14 Quinoa (Pronounced keen-wha) Recipes
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
This protein-packed grain looks a bit like couscous, is as versatile as rice, and tastes delicious on its own or in these quinoa recipes.
Quinoa Recipes – Basic quinoa recipe
Pronounced “keen-wah,” this super healthy, protein-packed grain contains every amino acid, and is particularly rich in lysine, which promotes healthy tissue growth throughout the body. Quinoa is also a good source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, and fibre. It looks a bit like couscous and is as versatile as rice, but quinoa has a richer, nuttier flavour than either of them.
Quinoa seeds have a naturally bitter coating to deter birds that must be soaked off before preparing. Packaged quinoa has likely been pre-soaked, but check before cooking. To cook it, soak 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water for 5-10 minutes (to dissolve any remaining bitter coating). Drain and rinse. Pour into a pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water and a half teaspoon of salt. Boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork and serve.
There are endless ways to enjoy eating this super grain. Quinoa can be eaten on its own as a side dish, with a bit of butter or oil, salt and pepper, or other seasonings. It also makes a great breakfast dish mixed with dried fruit, cinnamon, milk, and maple syrup or honey. Paired with chilli, stir-fries, beans or curries, quinoa is a healthy substitute for rice, and it also makes a tasty pilaf. As a main course, use it to make meat-free burgers, mix it into stews or toss it into salads. Quinoa works as a baking grain as well, and makes for delicious and nutritious breads and muffins.
Already love quinoa? Check out kañiwa!
Quinoa Recipes – Crunchy cashew Thai quinoa salad
This Asian-inspired dish from Ambitious Kitchen incorporates peppers, carrots, onions, and cilantro into her version, but feel free to experiment.
Quinoa Recipes – Enchilada chicken quinoa stuffed bell peppers
Roasted bell peppers from Ambitious Kitchen are stuffed with quinoa, chicken, red enchilada sauce, cheese, and spices in this satisfying Mexican-themed dish.
Quinoa Recipes – Shrimp and vegetable quinoa fried rice
This “healthified version of shrimp fried rice” on Simply Quinoa suggests sautéing the veggies in water instead of oil. In general, quinoa is a healthy substitute for rice (and makes a tasty pilaf).
Quinoa Recipes – Dark chocolate quinoa cookies
The secret to the rich flavour of these cookies on Simply Quinoa is a half cup of cocoa powder with chocolate chunks folded into the batter.
Quinoa Recipes – Rosemary quinoa turkey meatballs
Quinoa functions as the perfect binder in these protein-filled turkey meatballs from the blog Simply Quinoa. The recipe’s good-for-you factor is boosted by the use of spaghetti squash in place of pasta, but you could serve these with whatever you like.
Quinoa Recipes – Blueberry chocolate chip quinoa pancakes
Quinoa and Greek yogurt amp up protein in these pancakes from the blog Ambitious Kitchen. On its own, quinoa also makes a great breakfast mixed with dried fruit, cinnamon, milk, and maple syrup or honey.
Quinoa Recipes – Southwestern quinoa bites
These quinoa bites from the blog So Very Blessed combine quinoa with black beans, frozen corn, and onion and bake up easily in a muffin tin.
Quinoa Recipes – Healthy “Reese’s” quinoa crispy treats
These Reese’s Pieces meets Rice Krispies Treats from the blog Simply Quinoa are a double treat. Perfect for a cheat day.
Quinoa Recipes – Quinoa stuffed eggplant
These stuffed eggplants from the blog Adventures in Cooking make use of simple ingredients that draw out the best in eggplant’s flavour, like mint and oregano.
Quinoa Recipes – No-bake brown butter quinoa bars
From the blog How Sweet It Is, satisfy a dessert craving with these no-bake bars filled with quinoa, oats, almonds, flaxseed, and chocolate chips.
Quinoa Recipes – Quinoa chocolate chip zucchini breakfast cookies
From the blog Healthful Pursuit, these vegan and gluten free delights are made with flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract and dairy-free chocolate chips, with added nutrition from quinoa, zucchini, and flaxseed. Quinoa also works well for baking delicious and nutritious breads and muffins.
Quinoa Recipes – Sesame ginger sweet teriyaki salmon with garlic quinoa stir fry
The blog Ambitious Kitchen perks up a simple quinoa stir fry with fresh ginger and garlic.
Apple spice quinoa granola
This granola recipe from the blog Sally’s Baking Addiction jazzes itself up with quinoa, apples, raisins, and more.
Quinoa Recipes – Quinoa cookie
In these cookies from Two Peas and Their Pod, the quinoa adds a distinct crunchiness and protein boost.
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