It’s most often treated like a grain (in fact, it’s a seed), but, unlike grains or rice, it’s a complete protein, making it a smart choice for any meal.

The Basic Quinoa Recipe

This light and wholesome grain may be prepared quickly and easily with this basic method.

2 cups water 1 cup quinoa
Place quinoa and water in a 1-½ quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until all the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).

You will know that the quinoa is done when all the grains have turned from white to transparent, and the spiral-like germ has separated. Makes 3 cups.

To prepare in a rice cooker, simply treat quinoa like rice. Add two parts water to one part quinoa, stir, cover (unlike rice you can stir quinoa a few times while cooking to prevent burning in the bottom of the pan) and when the cooker shuts off, the quinoa is done.

Revised Microwave Instructions: Submitted by Donovan, we have tried this method and highly recommend it. 1 cup Quinoa, 2 cups water in a 2 quart microwave bowl. Cook on high 100% for 5 minutes and 60% for 8 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes and voila, perfect Quinoa.

For an energy saving method, combine 1-cup water to each ½ cup of quinoa in a pan. Bring to a full boil for 5 minutes, and then set aside, covered for 15 minutes.

For additional flavor, substitute chicken broth or vegetable stock for the water in any of the methods listed above.

Pesque de Quinoa (Stew)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups milk
1 medium potato, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp goat cheese
Pepper and salt to taste

Prep:
In a strainer, wash the quinoa thoroughly

Cooking:
In a medium pot, sauté onion in butter until soft. Add the quinoa and milk, and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer, and add the potato. Simmer, covered, 30-35 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat, and mix in goat cheese, salt, and pepper.

You can add 2 beaten eggs, as well.

This dish is really easy and wonderful. I definitely recommend trying it.

Quinoa and Black Beans

Ingredients

* 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
* 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
* 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup frozen corn kernels
* 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.
2. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes,
3. Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.