If you’re trying to eat healthier, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free you’ve probably come across the phrase “quinoa is a superfood”
Quinoa is a seed that is vegan and gluten-free.
Yea, it’s a superfood but most of the time it tastes yucky. It can’t pass a kids taste test because of its bitter taste.
Is there a way to make quinoa taste better or should I just eat brown rice?!
Below are three ways I’ve found a new love for quinoa. The secrets are revealed so you can enjoy this superfood without sacrificing yourself in the name of health.
Why does quinoa taste bitter?
There is a chemical on quinoa, called saponin, which is harmless to us but is made to deter birds from eating this seed. If you don’t rinse and use the tips below, you may feel like the bird- this stuff doesn’t taste right!
How to make quinoa taste better…
1. Always rinse your quinoa
Rinse quinoa in a strainer for a minute or two or until the water runs clear. This washes away some of that bitter chemical that coats the quinoa.
I’ve done this many times but sometimes it doesn’t even work. So if it doesn’t work see #2.
2. Buy better quinoa
If you can afford it, buy higher quality quinoa. Sometimes the package will read that it has already been rinsed too! This is almost a guarantee that the quinoa will be free of that bitter taste. Often times it can be far more expensive than the quinoa in bulk. (It’s worth it)
If you cannot spend the extra money on quinoa, see #3.
3. Cook quinoa in broth
My favorite way to make sure quinoa tastes great is to cook it in chicken broth. If you’re vegetarian, use veggie broth. Along with rinsing your quinoa, this will mask the bitterness and make it taste much better.
I even make a breakfast quinoa porridge that is cooked with almond milk and spices. This is another great way to enjoy quinoa because the milk and spices takes away the bitter flavor.
Get the recipe for quinoa porridge by joining the 5-day Mindful Morning Breakfast Challenge.
I hope this helped you out!
If you do make a quinoa dish and start to enjoy it, please tag me on insta @chefjoannas
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