A dietary staple known for its impressive nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen, quinoa is easy to prepare and makes a great whole-grain addition to hearty grain bowls and pilafs, refreshing salads, and even some desserts! Unlike many other grains, quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a valuable source of plant-based protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free.
This super grain also boasts an impressive dietary resume, packed with fiber, minerals like iron and magnesium, and beneficial antioxidants. Adding even a small amount to your diet is good for disease prevention, digestive health, and heart health. Read on for 5 tasty quinoa recipes to try!
First, How to Cook Quinoa
Quinoa comes in white, black, red, and a mix of all three colors. Each kind cooks the same. All you need is quinoa and water! The quinoa you picked up at the grocery store likely has cooking instructions on the package, or you can follow these simple instructions.
Step 1. Rinse the quinoa in a mesh strainer.
Step 2. Start by combining 1 ¾ cups water for every cup of quinoa in a medium-sized pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3. Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
Step 4. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Now it’s ready to add to any of the recipes below!
Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl, Eating Well
A flavorful burrito bowl makes for the perfect protein-packed lunch or dinner. Regularly eating protein-rich meals helps you maintain muscle mass and strength as you age. Get creative with ingredients, replacing pinto beans with black beans, romaine lettuce with a different type of leafy green, or by adding some tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Tip: Heat up leftovers the next day and wrap them up in a corn or flour tortilla for a traditional burrito.
Total time: 30 mins
Farmer’s Market Quinoa Salad, Epicurious
Bright and tangy, this recipe includes loads of nutrient-rich vegetables: green beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli. Add chicken or tofu for a heavier meal. Bookmark this recipe for the next time you need a quick and delicious salad to bring to a family gathering.
Nutritional Highlights: Pistachios promote healthy gut bacteria, as well as lower cholesterol levels. Broccoli is considered a nutritional powerhouse, from promoting heart health to supporting digestion and bone health.
Total time: 20 mins
Quinoa Black Bean Burger, Feel Good Foodie
Want to try a veggie option to a classic burger? Or do you have a vegetarian family member or friend attending your next dinner? This delicious and nutritious burger is easy to prepare and packs a spicy punch! You can also swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans if you already have those on hand. They can be cooked on an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, or in the oven. Serve with tomato, onion, and guac!
Nutritional Highlights: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber! They are also rich in antioxidants and can help with weight loss and promote gut health.
Total time: 20 mins
Quinoa Pilaf with Shiitake Mushrooms, Carrots, and Pecans, Once Upon a Chef
A pilaf is a dish cooked in either a stock or broth, along with other spices, seasonings, vegetables, meats, and/or dried fruits. And this earthy and hearty quinoa pilaf is full of all the key ingredients―sautéed onions, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and pecans! It’s a delicious, aromatic dish that proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to leave you hungry.
Nutritional Highlights: The fiber in carrots can help keep blood sugar levels under control. Pecans contain omega-3 fats, which can help ease the pain of arthritis by reducing inflammation.
Total time: 35 mins
Quinoa Cookies with Coconut & Chocolate Chunks, Food52
For those with a sweet tooth, we’ve got you covered! Get chewy coconut and chocolate goodness with all the nutritional benefits quinoa adds.
Tip: Plan ahead as the quinoa needs to be cooked and cooled before being mixed into the cookie dough. Saving 1 cup of quinoa from last night’s dinner will make whipping together these cookies an easy activity the next day!
Total time: 25 mins
Interchangeable with rice, millet, and other grains, quinoa’s delicious nutty flavor compliments many meals and is a great ingredient to get creative with in the kitchen!
