Quinoa question

skyhealth
skyhealth Posts: 38 Member
edited November 12 in Recipes
Hey everyone:)
I haven't made quinoa before and want to try it out, but I want to cook it in the microwave instead of on the stove
my question is if I want one serving which is 1/4 cup dry how much water do I put and how long do I microwave it for?
because I'm cooking a smaller portion I would think the cooking time is less, but I'm not sure how much less.
also how much does 1/4 cup dry yield cooked?

Thanks:) and any good quinoa recipes around 250 calories would be appreciated!
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Replies

  • Goonygugu
    Goonygugu Posts: 114
    I would say that if you are using 1/4 cup dry then a full cup of water should be fine, and microwave it on ehigh for about 10 min. you will see the little kernel "pops' and a little white bit sticks out - when that happens it's cooked..

    1/4 cup uncooked should yield about 1 cup cooked.

    as for recipes - just google quinoa recipes there are loads on the net
  • pam3b
    pam3b Posts: 44 Member
    I've never tried making quinoa in the microwave, but if itworks let me know I will try it. I usually make 1/2 cup of dry with one cup of water and it yields about 1 1/2 cups cooked. If your familiar with Pinterest there is TONS of awesome Quinoa recipes on there. I love this stuff!
    This is my favorite ( I dont make the vinagratte I just squeeze some lime juice or use apple cider vinegar):

    SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA SALAD WITH CHIPOTLE VINAIGRETTE
    For Salad:
    1 cup quinoa
    1 can sweet corn
    1 can black beans
    1 package small roma or cherry tomatoes
    1/3 of a red onion, diced
    roughly 1/3 cup cilantro
    avocado
  • vander7679
    vander7679 Posts: 109 Member
    I've never done it in the microwave but I have found that if you soak it for at least 10 minutes before hand then it takes away a lot of the bitter taste.
  • kcoftx
    kcoftx Posts: 765 Member
    I want to know if someone has tried this! If not, will you be our experimenter?
  • kcoftx
    kcoftx Posts: 765 Member
    My favorite recipe is Quinoa Tabboleh.

    Here is a sample recipe but you can add all kinds of stuff to it. I like to add feta cheese and green olives for a bit of a flavor pick up.

    http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/06/quinoa-tabbouleh
  • LisaBeateith2012
    LisaBeateith2012 Posts: 346 Member
    bump for later
  • Happygirl50
    Happygirl50 Posts: 48 Member
    Bump thanks
  • marathon_mama
    marathon_mama Posts: 150 Member
    Buffalo Chicken Quinoa mac 'n cheese (no mac)
  • tschaff04
    tschaff04 Posts: 296 Member
    BUMP
  • skyhealth
    skyhealth Posts: 38 Member
    If I was to cook 1/4 cup on the stove how much water would I use and how long do I cook it for? thanks:)
  • pithynutritionpun
    pithynutritionpun Posts: 17 Member
    Ehhh I've never heard of doing it in the microwave. Definitely rinse it first in a fine mesh strainer, otherwise it will taste bitter. When doing it on the stovetop, the ratio is 1:2 (e.g. 1C quinoa to 2C water) so maybe try your 1/4 cup quinoa to 1/2 cup water. Hard to say for how long, I would start it at 3 mins on high as a complete ballpark guess. Certainly report back and let us know if that worked for you, I'm interested in knowing how that goes.
  • thingal12
    thingal12 Posts: 302 Member
    I make Quinoa is 2-3 servings, so I eat some now and leave some for later on. Yea, I'm lazy :tongue:

    --> --> --> For every 1/4 cup of Quinoa, you'll need 1/2 cup of water.


    Makes 3 Servings:

    Ingredients

    2 tablespoons (ie 1/8 cup) pine nuts
    1/2 cup quinoa
    1 cup water
    salt to taste
    2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
    1.5 stalk celery, chopped small
    1/4 red onion, chopped small
    1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped fine
    ( add any other veggies, i add bell pepper, carrotts, spinach.. just make sure you chop it small)

    Directions

    Toast the pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat. This will take about 5 minutes, and stir constantly as they will burn easily. Set aside to cool.

    In a saucepan, combine the quinoa, water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly, then fluff with a fork.

    Transfer the quinoa to a serving bowl and stir in the pine nuts, lemon juice, celery, onion, cayenne pepper, cumin and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.

    ** sometimes i add in the spices with the quinoa while it's being cooked. this really brings out the flavor of the quinoa and spices!
  • mrsna
    mrsna Posts: 195 Member
    bump for later
  • Iron_Duchess
    Iron_Duchess Posts: 429 Member
    Be careful with the water! The ratio is 1:2. That means 1/4 cup quinoa = 1/2 cup water, 1 cup quinoa = 2 cup water, etc.. Check the cooking instructions, some Quinoas like the tricolor suggests to use 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of dry grains. I personally like the 1:2 ratio because it come out fluffier. Also keep in mind that if you add other ingredients like beans or high water content veggies you should reduce the water or stock a little. I never tried it in the microwave, but I guess it would be like making rice. Good luck and let us know how it comes out. :smile:
  • newfette81
    newfette81 Posts: 185
    bump
  • tashjs21
    tashjs21 Posts: 4,584 Member
    I've never tried it in the microwave. :huh:

    I usually just cook a whole pot on the stove then portion it out for a grab and go side.

