Quinoa is one grain that’s known across the world for its high protein content, rich fibre, and gluten-free nature, and thus considered a superfood. It is extremely versatile and can be used to make an awesome base for salads or to serve as the base of many main courses.
Quinoa must also be rinsed well before preparing. The seeds are coated with a bitter chemical known as saponin, which affects the taste of the quinoa. Rinsing it under cold water helps get rid of this bitterness and gives it a far cleaner and nuttier flavour.
You can make added flavour by cooking quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of using the plain water. This brings an added depth and richness to grains, making them much more flavoured. This small detail can push the humblest of quinoa dishes out of being just a simple salad or stir-fry and bring up their status.
Fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, mint, and basil can refresh quinoa dishes. Mix cooked quinoa with herbs, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing quinoa salad. This is a nice way to add more flavour without raising the calorie count.
Add to that nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, roasted zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Roasting or sautéing them in spices and folding them into cooked quinoa makes for a robust, flavourful meal suitable for a side or light main course.
Quinoa is an excellent addition to soups and stews because it contributes great protein content, texture, and a delicious flavour. You can mix it with vegetable soups, chicken stews, or maybe even to your minestrone for a hearty, thickened dish.
Quinoa bowls are now the hip and stylish way of eating due to a great reason-being easy, nutritious, and versatile. Use quinoa as the base and top it with your favourite vegetables, proteins (like tofu, chicken, or eggs), and dressings.