Spiced Quinoa
Turn quinoa into a tasty side by toasting spices in oil, adding quinoa and boiling water. Easy 4-step cook, freezer tips, and serving ideas.
A tasty way to cover the flavor of quinoa for those who hate the taste but like the nutrition.
Submitted by: Roberta from Buffalo Grove, IL
Yield: 2-4 servings
- Toast the spices in oil before adding quinoa to boost flavor and cut bitterness.
- Use a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio, simmer until liquid is absorbed, then fluff.
- Scale or batch cook for freezing; serve with soy sauce, eggs, vegetables, or proteins.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
- Brown spices in oil in a large saucepan
- Add rinsed quinoa and stir well
- Add boiling water; simmer until water is absorbed
- Serve with soy sauce
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Rice or other whole grain can be substituted for quinoa. Can make 1 lb of quinoa and freeze leftovers (use 2 and ¼ tsp of spices and 4 and ¼ cups water). Try it mixed into scrambled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rinse quinoa first?
Yes. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes the natural coating that can taste bitter.
What is the water to quinoa ratio and cooking time?
Use 2 cups boiling water for every 1 cup rinsed quinoa. After adding the water, simmer gently until the liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit a few minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Can I use broth instead of water and other oils?
Yes. Vegetable or chicken broth adds extra flavor. Any neutral oil or olive oil works. Butter or ghee gives a richer taste. Adjust heat so spices brown but do not burn.
How do I scale the recipe or make a larger batch to freeze?
Scale by volume: multiply each ingredient by the number of cups of quinoa you use. As a guided large-batch option, the recipe hint suggests using 2 1/4 teaspoons of each spice and 4 1/4 cups water. Cool completely before freezing in portions.
Can I substitute rice or other grains for quinoa?
Yes. Other whole grains can be used, but cooking times and water ratios differ. Follow the grain-specific ratio and timing, and still toast the spices in oil for best flavor.
How can I fix or avoid a bitter quinoa taste?
Rinse quinoa well, toast spices gently in oil instead of burning them, and consider finishing with soy sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
How long does cooked spiced quinoa keep and how should I reheat it?
Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
What are simple ways to serve spiced quinoa?
Serve it with soy sauce, mix into scrambled eggs, use as a base for bowls with vegetables and protein, or swap it in for rice in stir fries and salads.
Do I need to rinse quinoa first?
Yes. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes the natural coating that can taste bitter.
What is the water to quinoa ratio and cooking time?
Use 2 cups boiling water for every 1 cup rinsed quinoa. After adding the water, simmer gently until the liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit a few minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Can I use broth instead of water and other oils?
Yes. Vegetable or chicken broth adds extra flavor. Any neutral oil or olive oil works. Butter or ghee gives a richer taste. Adjust heat so spices brown but do not burn.
How do I scale the recipe or make a larger batch to freeze?
Scale by volume: multiply each ingredient by the number of cups of quinoa you use. As a guided large-batch option, the recipe hint suggests using 2 1/4 teaspoons of each spice and 4 1/4 cups water. Cool completely before freezing in portions.
Can I substitute rice or other grains for quinoa?
Yes. Other whole grains can be used, but cooking times and water ratios differ. Follow the grain-specific ratio and timing, and still toast the spices in oil for best flavor.
How can I fix or avoid a bitter quinoa taste?
Rinse quinoa well, toast spices gently in oil instead of burning them, and consider finishing with soy sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
How long does cooked spiced quinoa keep and how should I reheat it?
Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
What are simple ways to serve spiced quinoa?
Serve it with soy sauce, mix into scrambled eggs, use as a base for bowls with vegetables and protein, or swap it in for rice in stir fries and salads.
I was quickly trying to put together some spice for our couscous and found this recipe on line. It’s every bit as good as it sounds! I added a few red pepper flakes and some Himalayan pink sea salt. Absolutely great, thank you!
I made this with purple kale and tofu! Added a little salt on the kale, and browned the tofu in olive oil and fish sauce before putting it in. Soy sauce was a nice touch. Thanks for the recipe!
This is my recipe, so, of course, I think it is amazing!