Quinoa recipes?

I bought some quinoa a while ago and made one dish with it, but it was not a success, and the quinoa has been sitting in my cupboard ever since.

So I was wondering, anyone here have some good quinoa recipe ideas? Preferable something I can use to make 2 servings. I often am only cooking for myself, in which case I try to make 2 serves and then eat the second serve for lunch the next day.

I really feel like I need to give quinoa another go. Especially since I already bought it.

Replies

  • FoxyLifter
    FoxyLifter Posts: 965 Member
    I am interested in getting some recipes, too. Sweet or savory, doesn't matter.

    I tried quinoa for the first time yesterday. I didn't know what to do with it (I should have found a recipe BEFORE I bought it, huh?). I just added 2 Tbsp of peanut butter and sliced up a banana. It was ok, but I know that quinoa is a good base. I was full for a while!
  • dfarina33
    dfarina33 Posts: 20 Member
    There is a restaurant in downtown Chicago called Protein Bar that does all kinds of quinoa foods that are great. I eat there almost everyday during the week and then do some of the things at home.

    My favorite is just to take the quinoa, mix in some agave and some almond milk. Stir it up and then add fruit. I usually use bananas. 1 cup keeps me full past lunch.

    Also if you are making spaghetti sauce for your family with pasta. Just ditch the pasta and use the spaghetti sauce with the quinoa. I do the same with Chili.

    A year ago, never even heard of quinoa, now I eat it 5x per week if not more.
  • Coraljayne
    Coraljayne Posts: 3 Member
    I use quinoa to replace traditional rice in pudding. To lighten it further use Egg Beaters in stead of whole eggs and reduced fat evaporated milk for cream or whole milk, as per recipe. Just prepare the quinoa and sub into your favorite rice pudding recipe! So good
  • EddieDoodle
    EddieDoodle Posts: 6 Member
    Unfortunately this recipe is for more than two but it's pretty good for leftovers. I've never tried it but maybe the leftovers can be frozen.

    SPICY QUINOA WITH BLACK BEANS

    1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    ½ onion, diced
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
    1 ½ cups vegetable broth
    1 teaspoon cumin
    ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
    ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

    Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until lightly browned, add the garlic and cook for one minute. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with broth. Stir in cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

    Stir black beans and cilantro into quinoa and serve warm.
  • jade14b
    jade14b Posts: 22
    I love quinoa just straight up like rice (rince it several times!) but if you are felling more adventurous....You can make quinoa "fried rice" by cooking it accoring to the package and then sauteeing in come oil with egg, veggies, and soy sauce. Or try using it instead of oats to bind things like black bean burgers, meat loaf, crab cakes, etc. I also like to replace parts of some baked goods (muffins, brownies, pancakes, and quick breads) with an equal amount of pulsed cooked quinoa. It makes them heartier and healthier
  • RunningMom42
    RunningMom42 Posts: 121 Member
    I made it for the first time last week. I made it like spanish rice and it was great! Here's a link to the recipe I used:
    http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Spanish_style-Quinoa-Allrecipes
  • Dewymorning
    Dewymorning Posts: 762 Member
    Unfortunately this recipe is for more than two but it's pretty good for leftovers. I've never tried it but maybe the leftovers can be frozen.

    SPICY QUINOA WITH BLACK BEANS

    1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    ½ onion, diced
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
    1 ½ cups vegetable broth
    1 teaspoon cumin
    ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
    ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

    Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until lightly browned, add the garlic and cook for one minute. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with broth. Stir in cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

    Stir black beans and cilantro into quinoa and serve warm.

    I might give this a try.

    I am also wanting to reduce the amount of meat I eat, so this could be a great vegetarian alternative to eat some days.

    Thanks.
  • Dewymorning
    Dewymorning Posts: 762 Member
    I use quinoa to replace traditional rice in pudding. To lighten it further use Egg Beaters in stead of whole eggs and reduced fat evaporated milk for cream or whole milk, as per recipe. Just prepare the quinoa and sub into your favorite rice pudding recipe! So good

    Mmm.... sounds yummy
  • Katy_G2013
    Katy_G2013 Posts: 70 Member
    I don't have an exact recipe, but we made quinoa/ground beef (could use turkey or whatever)/ground sausage stuffed bell peppers. It was delicious and added a great texture and flavor to them. I think hubby used a black bean quinoa mix and it was pretty spicy but oh so good!
  • sabiwabi9
    sabiwabi9 Posts: 5 Member
    I've replaced my pasta with quinoa. I've made so many yummy dishes by just experimenting. This week I made some plain quinoa and added alfredo sauce, crushed red peppers, and seafood. Also quinoa with turkey meat and pasta sauce.
    I'm sorry I don't have a recipe to give you but it's been fun playing around and experimenting.
    I don't know if you use pinterest but I always come across a lot of quinoa recipes.
    Good luck to you!
  • heidijomitchell
    heidijomitchell Posts: 4 Member
    Google "Chef Brad BYUtv.org" and you can get a lot of quinoa recipes and ideas. plus, many other grains that are packed with protein and great nutrition. He once suggested eating as a breakfast cereal with a small amount of half and half and fresh berries. I loved that.

