Cooking Quinoa And Brown Rice: A Simple, Healthy Blend

Quinoa and brown rice are gluten-free grains that can be cooked together. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and minerals, which help support a healthy digestive system. To cook a quinoa and brown rice blend, you can use a pressure cooker, stovetop, or rice cooker. The process involves rinsing the quinoa and rice, adding liquid such as water, stock, or broth, and cooking until the grains are tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of quinoa and rice used, as well as the cooking method.

Rinsing the quinoa and rice

Quinoa has a natural outer coating called saponin, which can make the cooked grains taste bitter. Rinsing the quinoa with cold water removes this coating. Most packaged quinoa available in the market is pre-washed, so you can skip this step if the package mentions that the quinoa is pre-washed or rinsed. However, if you are unsure about the quality of your quinoa, it is better to rinse it beforehand. Spread it on a sheet pan and let it air dry before toasting.

Rinsing the rice is optional and depends on personal preference. Some people rinse it to wash away any dust or odd bits. Additionally, rice usually contains high levels of arsenic, and rinsing it with water can help reduce the arsenic content in your food. If you consume rice frequently or serve it to children, it is advisable to include a rinsing step in your cooking process.

To rinse the quinoa and rice, you can use a mesh strainer or colander. Place the grains in the strainer and rinse them briefly under running water. You can also put the grains in a pot or bowl, cover them with water, swish them around, and then drain the water. Repeat this process a few times to ensure effective rinsing.

Cooking the blend in a pressure cooker

The pressure cooker is a great option for cooking your quinoa and brown rice blend. It's an easy, hands-off method that delivers perfect, fluffy results every time. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking your blend in a pressure cooker:

• Rinse your quinoa and brown rice together. This step helps remove any dust, odd bits, or saponins, which can give your grains a bitter taste.
• Spray the inside of your pressure cooker pot with olive oil or another cooking oil. This step is optional but helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Add your grains, along with water or broth, to the pressure cooker. The liquid ratio will depend on the type of rice and quinoa you're using. For white quinoa and brown rice, a ratio of 2:1 (liquid to grains) is recommended. Adjust this ratio if you're using a different type of quinoa or rice. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, salt, or spices at this stage for extra flavour.
• Close the lid of your pressure cooker and set the valve to the pressure cooking position.
• Cook at high pressure for around 18-22 minutes. The exact time will depend on your cooker and the type of grains you're using. White quinoa cooks faster than red quinoa, and the latter will retain a slightly chewy texture even after 22 minutes of cooking.
• Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 5-10 minutes. Then, if needed, release any remaining pressure slowly using the valve.
• Fluff your grains with a fork and serve!

Your quinoa and brown rice blend is now ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or used as a base for grain bowls, salads, or burritos. You can also spice it up by adding ingredients like red pepper flakes, roasted garlic, or lemon juice.

Stovetop instructions

Preparation

Rinse your quinoa and brown rice separately under cold running water. This will help remove any impurities or bitterness from the grains.

Ratio

For the perfect texture, combine equal parts brown rice and quinoa. This ratio ensures that both grains cook evenly and maintain their individual characteristics. For example, if you're cooking one cup of rice, use one cup of quinoa.

Water measurements

For every combined cup of rice and quinoa, use 2.5 cups of water. This provides enough moisture for the grains to absorb during the cooking process.

Cooking method

Transfer the rinsed grains and water to a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow it to simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot to ensure the liquid doesn't boil over, as it can be tough to clean off the stove.

Testing for doneness

Once the grains have finished cooking, remove them from the heat source and test to see if they are cooked thoroughly. If so, remove from heat and serve as a side dish. If the grains are not yet tender, cover and continue cooking in 5-minute increments until done.

Resting time

Once the grains are cooked to your liking, let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to distribute evenly, resulting in perfectly fluffy and tender rice and quinoa.

Seasoning

Before serving, season your quinoa and brown rice blend with salt and pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add red pepper flakes, roasted garlic, or lemon zest to give this side dish a fun flavor twist.

Spicing up the dish

There are many ways to spice up a quinoa and brown rice blend. If you're looking for a fun flavour twist, you can add red pepper flakes, roasted garlic, lemon juice, or lemon zest. For a more subtle twist, you can add a pinch of salt to the dish.

If you're making a burrito bowl, you can add spices like garlic powder, cumin, and chilli powder. You can also add canned beans, cheese, and shredded cabbage. If you're making burrito filling, you can stir in black beans, shredded cabbage, and grated cheese.

For a salad or main course quinoa bowl, you can add roasted sweet potato, salmon and green beans, chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil, and crumbled feta or goat cheese.

If you're looking for a more creative option, you can try making onigiri with the brown rice. Use a little extra water or short-grain brown rice, and form them while they're still warm. You can also try making congee with the brown rice or frying the rice with veggies and tofu or edamame.

For a sweet twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon and raisins to the dish.

Serving suggestions

This brown rice and quinoa blend is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a side dish: This blend can be served as a simple side dish to accompany your main course. It goes well with chicken, salmon, or tofu. You can also serve it with a variety of sauces, such as lemon butter sauce or parmesan cream sauce.
• In a salad: This blend makes a great addition to hearty salads. Simply chill the grains after cooking and add your favourite dressing and other salad ingredients. You can also add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavour.
• In a stir-fry: This blend is a perfect base for stir-fries. Try adding some vegetables and your choice of protein for a delicious and nutritious meal.
• In a bowl: Create a grain bowl by adding roasted vegetables, proteins, and toppings like avocado, salsa, or green onions. You can also add a sauce or dressing to tie all the flavours together.
• With seafood: This blend pairs well with seafood dishes, such as shrimp, crab, or salmon. Try it with shrimp and crab-stuffed salmon or baked tilapia with lemon butter sauce.
• As a base: Use this blend as a base for pour-over meals, creamed soups, or curries. The quinoa and brown rice will soak up the flavours of the dish and add a hearty texture.
• With vegetables: This blend can be served with a variety of cooked vegetables, such as shiitake mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or kale. You can also add some tahini sauce for a creamy and zesty flavour.
• Mexican-style: Spice things up by adding cumin, chili powder, black beans, shredded cabbage, and cheese to make burrito bowls or healthy burrito fillings. Top with salsa, avocado, and green onions for a flavourful Mexican-inspired meal.
• Asian-style: For an Asian-inspired twist, use sesame oil and soy sauce instead of olive oil, and add green onions and grated ginger. This blend also goes well with Asian-style proteins such as tofu or shrimp.

Frequently asked questions