Quinoa has recently garnered a lot of attention in the culinary world. Originally cultivated in the Andes region of South America for thousands of years, quinoa has become a global sensation due to its exceptional nutritional value, adaptability, and sustainability.
Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa, has been a staple in the Andean diet for over 5,000 years. Quinoa is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. This makes it an ideal option for vegetarians and vegans, who often struggle to obtain adequate protein from plant-based sources. Moreover, quinoa is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins (such as B-vitamins), and minerals (including magnesium, iron, and potassium).
The gluten-free nature of quinoa makes it an appealing choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is also known for its low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a smart choice for individuals with diabetes or those interested in weight management.
The nutritious quality urges health-conscious people to jump into eating quinoa. However, you do not know how to perfectly cook quinoa. There are some simple tips and tricks that will help you attain the perfect taste and texture. This simple plant-based food can be made in just a few minutes by following the steps. Take a look:
- Rinse The Quinoa
The first step is to carefully and completely clean the quinoa. It is important to rinse quinoa in running, cold water. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin, which makes it taste bitter if not removed. Thus, cleaning the quinoa under water helps remove the saponin.
- Proper Ratio
Most people make mistakes at this step. Measuring the water according to the quantity of quinoa is crucial. The ratio has to be 2:1. Always take two cups of water for one cup of quinoa. The ratio ensures that the quinoa absorbs enough water to cook properly. You can adjust the quantity depending on the amount of quinoa you want to cook.
- Simmer
The first step to cooking quinoa is to bring the water to a boil, then add the quinoa and reduce the flame to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and don’t lift the lid too often to check. This can release steam and affect the cooking process.
- Proper Cooking Time
Quinoa is said to be cooked when it has absorbed all the liquid and the individual grains have become translucent and have a small ring around them. This process usually takes about 15 minutes. You can check whether it’s done by tasting it.
- Keep It At Rest
After the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat, fluff it with a fork, and let it rest for about 5 minutes with the lids on. This resting time allows the remaining moisture to distribute evenly, thus giving quinoa a nice taste.