Quinoa

Chenopodium quinoa Grain, Pseudocereal

Quinoa Grain, Pseudocereal

At a Glance

  • Category Grain, Pseudocereal

The Forktionary Angle

"Ancient Superfood, Complete Protein"

Definition

A gluten-free pseudocereal grain, rich in complete protein and fiber, originating from the Andes, highly valued for its exceptional nutritional profile.

Dry Shelf Life (unopened) 2-3 Years
Protein per Cup (cooked) 8g
Saponin Content (outer coating) 0.01-0.1%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Quinoa are:

Nutty Earthy Slightly Bitter (if unrinsed)

Chef’s Secret

Toast dry quinoa lightly in a pan before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Best Substitutes

Couscous

in volume
Ratio 1:1

Brown Rice

cooked
Ratio 1:1

Farro

cooked
Ratio 1:1

Millet

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for pre-rinsed or triple-rinsed varieties. Organic options are widely available.

Recipes Using Quinoa

Time To Make South American Grains Main Ingredient

Autumn Quinoa Butter Beans

Warm up your autumn with this vibrant and flavorful quinoa and butter bean recipe! Sweet potatoes and butternut squash blend beautifully with warming spices like coriander and cardamom, creating a comforting and delicious meal. Skip the quinoa rinse – we've got you covered! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive fall gathering.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Asian Easy Preparation

Asian Chinese Tabbouleh

A vibrant twist on a classic! This Asian-inspired Chinese Tabbouleh ditches traditional mint for an exciting blend of Asian flavors. Inspired by a 70s friendship and a love of culinary adventure, this recipe offers a refreshing and unique side dish. Serve it as a standalone salad, or elevate your favorite Asian main course by spooning it into crisp Napa cabbage leaves for an unforgettable culinary experience. Forget everything you think you know about Tabbouleh – this recipe proves that deliciousness knows no bounds!

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Easy Pies 30 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less

Apple Pie Breakfast Quinoa

Warm up your mornings with this delicious and healthy Apple Pie Breakfast Quinoa! This guilt-free recipe combines the comfort of apple pie with the nutritional power of quinoa for a satisfying and energizing start to your day. Sweet cinnamon apples, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy pecans create a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling full and happy.

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Dietary Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie 30 Minutes Or Less

Apple Strudel Breakfast Cereal With Quinoa

Capture the magic of warm apple strudel in a healthy, hearty breakfast bowl! This recipe transforms fluffy quinoa into a delightful cereal, bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy toasted almonds. A quick and easy recipe, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying start to your day. From Quinoa 365.

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Salads Time To Make Salads Vegetables

Asian Style Quinoa Salad With Chili Orange Dressing

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired quinoa salad, featured in Consumer Reports Food & Fitness magazine! This quick and easy recipe boasts a zesty chili-orange dressing that perfectly complements the nutty quinoa and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch, healthy dinner, or a vibrant potluck contribution.

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Number Of Servings Main Dish Preparation Time To Make

3 Ingredient Individual Quinoa Pizza Crust No Soaking

Craving pizza but want a healthier, gluten-free twist? This 3-ingredient quinoa pizza crust is ready in under an hour and requires NO soaking! Get perfectly crispy edges and a delightfully moist center – the ultimate quick and easy pizza base. Say goodbye to long prep times and hello to delicious, homemade pizza in minutes!

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South American Grains Pasta Rice And Grains South American

Aztec Casserole

This Aztec Casserole is a hearty, high-protein one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights! Made with tender beans, fluffy grains, and savory spices, this dish is easily customizable – omit the meat for a delicious vegetarian option. Prepare it ahead, freeze for later, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal whenever you need it. A crowd-pleasing recipe that's both healthy and delicious!

