How to Cook Quinoa

One of the nutritious grain-like crops that originated in South America, quinoa contains nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are important to improve health conditions.

This crop is rich in carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Aside from these, it is also a good source of vitamin E, iron, zinc, and folate. To get all these nutrients, it is important that you know how to cook quinoa properly.

Below are some recipes that you can use to prepare dishes that contain a healthy crop.

Quinoa Vegetable Soup

This recipe is very useful if you want to serve a healthy and nutritious appetizer. The ingredients include 2/3 cup quinoa, a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a diced carrot, a diced stalk of celery, ½ finely chopped onion, and ½ chopped green bell pepper.

Aside from these, you will also use two cloves garlic, two cans of chicken broth, 3 ½ cups water, two finely chopped large tomatoes, ¼ chopped head cabbage, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Pour the vegetable oil into a pot. Place the pot over medium fire. Add the carrot, celery, quinoa, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir constantly and cook for five minutes. Pour the water and chicken broth.

Stir and add the cabbage and tomatoes. Change the heat setting to high. When the mixture boils, lower the heat setting to medium-high. Season with pepper and salt.

Simmer the soup for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Mediterranean Quinoa

If you are in search of a unique and delectable main entrée, you can always follow this recipe.

The entrée contains ¾ cup uncooked quinoa, two tablespoons vegetable oil, two chopped onions, a chopped green bell pepper, a chopped red bell pepper, a chopped yellow bell pepper, two cloves of garlic, and four cups vegetable broth.

Aside from these, you need a tablespoon of tomato puree, three chopped tomatoes, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Place the pan over medium fire and heat the oil. Add the bell peppers and onions.

Stir the mixture and cook for five minutes. Add the tomato puree and quinoa. Pour the vegetable stock and stir. Wait for the mixture to boil.

Change the heat setting to low and simmer for 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and the Italian seasoning. Continue stirring and cover the pan.

Heat for two minutes to three minutes. Transfer the dish to a bowl and garnish with chopped celery. Serve over a cup of rice.