Quinoatoasted Recipes

QUINOA WITH ROASTED CORN AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet with a lid. Once oil is hot, add the corn and yellow pepper. Season with salt and fresh-ground pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies soften and corn begins to brown (10 minutes or so).
• Add the quinoa and stir. Continue cooking for a couple minutes. When quinoa starts popping and getting toasted, add the stock or water and bring to a boil. Stir one more time, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook covered and undisturbed for 15 minutes.
• Uncover and check quinoa for doneness. If the grains are still hard, make sure there's still enough liquid to keep the bottom of the pan moist, cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
• When the quinoa is ready, remove from the heat and taste for seasonings. Add more salt and pepper if needed, then add the chopped herbs for garnish. This can be served warm, or it can be allowed to cool to room temperature before serving.

QUINOA-TOASTED

Steps:

• Pour 1 cup quinoa into a fine strainer and rinse thoroughly under cool water-this will get rid of it's natural, bitter coating. I find this method helpful too-pour quinoa into a medium bowl, add cold water and swish around with your hand. Place a unbleached coffee filter into your strainer, then drain off the quinoa. It's a lot less annoying this way as the tiny grain won't get stuck in your strainer.
• Put rinsed quinoa into a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Cook, shaking the pan for around 15 minutes or until the quinoa reaches a golden brown.
• Remove from heat and pan and cool.
• Store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid.
• Keeps for up to 1 month.

QUINOA WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Place vegetables and garlic in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 35-40 minutes or until tender, stirring once., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat; fluff with a fork., Transfer vegetables and quinoa to a large bowl. Whisk the vinegar, mustard and remaining oil; drizzle over vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with herbs: toss to combine.

HOW TO PROPERLY CLEAN AND TOAST QUINOA

Steps:

• Each grain of quinoa (unless pre-washed) is covered in a soapy substance called saponin. It tastes bitter and will affect the taste of your quinoa if you don't remove it.
• TO REMOVE THE SAPONIN:.
• First measure the quinoa and put it into a large bowl. Fill it with clean water. Let is soak for a little while. Then, using a wire whisk swish the quinoa around until you see a soapy residue come out of the quinoa. You might have to do this for a few minutes to get all the saponin off.
• Once the soapy residue is off strain the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve then rinse the quinoa with fresh water and set aside.
• Now get a big heavy saute pan (I used a 12" stainless steel pan) and heat it up on medium low. Put one cup of the wet quinoa into the saute pan (anymore and it will be over crowded). Using your wire whisk start moving the quinoa around the pan.
• Once it gets hot, the water is absorbed and the quinoa starts popping you know it's finally drying out. Keep swishing it around with the whisk until the grains of quinoa start to brown. You will see it transform before your eyes and it will smell nutty.
• When it's sufficiently done, remove from the pan and place in a bowl to cool.
• Store it in a jar in the fridge so it will last a while. When ever you want some just go get it.
• It pays to do 3-4 cups at a time so you have some on hand.
• Bon Appetit!