The KInd Life Community Forum

About a month ago, I decided to try quinoa for the first time. I wanted to try a new grain (well, seed), and I heard that quinoa is a good source of protein. I made a recipe that I found online, similar to a risotto with mushrooms and spinach. It was delicious! The only problem was that I felt awful the next day, and again after eating leftovers. I didn't know what was causing me to feel that way, but I suspected that it may have been that I didn't rinse the quinoa as thoroughly as I thought.

I haven't been carefully planning my meals, so I didn't let the quinoa soak overnight (probably my downfall)--I wanted that risotto immediately! I measured the amount, poured it into a strainer, and rinsed it under the tap. The water was clear when it passed, so I assumed the quinoa was ready to cook. Is this wrong?

Does anyone have a recommendation for a better way to prepare quinoa? I've been hesitant to give it another try since I felt so terrible the first time, but there are so many awesome-sounding recipes that call for it. Thanks in advance!

I believe it was cooked thoroughly--it wasn't crunchy or anything--but I've never had it before, so I really don't know what the correct consistency is for quinoa. It was similar to rice if I remember correctly.

Nausea was the main symptom, though I was kind of dizzy/lightheaded as well.

Thanks for the tip! I'll look into sprouted quinoa, and hopefully I'll have a better result next time. (I honestly didn't realize there were different types. You'd think that would have come up when I was looking into cleaning it.)

Anyway, I'm going to cook something with quinoa this week and see if I can reverse my stomach's topsy-turvy reaction to the thought of it.