    Great recipes for Amaranth, Spelt, Red Quinoa Black Quinoa, etc.
  • Dewymorning
    Dewymorning Posts: 762 Member
    I've replace my pasta with quinoa. I've made so many yummy dishes by just experimenting. This week I made some plain quinoa and added alfredo sauce, crushed red peppers, and seafood. Also quinoa with turkey meat and pasta sauce.
    I'm sorry I don't have a recipe to give you but it's been fun playing around and experimenting.
    I don't know if you use pinterest but I always come across a lot of quinoa recipes.
    Good luck to you!

    I do love experimental cooking, but I think I need to get the basic idea of how quinoa works by following some recipes before I start experimenting with quinoa.

    Otherwise I predict a lot of disasters. :P
  • twoss9112
    twoss9112 Posts: 162 Member
    then sauteeing in come oil

    :noway:
  • MichelleMac58
    MichelleMac58 Posts: 77 Member
    Try ......Weeknight Chicken Quinoa Stew.......It's on the Milk Calendar (April)....Google it.......it's delicious. It is supposed to make 4 servings but it's easily for 6 so I would definitely half the recipe...I substituted the milk for almond milk and the flour for cornstarch because of my sensitivities to milk & wheat. I will be making this again & again. It is in the database for the nutritional info. If you can't find it with Google I will gladly type it out for you.....Tata.........P.S. Try Milkcalendar.ca
  • KS_4691
    KS_4691 Posts: 228 Member
    1 cup quinoa + 1 can coconut milk + cinnamon + a dash brown sugar. Cook according to package. Great breakfast if you're sick of oatmeal! You could mix it up with a variety of add-ins.
  • Dewymorning
    Dewymorning Posts: 762 Member
    then sauteeing in come oil

    :noway:

    income oil?

    in cu....


    No, I can't say that one.
  • now_or_never13
    now_or_never13 Posts: 1,575 Member
    I personally love it with just some buffalo sauce or siracha mixed in. I will also mix it with cooked veggies and sauce too.

    If my husband is having it too I tend to mix it half quinoa and half rice with the liquids being half water and half vegetable brother. Makes a great base for stir frys or to stuff peppers with. TONS of recipes online!
  • Bluepopsicle_25
    Bluepopsicle_25 Posts: 62 Member
    I also eat it in lieu of pasta, delicious!

    It is tasty if you sub low sodium chicken broth for the water when cooking it, then add some dried herbs.
  • Hmmm I love Quinoa. You can add anything to it and it's wonderful. I have been eating it for 3-months now. Whatever you like just add it, and it will be yummy for your tummy!!!
  • shutterbug282
    shutterbug282 Posts: 588 Member
    Bump for later! :)
  • shano25
    shano25 Posts: 233 Member
    Green lentils, celery, scallion, cherry tomatoes, mixed in a bit of olive oil and lemon juice, served over cooked quinoa and topped with feta cheese. This is my favourite and you can eat it hot or cold.

    I like using quinoa in place of rice in most dishes.

    I think a cookbook came out recently dedicated to quinoa.
  • charismanoodles
    charismanoodles Posts: 343 Member
    I can't remember where I got this recipe, but I make it regularly and my partner loves it too.

    1/2 cup cooked quinoa (cook in broth or use a bit of stock it helps with the flavour)
    1 egg
    1/2 brown onion, diced
    4 pieces of bacon/fake bacon, diced
    A small handful of light shredded cheese (I use about 40g~)
    Dash of herbs; I use paprika, oregano, basil and garlic powder.

    Stir up all ingredient. Form into patties and squash out, make whatever size you want I make mine like hamburgers.

    Cook in oven for 25-30 minutes in a 180 degree oven.

    Serve with pizza sauce, tomato, whatever you like.
  • Dewymorning
    Dewymorning Posts: 762 Member
    Unfortunately this recipe is for more than two but it's pretty good for leftovers. I've never tried it but maybe the leftovers can be frozen.

