Quinoa? Anyone have a good recipe?

  • I picked up a package of quinoa at the Amish market this past weekend, and I was wondering if anyone had any recipes for it. Does it taste kind of like couscous?
    Thanks in advance!
  • Hm. I'd say it tastes more like steel cut oats, but maybe with a hint of couscous. Hard to describe really.

    One of the things I love to do with quinoa is serve it with stir fried veggies and a sauce made out of 1T peanut butter, 1T soy sauce, 1T rice vinegar.

    I've also heard of people having it for breakfast, putting fruit and sweeteners in it - honey or peanut butter or whatever. I"ve never tried it for breakfast, but I think it would probably be good.

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  • It's kind of nutty....more like if you were to toast whole wheat couscous.

    We like it for breakfast. It is quick and packed with protein. We usually put peaches or pears in and a drizzle of honey. Cinnamon is pretty good in it as well.

    Also, for a dinner or lunch we'll have it with roasted vegetables. I just roast some root vegetables (carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes), peppers and onions with olive oil and whatever seasoning I'm feeling. After they are tender, toss with the quinoa and drizzle a touch more olive oil to serve.
  • I saute any veggies I have on hand and mix it with the quinoa with some type of vinaigrette. It definitely smells like oats after it is cooked.
  • Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Quinoa, Peppers and Basil

    1 cup Quinoa prepared with chicken stock according to package directions
    2 cups Chicken Broth
    1 1/2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders
    4 tablespoons Garlic Flavored Olive Oil
    1 small onion, thinly sliced
    1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
    1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
    5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
    20 leaves fresh sweet basil, julienne
    Grated parmesan cheese
    Salt and pepper to taste

    Cut chicken into one inch pieces. Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat and add the oil. Add chicken and saute for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Add onions, peppers, and saute for one or two more minutes. Add garlic and saute until peppers become slightly limp, but still bright, about one to two minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from heat. Add basil and quinoa. Toss until basil wilts and garnish with parmesan cheese. Serves four.

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    I love Quinoa, so I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes in this thread! One thing I have heard about Quinoa is that it's very important to rinse it well before cooking, otherwise it will have a bitter taste.
  • Some great recipes here! Thanks!

    Now, I need to get quinoa. I'd love to get my kids eating this.
  • Thanks! I think I will cook some up tonight for breakfast tomorrow. Does it re-heat alright in a microwave?
  • Quote: Thanks! I think I will cook some up tonight for breakfast tomorrow. Does it re-heat alright in a microwave?
    It should. I usually give it a little spritz of water before nuking it to keep it from getting dry.