Years ago, I found a way to cook quinoa without cooking it. And it didn’t need to be instant quinoa (back then, you could find pre-cooked quinoa flakes, but it would be mushy like oatmeal). You only needed a heavy-duty thermos, boiled water, and time. While this might not be the best method for backpacking, it is a great choice for car camping, at a cabin, or on cold days in the mountains (snowshoeing, skiing).
The thermos method allows you to have a full meal without needing 2 pots to cook in. It also lets you boil water at lunch and then have dinner ready with less work.
This is the base recipe, halved from the original recipe (see link above). It can be modified to become a flavored pilaf quite easily. It’s also gluten-free and a more complex carb than instant rice is. If your dinner is a hearty soup, stew, or sauce, you can pour it over the quinoa for a satisfying meal.
Quinoa Thermos Method
Ingredients:
- ½ cup quinoa (prewashed*)
- 1 cup boiled water
- Pinch of fine sea salt, if desired
Directions:
Add the quinoa to a 10—to 12-ounce insulated thermos food jar. Pour in the boiled water, seal the jar tightly, and shake gently a few times.
Let sit for 3-4 hours.
Open up and fluff up.
Serves 1.
To make it into a pilaf:
- Add 1 tsp regular or (vegetarian) low sodium broth powder
- A tablespoon of dried diced onion
- Dried herbs as desired
- 1 Tablespoon dried vegetable blend
What Is Pre-Washed Quiona?
When you buy quinoa, it is essential to read the package. Much of what is sold isn’t washed. Quinoa naturally contains saponins that make it bitter. You must wash it first in a mesh strainer to remove them. But if you are a careful shopper, you can find brands that take this step for you. Bob’s Red Mill is one brand that does. This way, you can measure it out and carry on. No other steps are needed. The saponins are what make quinoa grow so amazingly. We have grown it on our homestead, and nothing and nothing eats it. Until you wash the seeds that is.
What Is A Food Jar?
Years ago, I picked up a 10-ounce Stanley insulated “food jar,” or a thermos that is short and easy to put a spoon into. A great example is this 12-ounce food jar made by Stanley. They come in plenty of colors. If you want to make it a double batch, consider a larger food jar. Just make sure it has a wide opening.
~Sarah