Howtoproperlycleanandtoastquinoa Recipes

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!

QUINOA-TOASTED

Steps:

• Pour 1 cup quinoa into a fine strainer and rinse thoroughly under cool water-this will get rid of it's natural, bitter coating. I find this method helpful too-pour quinoa into a medium bowl, add cold water and swish around with your hand. Place a unbleached coffee filter into your strainer, then drain off the quinoa. It's a lot less annoying this way as the tiny grain won't get stuck in your strainer.
• Put rinsed quinoa into a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Cook, shaking the pan for around 15 minutes or until the quinoa reaches a golden brown.
• Remove from heat and pan and cool.
• Store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid.
• Keeps for up to 1 month.

PERFECT QUINOA

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water, swishing the quinoa with your hands to rinse equally for about 30 seconds. Let drain.
• Bring the water or broth, the olive oil, bay leaf and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa and stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low so the quinoa is just simmering. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let rest 5 minutes.
• Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and discard the bay leaf. If you are making the quinoa ahead, spread while hot on a baking sheet lined with parchment to stop the cooking as it cools. Once cool, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.