I Don't Get Quinoa

[superme80]

Love it!!!! I like it. I used it instead of rice in wraps and I put it in some really bland soup and it seemed to help. Stand alone is not very good.

 

[Golf4food]

We make it from time to time. Wash it very good (then wash it a little more). Use broth instead of water. Make sure you have other strong flavors with it - we've done it in a kind of stir fry application, using it to replace rice or noodles - beef strips, red peppers, onion, etc. all mixed in.

Quinoa can be good. It is always good for you. If you are too used to overprocessed, over salted foods of course it will taste a little bland. You have to wean yourself off of all of the bad stuff first.

 

[Bethenny]

We have several recipes for quinoa that are very nice. One is sweeter (and a breakfast style hot cereal) and several others are savory.

The first important thing to know about quinoa is that you have to wash it, wash it, wash it! Otherwise, it will taste of soap. Ick.

Would you mind sharing some of your recipes? I really had no idea that I was supposed to wash it too. I also didn't realize that it was *that* good for you either. I'll have to give it another shot. I know my husband really likes it. I'm interested in trying a sweet recipe for breakfast, that sounds totally doable! Especially, with the cooler weather heading our way.

 

[Bethenny]

BTW, the second time I made it, I tried my own recipe. I cooked the quinoa in chicken broth and water (ran out of broth). Then I caramelized some onions and garlic and tossed that in after it cooked. Then I just kept adding salt, pepper and parmesan until it tasted ok. My kids ate it this time, but it still wasn't a favorite side dish.

 

[bicker]

I've never washed quinoa, and it never tasted soapy to me.

Here's another favorite quinoa recipe:

1/3 cup chopped almonds (1 1/2 oz.)
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups beet-carrot or carrot juice
1 cup frozen peas
1 medium apple, diced
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Directions
1. Toast almonds in saucepan over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant and beginning to brown, stirring often. Cool.
2. Wipe out saucepan; add oil and onion. Sauté onion 2 to 3 minutes, or until translucent, stirring occasionally,
3. Stir in ginger, quinoa, and juice, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat, and scatter peas over cooked quinoa. Cover, and let stand 10 minutes, until peas are thawed.
5. Stir apple, coconut, and almonds into salad. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 6.

 

[Imzadi]

Quinoa is the only complete non-animal protein. All other grains are missing at least one of the amino acids essential for human life.

We generally use Quinoa in salads. Here's one of our favorite Quinoa recipes.

That Quinoa recipe sounds good.


Actually, tofu (soybeans) are a complete protein too.
http://www.oprah.com/health/Tofu-as-an-Alternate-Source-of-Protein-Nutrition-Advice

I like to get the Mori-Nu brand as it's packaged to be shelf stable, instead of needing refrigeration. Then I can use it anytime for a substitute "egg salad" or tofu scramble, mixed with some veggies, like in an omelette.

We have several recipes for quinoa that are very nice. One is sweeter (and a breakfast style hot cereal) and several others are savory.

The first important thing to know about quinoa is that you have to wash it, wash it, wash it! Otherwise, it will taste of soap. Ick.

I've never washed quinoa, and it never tasted soapy to me.

I don't think you are supposed to wash it with soap!

Just kidding.

 

[CALIFLADY]

I didn't know you were supposed to wash it either! I tell ya', you can learn sooo much on the DIS!

I'm not into processed foods at all, so that's not my issue. I just like the flavor of plain brown rice better.

Maybe it's a texture thing. Of course, now that someone has "shown" me how much it looks like mini-condoms (especially in that close-up picture), I'm not sure I can eat much more of it anyhow!

I'll try cooking it with broth and throwing things into it during the cooking process, instead of trying to mix stuff into it later. I suspect flavors may infuse better when it's warm.

 

[Phedre]

http://www.food.com/recipe/southwestern-quinoa-vegetable-casserole-304705

Here's my favorite quinoa recipe. I use a box of quinoa that comes pre-rinsed so that makes it even easier to make. I love this recipe so much I make it almost every week

 

[JessicaR]

My dog has allergies and this is a great filler.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

There are some brands of quinoa that come washed, so maybe that is what you are getting Bicker.

I always wash it regardless, it's the way I was taught and not washing it does affect the taste (again, to me it's a soapy taste).

I'll get my recipes for it when I'm near the kitchen!

Oh, and there are several sites that discuss quinoa preparations, this is just one...


http://blog.deliciouslivingmag.com/blogs/2009/03/30/how-to-wash-quinoa/

 

[bicker]

Actually, tofu (soybeans) are a complete protein too.

Yup... I should have written that quinoa is the only grain that is a complete protein.

 

[bicker]

There are some brands of quinoa that come washed, so maybe that is what you are getting Bicker.

This is the stuff we typically buy:

 

[Darsa]

The first important thing to know about quinoa is that you have to wash it, wash it, wash it! Otherwise, it will taste of soap. Ick.

I run it under a stream of water and pick up handfuls and "scrub it" between my hands under the running water. I do this for at least ten minutes.

I have yet to find any quinoa around here that's pre-rinsed (tho I've expressed my desire at the local shops!!) and I'm wondering... WHAT do you do to rinse it? The little bits are sooo teeny, they go right through all of the strainers/colanders I have! Is there actually a colander available that has small enough holes for this stuff? I had given up on it because washing it and keeping it out of the drain was such a chore!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I have yet to find any quinoa around here that's pre-rinsed (tho I've expressed my desire at the local shops!!) and I'm wondering... WHAT do you do to rinse it? The little bits are sooo teeny, they go right through all of the strainers/colanders I have! Is there actually a colander available that has small enough holes for this stuff? I had given up on it because washing it and keeping it out of the drain was such a chore!

I use a mesh strainer. It's more like a screen, than a colander with actual holes. Works well.

Bicker, I think the Ancient line is prewashed, but am not certain. I buy mine in bulk usually, so am not too familiar with the name brands.