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 favourite, 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:

1. Cook your quinoa by combining quinoa and your choice of liquid in a sauce pan. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Let 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:

1. Cook your quinoa by combining quinoa, coconut milk and lime juice in a sauce pan. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Let 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:

1. 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:

1. 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:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute sliced mushrooms until soft. Add garlic and stir for 1-2 more minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine mushrooms with quinoa and season with salt and pepper.

What's your favourite way to eat quinoa? Have you ever tried freezing quinoa for the future? Don't forget to share your creations with us using #thatcleanlife on social media!