Quinoa has emerged as a popular supergrain in recent times. Since it is low in calories and high in nutrients, it is a preferred choice among people trying to lose weight or who generally want to eat healthy. However, many find it challenging to make this superfood at home. If not cooked properly, it can end up becoming soggy and mushy. Some may even avoid it at all costs to avoid a cooking disaster. But trust us, as exotic as it looks and as difficult as it may seem to cook quinoa, the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, it's quite simple to make; all you need to do is be mindful of a few steps to master the art of making soft and fluffy quinoa at home. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Here Are 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Making Quinoa:
1. You don't rinse it
Do you start cooking quinoa straight from the package? If yes, it's time you stop doing so. Why, you ask? It's because quinoa contains a compound called saponins which can impart a bitter taste. If you do not rinse the quinoa before cooking, this bitter taste can end up making its way into the final dish. To avoid this, spare a few extra minutes in the beginning and save yourself from this disaster.
2. You don't add enough seasoning
Quinoa is an extremely nutritious food, but the one area it majorly lacks in is flavour. Since quinoa is more or less like rice, it doesn't have any distinct flavour and is sort of boring and bland. Which is why you must place emphasis on seasoning it well. You can add fresh herbs, nuts, sauces, or even coconut milk; there are no limitations when it comes to adding flavour.
3. You overcook it
Another common mistake that we make is that we end up overcooking the quinoa. It can be quite tempting to allow it to cook until it absorbs all the liquids, but this can end up ruining its texture and making it mushy. Instead, you must switch off the flame once it's almost done and then allow it to cook on the residual heat.
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4. You don't drain the excess liquid
If you think your quinoa is still mushy, consider draining the excess liquid. It is a much better option than overcooking it. Simply transfer the quinoa to a sieve and gently press it down. This way, you'll be able to get rid of excess moisture without having any impact on its overall texture.
5. You don't allow it to rest after cooking
This is something that most of us are not aware of, but it can do wonders to make perfect quinoa. Once you're done with the cooking process, you must allow it to sit for some time. It helps absorb the flavours and ensures that it remains soft and fluffy. It also allows enough time for the heat to settle down and ensures that the quinoa doesn't become a soggy mess.
Now that you're aware of these mistakes, make sure to avoid them the next time you decide to cook quinoa to ensure it turns out perfectly. Do share your experience with us in the comments below.