Why Does Your Quinoa Taste Bitter?
Lately, you could have been hearing a whole lot about quinoa and wondering what every one of the fuss is all about. Quinoa is a delicious food that has been called both a "super food" plus a "super grain". A relative newcomer in the United States, quinoa is rapidly gaining in popularity because it not just tastes great but is also so good for you!
Quinoa is really a grain like seed containing between 14% and 18% protein. Unlike other grains, quinoa's protein is complete as well as doesn't need to be supplemented with foods like legumes. Quinoa has elevated levels of the eight fatty (amino) acids that are the building blocks of life plus contains Vitamin E and B vitamins. It is really a source of calcium and iron.
Originally cultivated in the Andes Mountains of South America, this healthy grain along with corn and potatoes is the staple food aqui of the Incas from your Andean regions. The Incas refer to it as their "chisaya mama" or "mother coming from all grains" and once was labeled "the gold in the Incas". The mature plants stand 1 to 2 meters high and provide vivid colors like red, purple, yellow and black seeds that may become brown upon reaching maturity. Quinoa might be grown on high altitudes and under environmental and soil conditions not suitable for the majority of of other major food crops which is now sustaining our population globally.
Another way regarding how to cook quinoa for lunch is usually to mix black beans with it. All you need is 2 ½ to three cups of cooked quinoa, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, chopped onion, chopped garlic, pinch of ground cumin, pinch of red pepper cayenne, salt and pepper to taste, 2 cans of drained black beans and chopped cilantro.
While most recipes to cook quinoa call for a 1 or 2 ratio between your seed and liquid, I think a much better ratio is certainly one to one and a half. Bring the quinoa and liquid to some simmer after which reduce to low. Cook covered for 25 minutes, or prior to the water is absorbed. Allow to remain covered for one more five minutes. Fluff and serve.