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    Home » Healthy

    Published: Jun 26, 2023 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Easy and Delicious Quinoa Recipes

    A collection of the most delicious and easy Quinoa recipes to try. From appetizers and mains to soups and sides; get them all here.

    A collage with Quinoa recipes to try; appetizers, mains and sides with text overlay of the title.
    Jump to:
    • What is Quinoa
    • Why choose Quinoa
    • How to cook Quinoa
    • Common FAQs
    • Quinoa Recipes

    What is Quinoa

    Quinoa (KEEN-wah); a seed of a flowering plant of the amaranth family is a popular superfood. We categorize it as seed rather than a grain or cereal; making it great for so many diets.

    Available in various colors and types, it is popular as white, red, black or tricolor. All these have their characteristic taste and texture. Plus, they are great in so many recipes.

    And if you have been a quinoa hater for the longest time; try some of the recipes below. Most of these are easy to make, super versatile and great for different courses of a meal.

    Why choose Quinoa

    • It is a seed rather than a grain or cereal. This makes it gluten-free.
    • It is naturally Vegan friendly.
    • This is a powerhouse of nutrients; protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin B and minerals.
    • There are about 6 grams of protein in every cup of cooked quinoa.
    • It is great to consume in Indian fasts; as it a seed.
    • A great way to cut carb and replace with protein, this is an easy substitute for rice.
    • It is easy to cook; using the stovetop or instant pot.
    • Moreover, it is such a versatile ingredient; works perfectly in salads, sides, soups and main course.
    • This works wonderfully for meal prep. It is easy to prepare complete dishes and store or cook the quinoa and refrigerate. Use as desired.

    How to cook Quinoa

    Quinoa is easy to cook in several ways. The same recipe works for white quinoa, red quinoa, black quinoa or quinoa blend.

    • Stovetop Method: rinse the seeds well and add to a pan with water and salt. Cook covered for 12 minutes and let it stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
    • Instant Pot Method: Add rinsed quinoa with water and salt to the Instant pot. Cook for a minute and release the pressure naturally. Then fluff with a fork and enjoy. Here is the complete Instant Pot recipe to refer.
    • Microwave: This is another method to cook it too. There are several recipes that lay out how to cook the seeds in the microwave and they work fine too.
    • Other methods: Moreover, quinoa is easy to cook using a traditional pressure cooker using a container in it or also in the instant pot using pot-in-pot method. These are less popular but work well nevertheless.

    Common FAQs

    What kinds of quinoa are available?

    There are three colors of quinoa; white, red and black. Moreover, there are different blends of these available too.

    Why should you rinse your quinoa before using?

    Yes we do. Quinoa has an outer covering (saponin) that is bitter. Wash under running water till the water runs clear and then use as desired.

    Can quinoa be consumed during fasting?

    Yes. Most of the fasts require that you consume seeds, fruits and certain vegetables. As quinoa is not a cereal or grain; it can be consumed on fasts.

    Why does my quinoa recipe taste bitter?

    If quinoa is not washed well, the outer covering gets into the recipe with it and the recipe turns slightly soapy or bitter. Thus, wash the seeds well before using.

    So are you ready to include this superfood in your diet? Then you have these quinoa recipes to try, enjoy and serve your family and friends. They are delicious; I promise!

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Quinoa Recipes

    Vegan Quinoa Patty

    These healthy and delicious quinoa patties are easy to make. They are great as an appetizer or for burgers for satisfying vegetarian dinner. Plus, super simple when made in the Air fryer!

    Instant Pot Quinoa Red Lentil Soup

    Full of super foods; this quinoa and red lentil soup is delicious and easy to make. Ready in under 30 minutes; it is a perfect meal or a side. Needless to say, this one will become your weeknight dinner essential.

    Instant Pot Quinoa

    This recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa requires minimal prep time and ingredients. Plus, it is a measured out recipe to get fluffy, non-sticky quinoa in under 30 minutes each time!

    Yogurt Quinoa

    A delicious breakfast or meal recipe, Yogurt Quinoa is a great low carb recipe. Minimal ingredients, comes together in under 10 minutes and always super flavorful. Gut friendly, low carb and full of fun textures and flavors; this is a great substitute for Yogurt Rice.

    Kimchi Fried Quinoa

    Kimchi Fried Quinoa is a delicious weeknight dinner recipe. It comes together in 20 minutes and is super easy to make. Eight ingredients to make and pairs brilliantly with so many Asian curries and sides.

    Quinoa Sabudana Khichdi

    A quick and easy stir-fry recipe, this Quinoa Sabudana Khichdi is a simple take on the traditional Maharashtrian Khichdi. It is great as a meal or breakfast and works really well on fasting days! Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

    Instant Pot Quinoa Bisibelebath

    An easy to make breakfast or meal recipe; Bisibelebath quinoa is a mix of lentil, quinoa and vegetables with Indian spices. It is quick and easy to make in the Instant Pot!  

    Instant Pot Spanish Quinoa

    One Pot meal that can be easily made in the Instant Pot; this recipe for Spanish Quinoa is delicious, easy and no-fail! Perfect for making tacos, burritos and quesadillas or as a complete meal with beans.

    Quinoa Idli: A healthy twist to a Classic

    An Indian quintessential Idli gets a healthy makeover. Quinoa makes these idlis yummy, nutty and packed with flavor. Plus, packed with protein and not one person can guess what is in there!

    One Pot Pineapple Fried Quinoa

    Quinoa, Pineapple and Vegetables in one. This recipe is a protein rich version of Thai Pineapple Fried Rice. Plus, made on one pot for a complete meal!

    Quinoa Kofta in Makhani Gravy

    A unique recipe using quinoa to make koftas, this one is dunked in a rich makhani gravy for a delicious main course. Pair it with rotis, naans or parathas for a meal.

    Quinoa Fried Rice

    Quinoa 'Fried' Rice is a great way to serve mixed vegetables, quinoa and Asian sauces. It pairs beautifully with any Asian sauce or curry for a meal.

    Instant Pot Quinoa Khichdi

    One Pot quinoa and lentil khichdi; this weeknight dinner recipe is flavorful, tasty and easy to make. A great way to get the family to eat vegetables too! 

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