Cooking with Quinoa: Recipes and Ideas

Quinoa, pronounced "keen-wah", has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years. This ancient grain, originally from the Andean region of South America, is celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen. 

Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, quinoa is a superb addition to any diet. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, here are some delightful recipes and ideas to incorporate quinoa into your meals.

Why Cook with Quinoa?

Nutritional Powerhouse: Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It is also rich in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Versatile and Easy to Cook: It can be used in salads, soups, as a side dish, or even in baking.

Gluten-Free: A perfect alternative for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

Basic Quinoa Cooking Instructions

Before diving into recipes, let’s cover the basics of cooking quinoa. Here’s a simple method to cook fluffy quinoa every time:

Ingredients:

200 grams of quinoa

480 ml of water or broth

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can make it taste bitter.

Combine the quinoa, water (or broth for extra flavour), and salt in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Recipe 1: Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

This hearty salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

200 grams of cooked quinoa

1 aubergine, diced

1 courgette, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 red onion, sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

100 grams of feta cheese, crumbled

Fresh basil leaves, torn

Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).

Toss the diced vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables.

Top with crumbled feta and fresh basil leaves.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Recipe 2: Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

These colourful stuffed peppers make for a delicious and visually appealing dish.

Ingredients:

4 large bell peppers

200 grams of cooked quinoa

1 tin (400 grams) of black beans, drained and rinsed

200 grams of sweetcorn

1 tin (400 grams) of chopped tomatoes

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

100 grams of grated cheddar cheese

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5).

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, black beans, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the tops with grated cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with chopped coriander before serving.

Recipe 3: Quinoa Porridge

A warm, comforting breakfast option that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

100 grams of quinoa

480 ml of almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds for topping

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa under cold water.

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and almond milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and the porridge has thickened.

Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.

Serve warm, topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Tips and Tricks

Batch Cooking: Cook a large batch of quinoa at the start of the week and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to salads, soups, or stir-fries throughout the week.

Flavour Variations: Cook quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for added flavour. You can also add spices like cumin, turmeric, or bay leaves during cooking.

Leftover Quinoa: Use leftover quinoa to make quinoa cakes, add it to omelettes, or even use it as a base for a grain bowl with your favourite vegetables and protein.

Quinoa’s versatility and health benefits make it a fantastic ingredient to have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking to try something new or incorporate more whole grains into your diet, these recipes and ideas are sure to inspire. Happy cooking!