Quinoa in Indian Cooking: Things to Know

Over the years, Quinoa has gained popularity as a superfood in the United States and is now also greatly used and liked in India for its nutty flavor.

In Bengal, it is known as “Kawon er chal” and is used in various religious occasions to make rice pudding, khichuri, and other dishes.

Quinoa is a millet-like crop similar to jowar and bajra, and is cultivated in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and other states in India.

In this article, we will discuss various aspects of cooking quinoa, including some Indian recipes, spices and herbs that complement its taste, and the best food options to pair with it.

Table of Contents

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a highly nutritious pseudocereal that originated in the Andean region of South America. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and was a staple food for the Inca civilization.

Quinoa is often considered a superfood due to its impressive nutritional profile, which includes high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

It is also gluten-free and can be a great alternative to grains for those with gluten intolerance.

Quinoa can be cooked in a variety of ways and has a mild, nutty flavor that makes it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Uses of Quinoa in Bengali & Indian Cuisines

Quinoa or Kawon or Kaon er chal is a forgotten crop of India, Bengal. ‘kaun-er payesh’/rice pudding is one nice dish that Bengalis love during their festive occasion.

It is white and grainy to produce different types of recipes like khichuri, payesh, and even normal cereal alternatives to rice.

It is a millet like jowar, bajra, and others. Now everyone who is looking to reduce fat and have intercontinental dishes take quinoa as their staple diet.

If someone is looking for pseudo cereal then quinoa is the right thing to do. There are essential amino acids that are loved by many vegetarians.

There are so many quinoa recipes out there that we will share with you which are delicious and gluten-free at the same time.

This grain is nutty but it tastes wonderful every time you cook it. you can simply make different kinds of recipes. But before you cook this you should keep some points noted.

You must rinse the quinoa under a fine mesh colander before cooking. Other grains are completely different from quinoa.

This is always prepared in less amount of time and you can finally get the end product within a very short time.

Let us check some of the Indian recipes that can be made with quinoa or kawon.

Quinoa Khichdi/Pulao: You can make khichuri out of it with a few regular spices and easily available vegetables.

Quinoa Pudding: You can add milk and sugar to Quinoa and make beautiful rice pudding out of it.

What Does Quinoa Go Well With?

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Some of the best foods to pair with quinoa include:

Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and zucchini go well with quinoa and add a pop of color and flavor.

Legumes: Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are excellent sources of protein and fiber that complement quinoa perfectly.

Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds add crunch and texture to quinoa dishes.

Herbs and Spices: Cilantro, parsley, cumin, and chili powder are just a few examples of herbs and spices that can enhance the flavor of quinoa dishes.

Fruits: Dried or fresh fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apples, and pears can add sweetness and texture to quinoa salads.

Overall, the possibilities for pairing quinoa with other foods are endless, making it a versatile and delicious ingredient in many dishes.

What Happens If You Don’t Rinse Quinoa Before Cooking?

If you don’t rinse quinoa before cooking it, it can result in a bitter or soapy taste due to the presence of saponins.

Saponins are natural compounds found in quinoa that act as a natural defense mechanism against pests, and they can cause digestive discomfort if ingested in large amounts.

Rinsing the quinoa before cooking helps to remove these bitter-tasting saponins and improve the flavor and digestibility of the quinoa.

Why is Quinoa Always Mushy?

Quinoa can become mushy if it is overcooked or if it absorbs too much water during the cooking process.

It is important to cook quinoa with the correct ratio of water to quinoa, and to not overcook it.

Overcooking can cause the quinoa to break down and become mushy.

Additionally, it is important to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any saponin residue, which can affect the texture and flavor of the cooked quinoa.

Finally, letting the quinoa rest for a few minutes after cooking can also help prevent it from becoming too mushy.

Should You Toast Quinoa Before Cooking?

Toasting quinoa before cooking can enhance its flavor and texture.

When you toast quinoa, it develops a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. This can add depth to your dishes and make them more enjoyable.

To toast quinoa, you can simply add it to a dry skillet over medium heat and stir it constantly for a few minutes until it turns a light golden brown.

Then, rinse it in a fine mesh strainer and cook it according to the instructions on the package.

While toasting quinoa is not necessary, it can be a great way to add flavor and texture to your dishes.

So, if you have the time and inclination, it is definitely worth considering.

Questions & Answers:

Should You Rinse Quinoa with Cold or Hot Water?

It's recommended to rinse quinoa with cold water. Hot water can cause the quinoa to start cooking, which can affect its texture and make it mushy.

Additionally, rinsing with cold water helps remove the natural coating of saponins that can make quinoa taste bitter or soapy.

What Happens If You Overcook Quinoa?

Overcooking quinoa can make it mushy and lose its fluffy texture. The grains can break down and become clumpy, which can make it less appealing to eat. Additionally, overcooked quinoa can lose some of its nutritional value, such as protein and fiber content.

What Can You Put in Quinoa to Make It Taste Better?

The best Indian spices and herbs that you can use for your quinoa are black pepper, salt, turmeric, dried bay leaf, and cumin. You can add milk, sugar, cilantro, parsley, and even dill. You can cook it and pot the best one to make it look better.