Quinoa is super simple to make and chock full of health benefits. If you’re not already eating it every day (like us), here are some tips for how to eat quinoa and start incorporating it into your recipe rotation.
1. Make more than you need.
Always make more quinoa than you need and refrigerate the leftovers to use throughout the week. Having quinoa on hand at all times will make healthy eating much easier.
How to cook quinoa: When cooking quinoa, the ratio of quinoa to water is typically 1:2. Add 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the little string, known as the germ, has come out of each seed.
uncooked vs. cooked
2. Add some flavor.
Quinoa has a very neutral taste on its own. Try cooking your quinoa in vegetable, chicken or beef stock instead of water to add some flavor. The same ratio of quinoa to water applies.
3. Toss it in salads.
Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.
4. Enjoy it for breakfast.
We tend to think of quinoa as a savory food to be eaten at lunch or dinner. That doesn’t have to be the case. Top your quinoa with fresh berries, peanut butter, shredded coconut and honey for a sweet yet healthy breakfast option. You can also make overnight quinoa as an alternative to overnight oats.
5. Use it to replace your less nutritious grains.
Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse and a simple way to add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to your diet. Swap out your couscous, rice and pasta with quinoa for a more nutrient dense option.