Instructions: Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that can be consumed by just about everyone. That is, virtually no one has an allergic reaction nor any other negative side effects from consuming it. (Unlike wheat and other gluten grains.)

Its similar to white rice, but it is much lighter in texture. It cooks with the same water to grain ratio (basically, 2-1), and at about the same time and the same method as white rice (approx 20 minutes).

I cook it in my Black and Decker steamer, and simply follow the directions for long grain white rice:
Here are the proportions I use in my steamer:

1/4 cup long grain white rice
1/4 cup quinoa
3/4 cup water

34 - 36 minutes

1/2 cup long grain white rice
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup quinoa

37 - 41 minutes

The key is to make sure you rinse it very very thoroughly. It has a bitter outer coating, and if you dont get rid of that, the cooked quinoa will be bitter. I swish the quinoa around in water and change the water a couple of times. Ive never had bitter quinoa.

A great way to introduce it into your diet (and your family will most likely not notice) is to cook it half and half with white rice. This is my favorite way to serve it because I find it too delicate alone to serve with heavy toppings, such as stir fries.

I imagine it would also be an excellent substitute for couscous in most dishes.

Do give quinoa a try - especially mixed with rice. For me, its been the only whole non-wheat grain Ive found easy to include in my diet.

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