The simplest of kitchen tasks can often become your undoing and the side dish is just as important as the hero on the plate. In this case, the chosen carb to accompany your dinner is quinoa, and today, nothing less than perfect fluffy quinoa will do.
If you've been wondering how to cook quinoa, here is all you need to know.
You will need:
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
Using a sieve, rinse the quinoa well under cold running water. I like to use my fingers to agitate the quinoa as the water runs through. You will notice lots of bubbles and the water may be slightly milky. You want the water to run perfectly clear and the bubbles to subside.
Place quinoa into a medium saucepan and add the water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low-medium, cover and simmer for 12 minutes, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated and there is still a slight 'chew' in the quinoa (don't be tempted to take the lid off during it's simmer, just leave it be folks - and be sure to pop the lid back on as soon as you've given it a quick test).
The next bit is important: allow the quinoa to stand for 5 minutes, lid on, then fluff with a fork and VOILA!
Ok, so now you know how to cook quinoa, you'll need some healthy recipes! Quinoa makes the most scrumptious of porridges, a beautiful side dish salad, a brilliant stuffing inside a roast chook or turkey, and is perfectly moist when sneakily hidden in sweet treats too.
What handy kitchen tip do you need help with next? I'm thinking we might learn how to perfectly fillet a fish, what do you think?
