You Need to Learn How to Cook

Back to Basics Episode 6: How to Make Quinoa Not Taste Like Cardboard.

You are always being shown delicious recipes to make on your Substack, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram, right? Well, if you don’t know the basics of cooking, how can you really enjoy or appreciate those recipes to their fullest? You want to master the fundamentals of cooking so you can understand how to use different ingredients, techniques, and flavors to be able to make your own recipes! This is why I’ve created my “Back to Basics” series. I’m welcoming you back to Episode 6: How to Make Quinoa Not Taste Like Cardboard.

Next up in the “Back to Basics” series - How to make quinoa not taste like cardboard, because let’s be honest with one another, quinoa isn’t the most flavorful grain, but it’s one of the most nutritious ones. Do me a favor and make sure that you’re incorporating quinoa into your daily routine.

The Incas had a reason for loving this grain and naming quinoa as “the mother of all grains.”

Quinoa is rich in fiber and protein. 1 cup of quinoa is 51% of our daily value of manganese and 19% of our daily value of folate, which are two micronutrients you don’t find often in food either. Manganese is a trace mineral needed for bone health and for processing carbohydrates and protein. Folate is a B vitamin that plays a key role in DNA and cell production. Sounds boring but is essential for living and obtaining optimal health and well being.

Did I mention quinoa is gluten free grain too? It genuinely sounds like I’m trying to sell you quinoa at this point. I want you leaving this post knowing two things:

1. Quinoa is nutrient dense, in both macronutrients and micronutrients.

2. Quinoa takes less than 15 minutes to cook.

If your excuse of not having quinoa at home is because it’s difficult to cook, do not fret. Let me explain how you can make a hearty, delicious bowl of quinoa in under 15 minutes.

Yields: Enough meal prepped quinoa for 5 days

Prep time: 2 minutes

Total time: 12-15 minutes

This recipe is dairy free, gluten free, and vegan.

What you’re going to need:

• 1 cup of quinoa (any quinoa works)

• 2 cups of water or broth (vegetable, beef, chicken, or bone)

• ¼ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp salt

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How you’re going to make it:

1. Rinse the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water for about 30 seconds. This removes its natural coating, which can taste bitter. Set aside to drain.

2. Cook the quinoa: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the rinsed quinoa and pour in your chosen liquid (water, broth, or a mix). Stir in the turmeric and salt.

3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.

4. Rest & fluff: Once the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the quinoa sit covered for 5–10 minutes to steam and fluff up. Then uncover and fluff with a fork before serving.

xoxo,

Jasmin D the RD

Make sure to follow along over on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated with all of my work!

Missed the fifth Back to Basics episode? Here it is.