Sprouting quinoa is a fun and easy way to have quinoa at home without spending money on a prepared product at the store.
About Quinoa
Contrary to popular belief, quinoa isn't exactly a grain, though it can be described as a grain-like crop. Quinoa hails from South America, where it has been used for thousands of years. Though its greens are edible, quinoa is mostly used for its seeds. There are a few different varieties of quinoa, which range in color from a basic yellow to red to black.
Sprouting Quinoa Seeds
Sprouting quinoa takes a little patience, and there is more than one way to do it. Some individuals purchase sprouting units, available online or at specialty kitchen stores. However, special equipment isn't necessary. Just follow the below steps for sprouting quinoa in your own kitchen without any extra gadgets.
- Place quinoa seeds in a container with a lid that closes tightly.
- Cover the seeds with water so they are completely submerged.
- Allow the seeds to sit in the water overnight or for at least 10 to 12 hours.
- Drain the seeds and pour them onto a large plate or tray. (The seeds should have enough room to make a thin layer across the surface of the plate or tray.)
- Cover the plate with a cloth thick enough to shade the quinoa from light.
- After eight hours, rinse the seeds and repeat steps four and five. Allow the seeds to sit for another eight hours, and repeat steps four and five one more time.
After about 48 hours, your quinoa should be sprouted.
What to Do with Sprouted Quinoa
Sprouted quinoa is a very versatile food. The below are just a few basic ideas for how to incorporate the sprouts into your diet, but feel free to get creative and experiment with flavors and textures.
- Add the sprouts to salads. Raw, sprouted quinoa provides a new depth of flavor and texture many people enjoy with chopped greens or on a bed of spinach with other flavorful vegetables.
- Incorporate quinoa sprouts into your wraps or sandwiches. Bulk up your lunch with the delicious sprouted seeds; they will keep you fuller for a longer period of time and add a nutritional punch to your day.
- Sprinkle the sprouts on soup. Quinoa adds fiber and protein. In a highly seasoned dish, you may not taste the flavor of the quinoa, but you'll gain its many nutritional benefits.
- Cook with quinoa. Add the sprouts to stir fry for a unique dinner experience.
Quinoa Nutrition Facts
Quinoa is a popular food for vegetarians and vegans because of its standout nutritional value. It contains a much higher protein content than grains and has many essential amino acids that can be difficult to get with a vegan lifestyle. Raw foodists will also enjoy the health benefits of quinoa. One cup of cooked quinoa contains about 150 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates, six grams of protein, and two and half grams of fat.Quinoa can be purchased in most large grocery chains, at specialty grocery stores, and online in bulk quantities. Visit your favorite recipe Web sites to find other ideas for how to cook quinoa and further incorporate it into your diet.
