How to cook and cook quinoa?

Quinoa comes from the Andes, especially from Peru and Bolivia. It is considered and cooked like a cereal but in fact it is rather a seed, like poppy seeds for example! The plant on which quinoa seeds grow is like beetroot.

Even though the quinoa consumed there for millennia, we North Americans only discovered it a few years ago. Quinoa has quickly become a favorite food of nutritionists and for good reason; his resume is impressive: a very high protein, high fiber, gluten free, the only vegetarian food that contains the 9 essential amino acids, iron, calcium, magnesium, folic acid ... So now you maybe understand better why you should integrate quinoa into your diet!

In fact, quinoa has even been somehow victim of its very sudden popularity: it has questioned the food security of the countries that produce it . Fortunately, production is starting to diversify and it is even now possible to buy quinoa from Canada! Some companies grow in Ontario and Saskatchewan and this product is even sold in supermarkets like Costco. Look for it!

How to cook it (varieties, rinsing, proportions)
Quinoa salad with avocado


There are three varieties of quinoa , white, red and black. White, which looks the most like couscous (I have already used this subterfuge successfully for my children!) Is also the most common. The taste is essentially the same for all three, but red is the one that best retains its shape after cooking. There are sometimes packages that mix all 3 kinds!

You must always rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking it using a very fine sieve (for example the one you use for flour)! It really improves the taste, because the seeds are naturally covered with a small bitter layer (saponin).

Quinoa is cooked like rice , which means you need 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa. It is simmering for about fifteen minutes, until the liquid evaporates. It is ready when the grain becomes translucent and the small membrane around it comes off. Do not overcook the quinoa, otherwise it becomes pasty.

The easiest way to start incorporating quinoa into your diet is to use it to replace another grain that you would normally use. Instead of rice or couscous for example, as an accompaniment to a meat or a fish with vegetables.

It can be seasoned simply, as it would be for these two other grains: a little chicken broth, a knob of butter or olive oil, salt and pepper, some herbs or spices, according to your taste.

There are also quinoa flakes and quinoa flour, which can be cooked like oatmeal and in breads and pastries. Of course, these products are more expensive than their oat and wheat counterparts, but this may be a great option for people who eat gluten-free foods. There is more quinoa soufflé, in the breakfast cereals section!

Some tips (recipes, freezing)


Quinoa is eaten both hot and cold in salads or main courses. So you can make a salad that is prepared in advance, according to your inspiration of the moment (pickled vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, roasted olives and peppers, celery and grated carrots, mushrooms and mushrooms. caramelized onions, etc.) Season with olive oil, lemon juice and wine or balsamic vinegar, for a different dish that will please everyone!

Quinoa does not have to be salty either: it can also be prepared in sweet dishes . See for example our tender bars recipe below!

Note: Quinoa is one of the best frozen cereals. So double the amount when you cook and freeze the rest in portions, for example in Ziploc style bags. To defrost it, just 2 minutes in the microwave and there will be no difference with the one just made! It's great for squeezed dinners, lunch bowls or lunch boxes to prepare.

A cup of quinoa before cooking gives 3 cups once cooked.

After cooking, it is always a good idea to let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes then to unravel the grains with a fork. It will be so lighter!

10 recipe ideas to inspire you

Quinoa and fruit breakfast bowl
Quinoa croquettes with leeks
Dragon bowl
Mediterranean salad with quinoa
Butternut squash stuffed with quinoa and lentils
Quinoa salad with broccoli and shrimp
Tender Strawberry and Quinoa Bars
Veggie burger with quinoa, lentils and mushrooms
Creamy salad of quinoa, kale and tahini
Chili Express with Quinoa and Red Beans