How to Properly Clean and Toast Quinoa Recipe - Food.com (2024)

FAQs

How do you toast quinoa after rinsing? ›

If you've never toasted quinoa, you may be surprised by the depth of flavor and delightful texture this simple step can add to your favorite gluten-free ancient grain. Whether it's part of the process or the entire cooking method, toasting can turn your quinoa into a brand-new culinary sensation.

Most commercially sold quinoa has already undergone a process to remove the coating, and this information is usually indicated on the package. If it's not mentioned, or if you buy quinoa in bulk without packaging, you'll definitely want to rinse it.

If yours has already been rinsed you can skip this step. To wash quinoa, place it in a fine-meshed strainer and rinse it under cool water for 30 - 45 seconds. Allow the excess water to drain out. Toast the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a large pan and turn on the heat to medium.

Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

Wet methods are an effective way to remove saponin, that being the rinsing or soaking of the quinoa seeds with water. Dry methods for saponin removal require specialized equipment and often involve abrasive scarification of the outer layer of the seed.

Rinse it under cold running water. At first, the water will be white-ish, but as you let it run it will get clear. This takes about 30-45 seconds. Drain quinoa fully.

If you don't have the time to soak quinoa, I recommend rinsing it under running water in a fine mesh strainer for at least 30 seconds. This will help to remove that bitter flavor that can sometimes be found in its outer coating, and it will greatly improve the flavor and texture in the final cooked dish.

If your quinoa still tastes bitter, there is likely still some saponin left on the quinoa. A small amount of saponin will produce enough bitterness to affect a whole bag.

Cook in vegetable, beef, or chicken broth: Cooking quinoa in vegetable, beef, or chicken stock is probably the easiest way to flavor it. You can simply swap the water with your choice of stock and use the same amount to cook your quinoa. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also use half water and half stock.

Do you cook quinoa covered or uncovered? ›

Because it is a seed, quinoa absorbs water differently than other grains. To make it fluffy, cook it uncovered at a low simmer. Once it's tender and no water remains in the bottom of the pot, cover it.

The quinoa is done cooking when the water has been absorbed and the germ has separated from the seed. Remove from the heat, remove the lid and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Quinoa is supposed to be soft and fluffy after cooking, not crunchy or mushy. The texture of cooked quinoa should be tender, with each grain separating slightly and having a slight chewiness. If quinoa is cooked properly, it should not be crunchy or undercooked, and it should not be mushy or overcooked.