Find Out All About How To Cook Quinoa And More - 24 Mantra Organic

Quinoa, pronounced Keen-Wah, is the ultimate superfood of our generations. Loaded with fibres, proteins, and healthy carbs — this is fast becoming an excellent alternative to rice. Before you dive into how to cook quinoa, let’s understand this super grain.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

This grain makes for an excellent low-carb-high-protein dish. Just a small serving of quinoa has over six grams of protein. The food is rich in fibre, making it ideal for those who battle frequent digestive issues.

It has also proved to reduce the blood-sugar level since it has a shallow glycemic index. The rich fibre content also controls hunger and provides a filling and satisfying feeling. Adding quinoa to your diet will stop you from excessive munching.

It is also important that you buy your quinoa from an organic source. This will ensure they are free of any additives, have a consistent taste and your body can absorb the maximum benefits from it. An organic quinoa packet also takes less effort to wash and clean.

Nutrition Summary for Quinoa (one cup serving):

Here are the best five easy ways to make healthy quinoa recipes. Each easier to make and packed with antioxidants and vital minerals.

1. Quinoa Upma

This dish is a simple mix of traditional Indian food with the healthy benefits of quinoa. As compared to conventional upma, this recipe has the advantage of being gluten-free and filling in small portions. Here is how to prepare quinoa upma.

Quinoa Upma Recipe:

This is a simple-to-make dish for those desi-breakfast cravings. Wash your quinoa thoroughly and keep it aside. In a pan, prepare a tempering of chana dal, cumin, and mustards. To this, add onions and curry leaves and saute till it’s transparent. Add a few vegetables like peas and carrots.

To this, add the washed quinoa, and add water. For each cup of quinoa, you add two cups of water. Let this cook until the water has evaporated. Serve with a side of pickle or curd.

2. Breakfast Quinoa With Blueberries

A healthy start to the day, packed with fibres and protein. For someone who likes to exercise at the beginning of the day, this simple dish takes very little time to make and gives the sweet cereal breakfast comfort. Here is how to cook quinoa porridge.

Breakfast Quinoa With Blueberries Recipe:

Cook the quinoa in an open-top bowl. Combine two-parts water for one part quinoa for the ideal consistency.

In this case, add some extra water for a smoother and pasty consistency. In a large measuring cup, collect some milk, cinnamon powder, and vanilla seeds. You can also add other sweet spices of your choice. Give this mixture a whisk to combine them all.

To this mixture, add a scoop of pre-cooked quinoa. Top it off with blueberries, almonds, or any other dry fruits of your choice. Pour a dash of honey or maple syrup for added flavour. Just like in the case of oats, the topping is up to your preferences.

3. Garlic Mushroom Quinoa

This dish is a healthy meal option for dinner and lunch alike. It is packed with both flavour and volume, making a filling and nutritious meal. You can eat this just as a main-course or couple with a gravy of your choice. Here is how to cook quinoa infused with robust flavours.

Garlic Mushroom Quinoa Recipe:

In a large vessel, cook the quinoa as per your choice of consistency. The typical packet takes two portions of water for each part of the quinoa. Once cooked to perfection, keep it aside.

In a fresh saucepan, add some organic olive oil. To this, add the mushrooms, finely diced garlic, and a few herbs of your choice. The use of thyme or rosemary is ideal for this. Saute it till it’s cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add the cooked quinoa and combine it well. Once you are happy with the colour and consistency — garnish with some cheese.

4. Strawberry Quinoa Salad

A salad is one of the best ways to consume quinoa. This dish will have the freshness for an afternoon meal but still, fill you up enough to not feel tired through the day. It is also a neutral-flavoured base, thus goes well with any dressings. Here we have used strawberries, but you can use any fruits and herbs of your choice. Here is how to prepare quinoa salad.

Strawberry Quinoa Salad recipe:

In a small bowl, mix Olive Oil, a few drops of chilli vinegar, two pressed garlic pods, a teaspoon of sugar to prepare the salad dressing. Give this a consistent mix and keep aside.

To the primary salad bowl, place spinach at the bottom to form the base; add strawberries, avocado, and goat cheese. Now combine a large scoop of pre-cooked quinoa. Pour your salad dressing on this just before you eat the dish.

The versatility of quinoa allows you to make this recipe with any combination of cooked vegetables, fruits, or herbs. You can also buy a ready-made salad dressing from an organic supermarket.

5. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

This dish is an ideal choice for a take-away box to work or on a picnic. This is also a trendy looking dish to serve at parties and gatherings. What might look like a complex combination tastes delicious and straightforward. Here is how to cook quinoa in this stuffed form.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe:

Cook your quinoa to a perfect texture. Mix this in a large bowl with green chillies, corn, canned beans, finely chopped tomato, onion, garlic, seasoning, and salt. Chop the top of each of the bell peppers (red, or yellow), and place this mixture into them.

Place the stuffed bell-peppers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Grate some cheese on these to your liking. Place this in a pre-heated oven for 25-30 minutes.

In Conclusion

Now that you know these healthy and straightforward tricks on how to cook quinoa, you are ready to mix and match and make your own. Play around with these recipes and create a dish that is a perfect balance of health and taste.

Try 24 Mantra Organic’s Quinoa and savour the taste of organic goodness.