September 17, 2023

Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a highly nutritious and versatile pseudo-grain that is often considered a whole grain. It’s botanically related to spinach, beets, and chard, although it is commonly prepared and consumed as a grain.

It is quite bland by itself, and is open to the addition of your favourite flavours. I love to add it to as a base for salads but it can also be used as a side dish, a breakfast porridge, a rice substitute or a stuffing for vegetables.

It’s filling, easy to cook and super healthy! Give it a go.

Some Interesting Facts

Nutritional Value: Quinoa is renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile. It is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. It’s also rich in dietary fibre, vitamins (such as B vitamins), minerals (like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and iron), and antioxidants.
Gluten-Free: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Colour Varieties: Quinoa comes in different varieties, the most common being white, red, and black. Each type has a slightly different flavour and texture, but they can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Easy to Cook: Quinoa is relatively easy to prepare. It cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture. You can cook the quinoa in the simmering basket while you cook vegetables or proteins in the Varoma.
Rinse Before Cooking: Quinoa has a natural bitter coating called saponin. It’s a good practice to rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a sieve with fine holes before cooking to remove this bitter taste. Never rinse in the simmering basket as you will loose many of the tiny round seeds.
Culinary Uses: Quinoa can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salads and rice dishes to soups and stews. It can also be used as a gluten-free substitute for rice, couscous, or pasta.
Healthy Addition: Due to its impressive nutritional content, quinoa is often considered a healthy addition to a balanced diet. It provides essential nutrients and is associated with several potential health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control.

Quinoa’s versatility, nutritional benefits, and gluten-free nature have contributed to its popularity in modern cuisine, making it a staple in many households around the world. Its a pantry staple in my house and benefits from having a long shelf life!

Storage

Properly storing quinoa is essential to keep it fresh and prevent it from going rancid or developing off flavours.

Choose the Right Container: Transfer quinoa from its original packaging to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
Keep It Airtight: The key to preserving quinoa’s freshness is to keep it airtight. Ensure that the container’s lid forms a tight seal to prevent moisture and air from getting inside.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Quinoa should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal location. Avoid storing it near the stove or any heat source.
Label and Date: I usually cut the packet date and sit it on top of the quinoa in the container.
Protect from Pests: If you live in an area prone to pantry pests like weevils, consider placing a bay leaf or a whole clove inside the container. These natural repellents can help deter pests.
Refrigeration or Freezing (Optional): While it’s not necessary, you can store quinoa in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life. If you choose to refrigerate or freeze quinoa, use an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to prevent moisture and freezer burn. Always let the quinoa come to room temperature before using it to prevent condensation.

Properly stored, quinoa can have a shelf life of up to 2-3 years. However, its flavour and texture may deteriorate over time, so it’s best to use it within a reasonable timeframe to enjoy its full freshness.

Storing excess cooked quinoa

Storing cooked quinoa is relatively simple, but it’s important to do it correctly to maintain its flavour and texture.

Cool It Down: Allow the cooked quinoa to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the quinoa soggy.

Choose an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled quinoa into an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-sealing lids work well for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry.

Portion Sizes: Consider dividing the cooked quinoa into smaller portions if you won’t use it all at once. This can make it easier to defrost or reheat just the amount you need.

Seal the Container Properly: Ensure that the container’s lid forms a tight seal to prevent air from getting inside, which can lead to moisture absorption and loss of quality.

Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date when you cooked the quinoa. This helps you keep track of its freshness.

Refrigeration or Freezing: Here are two options for storing cooked quinoa:

Refrigeration: If you plan to use the quinoa within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Cooked quinoa can be refrigerated for up to 5-7 days. To prevent moisture build up, consider placing a paper towel on top of the quinoa before sealing the container.
Freezing: If you want to store cooked quinoa for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Divide the quinoa into portions, place them in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers, and remove as much air as possible. Frozen cooked quinoa can last for up to 8 months. To use frozen quinoa, thaw it in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen by adding it to a hot pan or microwave.

Use within a Reasonable Timeframe: While stored quinoa can be safe to eat for an extended period, its texture may deteriorate over time. It’s best to use it within a reasonable timeframe for the best taste and quality.

Avoid Odours: Be mindful of where you store your cooked quinoa. Like other grains, it can absorb odours from the surrounding environment, so keep it away from strong-smelling foods.

How to use Quinoa

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from breakfast to dinner, and even in desserts. Here are some popular ways to use quinoa:

Quinoa Salad: Quinoa salads are a delicious and nutritious option. Combine cooked quinoa with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a dressing of your choice. You can add protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal. You can also use it in mason jar salads.
Quinoa Bowls: Create a quinoa bowl by layering cooked quinoa with a variety of toppings, such as roasted vegetables, avocado, beans, nuts, and a flavourful sauce.
Breakfast Quinoa: Cook quinoa with milk or a milk substitute, sweeten it with honey or maple syrup, and top it with fruits, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a hearty and healthy breakfast option.
Quinoa Porridge: Make a sweet or savoury quinoa porridge by cooking quinoa and adding your choice of sweeteners (honey, brown sugar, etc.) or savoury toppings like sautéed mushrooms, cheese, and herbs.
Stuffed Vegetables: Use quinoa as a stuffing for vegetables like capsicums, tomatoes, or zucchini. Mix it with vegetables, herbs, and protein like ground meat, cubed chicken or beans, then bake until tender.
Quinoa as a Side Dish: Serve cooked quinoa as a side dish with various main courses, such as grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. You can season it with herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Quinoa Soup: Add cooked quinoa to soups and stews to enhance their texture and nutritional content. Quinoa absorbs the flavors of the soup and adds a hearty element.
Quinoa Burgers: Make vegetarian quinoa burgers by mixing cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Form patties and cook them on a stovetop or in the oven.
Quinoa Stir-Fry: Swap out rice for cooked quinoa in your favourite stir-fry recipe. It adds a nutty flavour and a protein boost to the dish.
Quinoa Desserts: Quinoa can be used in desserts like puddings, cookies, and bars. Substitute some or all of the flour in your favorite dessert recipes with quinoa flour or cooked quinoa.
Quinoa Sushi: Use quinoa instead of traditional sushi rice to make a healthier version of sushi rolls. Roll it with your favorite sushi ingredients.