The Perfect Foundation
Before travelling the world, the first step is perfecting the basics. Cooking fluffy, flavourful quinoa is easy. The key is to rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. For every cup of dry
quinoa, use about one and a half to one and three-quarter cups of water or broth. Bringing it to a boil and then simmering, covered, for about 15 minutes should result in perfectly cooked grains. For extra nutty flavour, try toasting the rinsed quinoa in the pot for a minute or two before adding your liquid.
A Taste of Peru
Quinoa has been a staple in the Andes for thousands of years, so it's only right to start our journey in its homeland, Peru. A classic Peruvian dish is 'Chupe de Quinoa', a hearty and nutritious soup that's perfect for a chilly day. It’s a thick stew made with quinoa, potatoes, vegetables like corn and carrots, and often features cheese and milk. Another popular option is a 'Solterito' salad, which combines cooked quinoa with fresh ingredients like fava beans, corn, cheese, tomatoes, and a simple lime vinaigrette for a refreshing and vibrant meal.
Mediterranean Sunshine Bowl
The fresh, bright flavours of the Mediterranean pair beautifully with quinoa. A Mediterranean quinoa salad is endlessly customisable and perfect for meal prep. Combine cooked and cooled quinoa with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion. Toss in some Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for that classic Greek flavour. Finish it all with a simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. For added protein and fibre, consider adding a can of chickpeas.
North African Spice
Travel to Morocco with a warmly spiced quinoa dish. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is characteristic of the region's cuisine. Cook quinoa with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and a touch of harissa for heat. Fold in chickpeas for protein, along with dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for a touch of sweetness. Toasted almonds or walnuts can add a welcome crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavours.
An Indian-Inspired Pulao
In India, quinoa is often used as a nutritious substitute for rice in traditional dishes like pulao or upma. To make a quinoa pulao, start by blooming whole spices like cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves in a little ghee or oil. Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic before adding chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green beans. Then, stir in the rinsed quinoa, water or vegetable broth, and powdered spices like turmeric and garam masala. Cook until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid is absorbed for a fragrant and wholesome one-pot meal.
Asian Fusion Stir-Fry
Quinoa's texture makes it a fantastic, healthy alternative to rice in a quick stir-fry. Sauté your favourite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas with garlic and ginger. Add the cooked quinoa to the pan and toss everything with a flavourful sauce. A simple and delicious option is a Thai-inspired peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), lime juice, and a little maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts for a satisfying crunch.
