A quick lowdown on quinoa nutrition. It has a lower GI (glycaemic index) and higher protein content than white pasta or rice, so it releases energy slowly, making it a healthier base for dishes. A complete protein thanks to having all eight essential amino acids, quinoa is also considered a supercrop by the United Nations for its health benefits, which include being packed with fibre, so it's easy to digest.
While quinoa is technically gluten free, be warned that it can be cross-contaminated with other grains while being processed so may cause a reaction in those who have a high sensitivity to gluten.
How to cook quinoa perfectly every time
- You'll need about 50g of quinoa per person (make sure to rinse it first) and chicken or vegetable stock. We can't emphasise using stock enough. It really makes a difference to the flavour, yet is subtle enough not to distract from your final dish.
- Once your stock is boiled, pour over the quinoa so it's covered by about an inch. Place the quinoa and stock back on the heat. Turn down the heat so the quinoa is simmering, but not boiling. Cover, and keep simmering until the water is absorbed. This normally takes 20-30 mins... That's it!
Quinoa recipes and ideas
Quinoa is one of those things like pasta or couscous that you can just throw whatever you have lying around into it. But we like...
- Quinoa Tabouleh with Herbed Chicken, Pistachios & Radish (pictured above)
- Make quinoa cakes with sweet potato and top with chorizo for a delicious brunch
- Mix with roasted vegetables and halloumi cheese and dress with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh mint, fresh parsley and a handful of seeds
- Make a gluten-free, dairy-free Strawberry Mousse Tart (pictured, above)
- Omit the stock and eat it like porridge for breakfast, mixed with a bit of milk, honey, cinnamon, berries and nuts
- Go Mexican with this Quinoa Fajita Salad like the girls at A Beautiful Mess
- Add cheese to quinoa to turn it into party food (via Spoon Fork Bacon)
- Turn it into a veggie burger
- Make it into a Christmas salad with pomegranate and halloumi
- Use it like risotto à la Hemsley & Hemsley