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Main Dish To Go Vegetables Inexpensive

Andrew's Protein Packed Vegan Chili

A hearty and flavorful vegan chili, perfect for meal prep! This recipe combines the richness of stout beer, the heartiness of beans, and a hint of unexpected cocoa for a depth of flavor you won't believe. Quick to prep and slow-cooked to perfection, this chili is packed with protein and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary Preparation Low Cholesterol

Apple Quinoa Salad With Curry Dressing

This vibrant Apple Quinoa Salad with a fragrant curry dressing is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy potluck contribution. This recipe, adapted from the PCC website, combines fluffy quinoa, crisp apples, crunchy almonds, and sweet currants, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful curry dressing. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Vegetables Beginner Cook Vegan Main Ingredient

Aztecan Quinoa Salad

This vibrant Aztecan Quinoa Salad is a healthy and delicious recipe perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. Inspired by a church potluck, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. Try it today and discover the nutty goodness of quinoa!

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Vegetarian Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Oamc Freezer Make Ahead

8 Grain Mix

Elevate your meals with this flavorful 8-grain mix, inspired by San Francisco's Medicine Restaurant! Use it as a delicious and nutritious replacement for rice, a vibrant addition to jasmine or basmati rice, or even as a sushi base. This bulk-friendly recipe is packed with wholesome grains and adds a unique texture and taste to any dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions!

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European European Pasta Rice And Grains Weeknight

Big Sur Bakery Hide Bread Recipe

Taste the magic of Big Sur! This recipe, inspired by Terry "Hide" Prince and the legendary Big Sur Bakery, delivers a dense, nutrient-packed bread bursting with flavor. Imagine a hearty, seed-studded English muffin, elevated with the unique coastal twist of kelp for seasoning. This isn't your average bread; it's a powerhouse of amaranth, millet, quinoa, flax seeds, and wholesome grains, offering a blissful buttery crunch after toasting. Adapted from a sea voyage recipe, this bread is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a unique side, get ready for a taste of Big Sur in your kitchen.

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Low In Something Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood

Applebee's Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken

Craving Applebee's Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the restaurant favorite at home! Enjoy juicy chicken breasts filled with a delicious Southwestern-spiced stuffing, then baked to perfection. Easy to follow instructions and amazing flavor – get ready for a taste of Applebee's in your kitchen!

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Brunch Brunch Side Dishes Dietary

Amazing Stuffed Capsicum

Spice up your dinner with these Amazing Stuffed Banana Capsicums! This recipe uses adorable, bite-sized banana capsicums (small, red, banana-shaped peppers resembling large chilies) for perfectly portioned servings. Forget oversized bell peppers – these sweet and slightly spicy peppers are ideal for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Easy to stuff and bake, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Get ready for a burst of flavor in every bite!

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Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Cheese Preparation

Bell Peppers Ole

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian twist on a classic! This South-of-the-border inspired recipe features juicy bell peppers stuffed with a hearty and savory filling, then baked to perfection. Easy to make and bursting with delicious Mexican flavors, this meatless marvel is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

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Low In Something Time To Make Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

Asian Fried Quinoa Delight

Guy Fieri-inspired Asian Fried Quinoa Delight! This vibrant recipe transforms humble quinoa into a flavor-packed masterpiece. Crispy quinoa tossed with tender Asian vegetables and a savory soy sauce glaze – a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious weeknight meal.

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Weeknight Preparation Dietary Healthy

Apple Almond Quinoa With Curry Vinaigrette

A vibrant and flavorful fall salad! This Apple Almond Quinoa with Curry Vinaigrette recipe is bursting with autumnal flavors. Sweet apples, crunchy almonds, and nutty quinoa are perfectly balanced by a zesty curry vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a satisfying vegetarian meal. Get ready to enjoy the taste of the new season's market bounty!

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Low Calorie Preparation Breakfast Healthy

Quinoa With Stewed Cinnamon Pear

A delicious and healthy diabetic-friendly recipe from Australian BH&G. This warm and comforting bowl features fluffy quinoa perfectly complemented by tender, cinnamon-spiced stewed pears. A quick and easy 30-minute meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy dessert.

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