Soup Paste: Quinoa Recipes - Cooking Quinoa in a Crockpot

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Quinoa Recipes - Cooking Quinoa in a Crockpot

Quinoa is a versatile and delicious ingredient and, if you like to cook meals in a slow cooker, it might interest you to know that it can be cooked via this cooking method. Quinoa can be substituted for any grain in recipes although, technically, it is not a grain itself. It is the seed from a leafy plant. This ingredient is rich in iron, fiber, potassium, protein and other vitamins and minerals, hence its recent popularity. It is easy to digest too.

This ancient crop will grow in the mountains, in dry climates or in poor soil, making it an important staple in some regions. It is grown in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and in South America, although it originated in the Andes. You can get it in big grocery stores and health food stores.

Recipe for Crockpot Quinoa Stew

This hearty stew, which serves six people, is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This is a healthy yet delicious slow cooker recipe, which is idea for vegetarians and anyone who loves this delicious ingredient. You can serve it with sesame seeds or grated parmesan on top.

What you will need:

2 diced potatoes 2 cups brown lentils 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 finely chopped cloves garlic 7 1/2 cups water 1/2 diced sweet potato 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1/2 cup quinoa 2 tablespoons miso 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs

How to make it:

Rinse and drain the grains, picking out any stones. Put them in the crockpot. Add the tomato paste, herbs, potato, sweet potato, and six cups of the water. Cook for three and a half to four hours on high.

Add another cup of water halfway through the cooking time, when the stew is becoming thicker. When everything is tender, turn off the crockpot, add the soy sauce and let it sit for thirty minutes. Combine the remaining half a cup of water with the miso and stir this in the stew.

Recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Quinoa Soup with White Wine

You can use any kind of quinoa for this soup but the red variety seems to have more texture than the others do, which can go mushy. You might like to add mushrooms or celery to this recipe too.

The recipe itself is quite versatile so add anything you fancy or any vegetables that need to be used up. All the flavor comes from the chicken, vegetables, broth, and wine so use good quality ingredients.

What you will need:

2 cups water 1 minced onion 3/4 cup white wine 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup rinsed and drained red quinoa 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 chicken thighs or breasts 3 tablespoons butter 6 peeled, chopped carrots 1 teaspoon salt

How to make it:

Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on low for eight hours. Shred the chicken and stir it into the stew before serving.