluten, and it's perfect as an additional protein food. It will help you lose weight as well.

You've the power to heal yourself, Githu.

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