How to Properly Clean and Toast Quinoa Recipe - Food.com (2024)

FAQs

How do you toast quinoa after rinsing? ›

If you've never toasted quinoa, you may be surprised by the depth of flavor and delightful texture this simple step can add to your favorite gluten-free ancient grain. Whether it's part of the process or the entire cooking method, toasting can turn your quinoa into a brand-new culinary sensation.

Most commercially sold quinoa has already undergone a process to remove the coating, and this information is usually indicated on the package. If it's not mentioned, or if you buy quinoa in bulk without packaging, you'll definitely want to rinse it.

Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

If your quinoa still tastes bitter, there is likely still some saponin left on the quinoa. A small amount of saponin will produce enough bitterness to affect a whole bag.

If yours has already been rinsed you can skip this step. To wash quinoa, place it in a fine-meshed strainer and rinse it under cool water for 30 - 45 seconds. Allow the excess water to drain out. Toast the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a large pan and turn on the heat to medium.

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

Wet methods are an effective way to remove saponin, that being the rinsing or soaking of the quinoa seeds with water. Dry methods for saponin removal require specialized equipment and often involve abrasive scarification of the outer layer of the seed.

Cook in vegetable, beef, or chicken broth: Cooking quinoa in vegetable, beef, or chicken stock is probably the easiest way to flavor it. You can simply swap the water with your choice of stock and use the same amount to cook your quinoa. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also use half water and half stock.

Rinse it under cold running water. At first, the water will be white-ish, but as you let it run it will get clear. This takes about 30-45 seconds. Drain quinoa fully.

What to season quinoa with? ›

If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Quinoa is supposed to be soft and fluffy after cooking, not crunchy or mushy. The texture of cooked quinoa should be tender, with each grain separating slightly and having a slight chewiness. If quinoa is cooked properly, it should not be crunchy or undercooked, and it should not be mushy or overcooked.