We love quinoa because:
1) It's so versatile,
2) It's packed with protein, and
3) You can make it in 15 minutes. FIFTEEN.
And our greatest discovery of late? Freezing quinoa. We just cooked a huge batch of quinoa, let it cool and filled a bunch of freezer-safe bags about 2 cups each. This is perfect for adding to soups, patties (like our famous Quinoa Kale Fritters!) and my favorite, throwing together an easy side dish.
How to Cook Quinoa
Serves: 4
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quinoa (uncooked)
- 1.5 cups Water, Broth or Coconut Milk
Directions:
- Cook your quinoa by combining quinoa and your choice of liquid in a saucepan. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove lid, fluff with a fork and set aside.
Notes:
Storage - Refrigerate in an air-tight container up to 4 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Freezer Tips - Squeeze out all the air and flatten your freezer bag to reduce freezer burn and optimize storage space.
Less Bitter - Rinse your quinoa before cooking.
Seasoning - Add sea salt and black pepper to taste while your quinoa is cooking.
What I've REALLY enjoyed is being able to whip up a healthy side dish with less than 5 ingredients in minutes. Weekday evenings just got significantly easier.
Here are four ways to put together a nutritious side dish in under 15 minutes!
Creamy Coconut and Lime Quinoa
Serves: 4
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quinoa (uncooked)
- 2 cups Coconut Milk
- 1 Lime (juiced)
Directions:
- Cook your quinoa by combining quinoa, coconut milk and lime juice in a saucepan. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove lid, fluff with a fork and set aside. Mix in lime zest (optional).
Cheezy Broccoli Quinoa
Serves: 2
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quinoa (cooked)
- 1 cup Broccoli (florets, coarsely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve as a side.
Asian Corn and Green Onion Quinoa
Serves: 2
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quinoa (cooked)
- 1/2 can Corn
- 3 Green Onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tamari
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve as a side.
Mushroom and Garlic Quinoa
Serves: 2
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups Mushroom (thinly sliced)
- 2 Garlic (cloves, minced)
- 1 cup Quinoa (cooked)
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute sliced mushrooms until soft. Add garlic and stir for 1-2 more minutes.
- In a bowl, combine mushrooms with quinoa and season with salt and pepper.
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