    Quinoa mac and cheese is my favorite. :love:
  • 130annie
    130annie Posts: 339 Member
    Bump for later
  • PhillyTD
    PhillyTD Posts: 375 Member
    Not sure if I would microwave it. My 2 cents.
  • bgelliott
    bgelliott Posts: 610 Member
    Hey everyone:)
    I haven't made quinoa before and want to try it out, but I want to cook it in the microwave instead of on the stove
    my question is if I want one serving which is 1/4 cup dry how much water do I put and how long do I microwave it for?
    because I'm cooking a smaller portion I would think the cooking time is less, but I'm not sure how much less.
    also how much does 1/4 cup dry yield cooked?

    Thanks:) and any good quinoa recipes around 250 calories would be appreciated!

    Hmmm...the packaging should provide all that information. It does on mine.
  • _namaste_
    _namaste_ Posts: 246
    For some reason I don't think microwave is the ideal way to cook Quinoa. I'd also worry that it might negate some of the nutritional benefits? Hmmm...

    If I were you I'd just cook more on the stove (only takes 15 minutes with little work) and then portion out so you have a few days worth. That's what I do! :)
  • kteej
    kteej Posts: 46 Member
    bump
  • jesswait
    jesswait Posts: 218 Member
    I have never tried to make it in a microwave, I usually put it in a rice cooker for 15 minutes. When I do I add 3 parts water to 1 part dry (ie 3/4 cups water to 1/4 cup quinoa ) I played around with different amounts of water and 3x seems to make it turn out the 'fluffiest.'
  • cheers_b
    cheers_b Posts: 74 Member
    rookie question: what does "bump" mean?
  • nextrightthing
    nextrightthing Posts: 408 Member
    Best way to cook Quinoa.......rinse very well until the water runs clear (use a very fine sieve).......bring 1 cup quinoa to a boil with 2 cups of water..... boil for 3 minutes..... turn off the heat and put a lid on the pan....... leave for 25 to 30 minutes

    this makes an easy and beautiful pot of fluffy quinoa
  • Doodlewhopper
    Doodlewhopper Posts: 1,018 Member
    Bump is a place marker for later reference. When you post on a thread it is stored under the "My Topics" on your home page.


    FYI

    On the subject of microwave vs. stove top cooking: I have found that on my gas range I can boil water faster than in the microwave, and gas is cheaper than electricity.
  • SouthernArt77
    SouthernArt77 Posts: 223 Member
    I've never tried making quinoa in the microwave, but if itworks let me know I will try it. I usually make 1/2 cup of dry with one cup of water and it yields about 1 1/2 cups cooked. If your familiar with Pinterest there is TONS of awesome Quinoa recipes on there. I love this stuff!
    This is my favorite ( I dont make the vinagratte I just squeeze some lime juice or use apple cider vinegar):

    SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA SALAD WITH CHIPOTLE VINAIGRETTE
    For Salad:
    1 cup quinoa
    1 can sweet corn
    1 can black beans
    1 package small roma or cherry tomatoes
    1/3 of a red onion, diced
    roughly 1/3 cup cilantro
    avocado
    This looks really good! Thanks for sharing!
  • tmstebb
    tmstebb Posts: 13
    QUINOA BURGER

    2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)

    3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)

    1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese

    1 medium carrot, finely grated (OR 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry)

    3 eggs

    3 tablespoons all purpose flour

    2 green onions, including white parts

    1 /2 teaspoon Splenda or sugar

    1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

    1/8 teaspoon salt

    1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

    Olive oil for frying

    In a large bowl combine the 2 rounded cups of cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, Splenda, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.

    (To help them stay in patty form and not fall apart, I cook them on med-low slowly so they have longer to set-up without burning. Makes them easier to flip, too.) Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick. Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Makes approx. 10 burgers.

    Per burger: Calories 132; Protein 8 g; Fat 5 g; NET Carbs 12 g; (Fiber 2 g); Sugar 0 g; Sodium 200 mg

    Here is a good website...more Quinoa recipes too.......http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com/
  • U002324
    U002324 Posts: 8
    I tried this recipe today and it was nice and fillings - calories are not too bad either http://thescrumptiouspumpkin.com/2013/07/29/greek-tomato-feta-quinoa-salad/
  • tfisher0915
    tfisher0915 Posts: 32 Member
    Bump
  • kurziemom
    kurziemom Posts: 2 Member
    please don't forget to rinse the quinoa before cooking. it has a coating on it that tastes soapy if you don't.
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