Toasted Quinoa Soup Recipes

TOASTED QUINOA SOUP

Steps:

• Preheat oven 325 and toast the quinoa on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, stirring twice.
• Saute the onion, carrot and garlic in the oil for 10 minutes on low heat. Add rosemary, cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Avoid burning spices.
• Add quinoa and all vegetables except zucchini to pot. Add stock and simmer for 30 minutes with the lid on.
• Add the zucchini and simmer for 5 minutes longer.

SKILLET-TOASTED QUINOA

Steps:

• 1. Cook the quinoa in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring or shaking the pan occasionally, until it is lightly dried out and toasted, about 15 minutes. It will make slight popping sounds as it approaches being done. To best ascertain doneness, scoop out a teaspoon, cool it slightly, and taste it. Touching it directly in the pan will not be a sure test, as the quinoa will be releasing steam.
• 2. Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the quinoa to taste and serve as a side or proceed with a recipe.

ROASTED QUINOA AND TOMATO SOUP WITH PARMESAN WAFERS AND CRISPY BASIL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). To make the Parmesan Wafers, place the quinoa, Parmesan and pepper in a bowl and toss to combine. Place tablespoons of the mixture on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on the tray and set aside.
• Place the tomatoes, basil and garlic on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and drizzle with oil. Roast for 45 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the basil is crisp. Spread the quinoa on a separate baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper, drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Roast for the last 15 minutes of the tomato cooking time. Reserve and set aside the crispy basil leaves. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin into a large saucepan. Add the tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Using a hand-held stick blender, blend until smooth. Add the roasted quinoa, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Divide the soup between serving bowls and top with the reserved basil. Serve with the Parmesan Wafers.

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!