Learn the basics of cooking quinoa, with easy (and flavorful) ways to serve it to babies, toddlers, big kids...and us parents! There is a base recipe here, plus simple ways to flavor it.
Base Quinoa (then choose a flavor option from below)
1cupquinoa(of any color or variety)
2cupswater
Buttered Quinoa
2tablespoonsunsalted butter(you can also use olive oil here)
1/4teaspoon salt
Pesto Quinoa
1/4-1/2cupprepared pesto
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Pizza Quinoa
1/4-1/2 cuppizza (or marinara) sauce
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Lemon Butter Quinoa
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
1teaspoonfresh lemon zest
Cumin Quinoa
1 teaspooncumin
1/4 teaspoonsalt
Chicken Broth Quinoa (omit the water from the base recipe)
1 3/4cupsreduced sodium chicken broth
2tablespoonsunsalted butter(optional)
1/4teaspoonsalt(optional)
Instructions
Add the quinoa to a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water, stirring slightly, for about 1 minute. This helps to remove the saponins that can make quinoa taste bitter.
Add the water to a medium pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed and the quinoa is very soft. (You will see that each grain will look more translucent verses opaque.)
Turn off the heat and cover. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Add desired flavorings, stirring well, and serve.
Notes
Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve to remove as much potential bitterness as possible.
Quinoa can be a little messy for those kids still learning to use spoons, but you can stir in cheese or mashed avocado or sweet potato to help it hold together a little more as needed.
Add as much or as little additional flavor as you want. (Which is to say, if you don't love plain quinoa, flavor it!)