Cooking Ancient Blend: Organic Quinoa, Healthy And Delicious

Ancient Harvest Organic Quinoa is a delicious, gluten-free, and vegan blend of organic white, red, and black grains. It is packed with nutrients like iron, magnesium, folate, Omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium, and has a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. This product is a great alternative to oatmeal for breakfast, a refreshing grain salad for lunch, or a hot side for dinner.

To cook Ancient Harvest Organic Quinoa, simply rinse the quinoa, combine it with water in a saucepan, and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the quinoa steam for about 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork and season with salt to taste.

You can also try the pre-cooked variety, which is ready in just 90 seconds and can be prepared in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Rinsing the quinoa

First, pour the quinoa into a fine-mesh colander. Place the colander under running water and rinse the quinoa for at least 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it removes any bitter taste from the surface of the quinoa caused by naturally occurring saponins. Make sure to drain the quinoa well after rinsing.

Some brands of quinoa may be pre-washed and rinsed, so it is always good to check the packaging before preparing. Pre-washed quinoa saves you time and ensures your quinoa is ready to be cooked without any additional rinsing.

If you are using a quinoa blend, such as a blend of white, red, and black quinoa, make sure to follow the package instructions regarding rinsing. Some blends may be pre-washed, while others might require rinsing before cooking.

Once your quinoa is rinsed and drained, you can move on to the cooking process. Combine the rinsed quinoa with water in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. From there, you can follow your preferred cooking method to prepare the fluffy and delicious quinoa.

Remember, rinsing your quinoa is an essential step to ensure the best taste and texture, so don't skip it!

Cooking it covered vs uncovered

Cooking it Covered vs. Uncovered

The standard method for cooking quinoa involves covering the pot while it cooks. However, some people find that this can lead to mushy and overcooked quinoa.

Cooking it Covered

Covering the pot while cooking quinoa can help to trap moisture and ensure that the quinoa cooks evenly. This is especially important if you are cooking the quinoa on a stove with an uneven heat source. Covering the pot can also help to reduce the cooking time, as the trapped heat will cook the quinoa more quickly.

Cooking it Uncovered

Cooking quinoa uncovered can help to prevent overcooking and mushy quinoa. This is because the quinoa is allowed to absorb the water at a slower pace, without the added heat and pressure of the lid. This method can be especially useful if you are cooking a large amount of quinoa, as it will help to prevent the quinoa from becoming soggy.

The best method for cooking quinoa depends on your personal preference and the results you want to achieve. If you prefer your quinoa to be on the softer side, then cooking it covered may be the best option. However, if you prefer your quinoa to be more al dente, then cooking it uncovered is the way to go. Ultimately, the most important factor in cooking quinoa is the ratio of quinoa to water. The standard ratio is 1:2, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on your stove and the size of your batch.

How to avoid mushy quinoa

It's easy to end up with mushy quinoa, but there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your quinoa is perfectly fluffy.

Firstly, it's important to wash your quinoa before cooking. Place it in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. This step will remove any bitterness from the outside of the quinoa caused by naturally occurring saponins. Do not soak the quinoa, as this can make the saponins more pronounced and give the quinoa a slightly soapy aftertaste.

Next, use twice as much water as quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. It's important not tocover the quinoa while cooking, as this can lead to overcooked, mushy quinoa. Instead, cook uncovered until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, which should take around 10-20 minutes depending on the quantity.

Once the water has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let the quinoa steam for about 5 minutes. This is when the quinoa will pop open into fluffy curlicues. Finally, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.

If you're in a hurry, you can also try a pre-cooked quinoa option, which can be heated in the microwave or on the stovetop in just 90 seconds.

How much water to use

The amount of water you use will depend on the quantity of quinoa you are cooking. The general rule is to use twice as much water as quinoa. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of quinoa, you will need 2 cups of water. This ratio will ensure that the quinoa has enough water to absorb and that it cooks evenly.

If you are cooking a larger amount of quinoa, you may need to adjust the ratio slightly. For example, if you are cooking 2 cups of quinoa, you may need closer to 3 cups of water. It is always better to have a little too much water than not enough, as the quinoa will absorb it as it cooks.

Some cooks recommend bringing the water to a boil before adding the quinoa, while others suggest adding the quinoa to cold water and then bringing it to a boil. Either method will work, but bringing the water to a boil first can help to reduce the cooking time slightly.

Once the water is boiling, you will need to reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This will ensure that the quinoa cooks evenly without becoming mushy. Cook the quinoa until it has absorbed all of the water, which should take around 10-20 minutes depending on the quantity.

If you are using a microwave to cook your quinoa, you will need to refer to the appliance's instructions for the appropriate water quantity and cooking time.

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for Organic Quinoa Ancient Blend varies depending on the quantity being cooked and the method used.

If you are cooking on a stovetop, the general method is to combine 1 part quinoa with 2 parts water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. The quinoa will need to cook uncovered until all the water has been absorbed, which usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes. Smaller amounts of quinoa will be ready closer to 10 minutes, while larger amounts will take up to 20 minutes. Once the water has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the quinoa steam for about 5 minutes. This final step allows the quinoa to pop open into little curlicues, resulting in a nice and fluffy texture.

For those short on time, Ancient Harvest offers a range of pre-cooked Organic Quinoa pouches that are ready in just 90 seconds. To prepare, gently squeeze the sides of the pouch to separate the quinoa, then pour the contents into a skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and heat on medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated and serve immediately. This product can also be prepared in the microwave by tearing the pouch open about 2.5 inches to vent and heating on high for 90 seconds.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific brand and blend of quinoa. Always refer to the package instructions for the most accurate cooking times and methods.

Frequently asked questions