    SPICY QUINOA WITH BLACK BEANS

    1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    ½ onion, diced
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
    1 ½ cups vegetable broth
    1 teaspoon cumin
    ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
    ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

    Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until lightly browned, add the garlic and cook for one minute. Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with broth. Stir in cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

    Stir black beans and cilantro into quinoa and serve warm.

    I made this dish tonight, and it was really tasty! I might have added more cumin in then the recipe said though. :P

    I love cumin.
  • WVprankster
    WVprankster Posts: 430 Member
    I give it the rissotto (sp?) treatment. Slow boil it with chicken broth, a finely minced shallot, and some garlic until it's creamy, and serve w/ parmesan cheese over George-Foreman-grilled chicken boob.
  • tamcrit
    tamcrit Posts: 340 Member
    Great ideas...bumping for future reference. I use quinoa in place of pasta or rice in other recipes, and always turns out great. I also add it when I make soups. Just last night, I made chili and added some quinoa in as I was browning the ground turkey to add to the chili...having for dinner this evening.
  • gingerygal
    gingerygal Posts: 59 Member
    I am a quinoa fanatic. I got a 25lb bag of it from my mom, so I've had plenty to experiment with. My favorite recipe thus far is my version of The Protein Bar's Buffalo bowl. It's basically buffalo chicken quinoa. Love it. Here's the link to the recipe on my blog:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/gingerfitness/view/buffalo-chicken-quinoa-495759

    I also have a few other quinoa recipes on there as well, like quinoa chili and quinoa black bean burgers. Hope this helps!
  • djshari
    djshari Posts: 513 Member
    I have made this several times and I really like it. You can kinda add in your own veggies. I usually use broccoli, bean sprouts and peas and always have to have the egg in it.
    http://www.peasandcrayons.com/2012/03/quinoa-fried-rice-remix.html
  • deedster_a
    deedster_a Posts: 91 Member
    These are all good snacks or to take to parties and can be frozen.

    Quinoa Pizza Bites
    Makes 40 bites

    2 cups cooked quinoa
    2 large eggs
    1 cup chopped onion
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    2 tsp minced garlic
    1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
    1 cup chopped pepperoni slices (1/2 of a 7 oz bag)
    1/2 tsp seasoning salt
    1 tsp paprika
    1 tsp dried crushed oregano
    Pizza sauce for dipping

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.
    3. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
    Nutritional Information for 5 bites Calories - 175, Fat - 10g, Protein - 9g, Fiber - 2g, Calcium - 10mg, Carbs - 12g

    Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bites
    Makes 24 bites

    1 cup cooked quinoa
    1 large egg
    1/4 cup chopped onion
    1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
    1/4 cup buffalo sauce (we used Frank's)
    1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
    1/2 tsp minced garlic
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Ranch or Blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Mix together all ingredients.
    3. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.
    4. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
    Nutritional Information for 4 bites Calories - 109, Fiber - 1, Fat - 4, Protein - 8, Calcium - 6, Carbs - 11

    Cheesy Quinoa Bites
    Makes 28 bites

    2 cups cooked quinoa
    2 large eggs
    1 cup shredded carrot
    2 stalks green onion, diced
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    2 Tbs all-purpose flour
    1/2 tsp seasoning salt
    1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Mix together quinoa, carrot, egg, green onion, garlic, cilantro, cheese, flour, salt and pepper.
    3. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each).
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
    Calories 130 for 4 bites.

    Spinach Parmesan Quinoa Bites
    Makes 30 bites

    2 cups cooked quinoa
    2 large eggs
    2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped
    1 cup diced onion
    2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
    1 clove garlic, minced
    1 tsp Italian seasoning
    1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
    Dash of sea salt

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Mix all ingredients together.
    3. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

    Ham & Cheese Quinoa Bites
    Makes 3 dozen bites

    2 cups cooked quinoa
    2 eggs
    1 tsp minced garlic
    1/2 cup diced onion
    1 cup finely diced ham
    1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    3 Tbs fresh chives, chopped
    1/2 cup panko
    1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Mix together all ingredients.
    3. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each) and press down gently to compact.
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Quinoa Bites
    Makes 36 bites

    2 cups cooked quinoa
    2 large eggs
    2 stalks green onion, diced
    1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
    2 tsp minced garlic
    1 tsp dried thyme
    1 tsp dried parsley
    3/4 cup finely diced ham
    3/4 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
    1/2 tsp seasoning salt
    1/4 tsp ground pepper

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Mix all ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl.
    3. Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
    Nutritional Information for 4 bites Calories - 131, Fiber - 1g, Fat - 6g, Protein - 10g, Calcium - 11g, Carbs - 9
  • Dewymorning
    Dewymorning Posts: 762 Member
    You guys are fantastic