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Natural quinoa seeds contain a coating of bitter-tasting chemicals called saponins, which make their seeds less-palatable to birds and other seed-eaters. These saponins are mildly toxic naturally. For quinoa to be made edible, it has to be rinsed to eliminate the saponin layer. This can be done easily by soaking for a couple hours, then changing the water and soaking again. An excellent way is to rinse quinoa in running water for several minutes, using a sieve. Now most quinoa that we know of which is easily available in the US market has already been washed and processed before it is packed and sold. However, in case you have a pack that is not rinsed (friends visiting from Bolivia!), my five step guide is precisely what you need. Rinsing quinoa seeds: 1. Take a significant bowl and pour the pack of quinoa seeds into it. 2. Now fill it with cold water sufficient to soak all of the seeds plus some extra. Rub the seeds with the help of your palms for a minute or so. This helps in releasing the saponins. 3. Take a fine mesh strainer and pour the quinoa plus the soaked water through the strainer. 4. After you’ve drained the soaked water maintain the strainer with quinoa under flowing water for a few minutes. Try this until the water runs clean and without any soapy film. 5. You can now use this quinoa to put together your appropriate food. The additional quantity is usually just air dried by spreading it on a sheet of kitchen towel and let it dry. This air dried rinsed quinoa may be stored in an air tight container and used afterward. The best way to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker Quinoa is an excellent source of balanced vegetable protein which makes it essential for vegans and vegetarian. It packs a nutty nutritional punch by containing nine different kinds of healthy proteins. Cooking quinoa is a simple task. However to make it even quicker and simpler, I have been experimenting with cooking quinoa in a rice cooker. Post a handful of mishaps as a result of the chef's indiscretion, I am now fairly comfortable with this method of cooking and you could try precisely the same in your kitchen. It took me about 20 mins to obtain this ready and the below serves 3-5 persons. What you need: 1. One cup pre rinsed quinoa 2. Two cups of vegetable / chicken stock or plain water 3. One tsp salt The Process: Place quinoa in the rice cooker and add stock/water to it. Turn on your rice cooker and press the 'Rice' button. With respect to the make and model of the rice cooker you use, you might not locate the 'Rice' Button. In the event you don’t see that button on your cooker, just cover the lid and turn it on. Wait for 15 minutes or, until the quinoa grains are translucent and the outer germ separates from grain. Your hot and fluffy quinoa is ready to be used. If you don’t find pre rinsed quinoa (which is a rare possibility) use my tips to rinse quinoa. For an indepth look at quinoa, visit my extensive resource at http://myquinoanutrition.com
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Quinoa Nutrition, Quinoa cooking, How to cook Quinoa in a rice cooker, Quinoa rinsing, How to use quinoa,
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