If you’ve been searching for a delicious and nutritious superfood, look no further than quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). Its unique nutty flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and incredible nutrient-packed profile have skyrocketed it to culinary stardom.
Whether you’re a seasoned quinoa enthusiast or a newbie, this treasure trove of quinoa recipes is your ticket to exploring this wonder grain’s wonderful facets.
Let’s dive in!
What Are the Benefits of Quinoa?
Quinoa isn’t your regular grain. It’s a protein powerhouse, delivering all nine essential amino acids that the human body can’t produce on its own.
And that’s not all — quinoa is also rich in magnesium, a mineral vital for healthy bones and a steady heartbeat. And let’s not forget the good ol’ carbohydrates for energy.
For our friends who prefer their meals gluten-free, quinoa has got you covered. This small but mighty grain is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic base for many dietary preferences.
Preparing the Perfect Quinoa
Cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection is an art, but don’t worry; we’re here to guide you every step of the way. The journey to perfect quinoa begins with a simple rinse to remove the natural coating (saponin) to make your cooked quinoa taste bitter.
Once you’ve rinsed your quinoa, it’s time to bring out your cooking equipment. Whether you’re a fan of the classic stovetop method or an Instant Pot enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
For the stovetop method, combine one cup of rinsed quinoa with two cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the quinoa absorbs all the water. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
Then, remove the pan from the heat and let the quinoa rest for five minutes with the lid still on. Finally, use a fork to fluff the quinoa, and voila! Perfectly cooked, fluffy quinoa ready for your culinary masterpieces.
If you’re using an Instant Pot, combine one cup of rinsed quinoa with 1.5 cups of water in the pot. Seal the lid and set the timer to one minute of high-pressure cooking.
After the cooking cycle is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then move the pressure release valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and give your quinoa a nice fluff with a fork.
Fan Favorite Quinoa Recipes
Now that we’re equipped with perfectly cooked quinoa, let’s explore how we can transform it into several dishes.
1. Quinoa Salad With Feta and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 35 minutes
This salad brings together the nutty flavor of quinoa, tangy feta, and a collection of fresh herbs for a light and refreshing meal. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro)
- 1 diced red onion
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice to taste
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, diced red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Dress with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt to taste. Mix well and adjust seasonings if necessary.
2. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl With Chickpeas and Veggies
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 40 minutes
This nutrient-rich bowl, laden with fresh veggies and protein-rich chickpeas, brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 can drained chickpeas
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and salt for the dressing. Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss well to combine. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
3. Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 50 minutes
Redefine Taco Tuesdays with these nutrient-packed quinoa and black bean tacos. They are a wholesome, flavorful alternative that will quickly become a family favorite. Here’s how you make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can drained black beans
- 1/2 diced red onion
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- kosher salt to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- Optional garnishes: diced avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, salsa
Instructions: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the red onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Stir in the cumin, cooked quinoa, and black beans. Cook for another five minutes, stirring frequently — season with kosher salt. To serve, scoop the quinoa and black bean mixture onto tortillas and garnish with your favorite toppings.
4. Sweet Potato and Quinoa Patties
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
These hearty patties make an excellent main dish or a tasty addition to grain bowls. They’re protein-packed and brimming with flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp cumin
- Kosher salt to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, mashed sweet potatoes, breadcrumbs, cilantro, onion, garlic, and cumin — season with kosher salt. Form the mixture into small patties. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about five minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
These quinoa and lentil-stuffed peppers are nutritious, flavorful, and visually appealing. They’re a fantastic vegetarian main dish for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (ops cut off and seeds removed)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Combine quinoa, lentils, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with kosher salt. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed peppers. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
6. Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Total time: 10 minutes
A quinoa breakfast bowl is an exciting way to start your day. It’s packed with protein and easily customizable to suit your preference.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup fresh berries
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts of choice
Instructions: In a small pot, combine quinoa, almond milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. Transfer the quinoa mixture to a bowl and top with fresh berries and chopped nuts.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Here are some helpful meal prep and storage tips to keep in mind:
- Big Batch Cooking: Consider making a big batch of quinoa at the start of the week. This approach simplifies meal prep by providing a ready-to-use ingredient that can be incorporated into various weekly recipes.
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t forget to rinse your quinoa before cooking. This step removes the naturally occurring saponin coating, which can give your quinoa a bitter taste.
- Proper Storage: Once your quinoa is cooked, let it cool completely before storing it. Use airtight containers to keep your quinoa fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing is an Option: Cooked quinoa can be frozen for up to a year. Be sure to portion out your quinoa into meal-sized amounts before freezing to make defrosting and using it more convenient.
- Prep Additional Ingredients: As you prep your quinoa, consider preparing additional ingredients that can be mixed in for quick meals. Chopped veggies, beans, and cooked meats can all be prepped and stored in the fridge for easy mix-ins.
- Dry Quinoa Storage: Uncooked quinoa should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place in an airtight container. This will help maintain its quality and prevent moisture from causing spoilage.
- Reheating: When it’s time to use your precooked quinoa, reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated quinoa, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving or heating on the stove to prevent drying. For frozen quinoa, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Remember, meal prep is all about making your life easier and your meals tastier. Enjoy the convenience of having ready-to-go quinoa at your disposal and the multitude of dishes you can create with it.
Conclusion
Cooking with quinoa offers a wealth of opportunities to create nutritious and delectable dishes. Whether you’re already a fan or just starting to explore this versatile grain, we’re sure these recipes will inspire you to make quinoa a regular part of your menu.
And remember, whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a special occasion, the Luna Grill catering team is ready to assist. Give us a call, and we can help you create a menu perfect for your event.
Just give us 24 hours of notice before your big day. We’re looking forward to making your culinary dreams come true.
Sources:
Quinoa | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Amino Acid: Benefits & Food Sources | Cleveland Clinic
An Insight into Saponins from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd): A Review | PMC
