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Quinoa and lotus root frustration..
Started
by Ann Marie
on August 18, 2012
Hi guys!
Ok.. I could really use some good tips with these 2 things...
Firstly quinoa: made it for the 1st time yesterday, and I rinsed it and then had it cooking (1 cup quinoa) in about 3 cups water. It actually cooked for a long time, but I didn't know how to be sure when it's ready. The seeds were already quite fluffy, almost sticky, but when I tasted it felt like there were still hard 'chunks' in it.. could that be the white thingies that loosen after a while? Perhaps they don't go soft at all?
And also lotus root. I'd really like to steam lotus root, so it's on the stove now and has been there for like an hour, and it's still quite hard. I'd like the texture to be soft (like sweet potato steamed).. is it normal that this takes quite long? And I read something about boiling instead of steaming, and adding vinegar.. is this necessary? Right now it's turned purple. It looks kind of ok but I'm not sure if that's normal.
Any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated!!
xoxo AM
Hi you,
I can only help you with the quinoa as I haven't cooked roots before. What temperature did you set the quinoa on? Did you use a lid? Did you stir while cooking it? When I am cooking quinoa it doesn't take longer than rice, perhaps even less. I don't add salt as I read somewhere that it takes longer to cook when salt is added. Might be a mystery, but still...
I also learned not to stir grains while they are cooking. Otherwise they will stick, I have no idea why, it just does. I am wishing you good luck with your next quinoa project, let us know how it goes.
Hi CuGi!
Yay im glad you replied.
Well I just set it on the lowest temperature on the gas stove. (And didn't add salt).
I´ll try it again without stirring, and hope it goes well.:)
Thank you!
Ann Marie
Just wanted to add some helpful tips....
Take a few minutes to thoroughly rinse (i use my fingers to swirl & rub the grains for a bit, too) the quinoa before using and then strain. It sounds like you ended up with some dried clumps that didn't cook through, a good rinsing should help prevent this. Only use 2 cups of water for each cup of uncooked quinoa. First bring your water to boil water, add your quinoa & stir. Bring to a low simmer and cover your pot w/a tight fitting lid. Cooking time should be no longer than 12 to 15 minutes. I like to let mine sit an extra 5 - 10 minutes after I turn off the heat...makes it fluffier...hope this helps!
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