What is quinoa pasta?
The ancient grain of quinoa has been feeding South Americans for centuries but was essentially unknown in other parts of the world until not too long ago. Usually seen in recipes as a steamed or boiled grain, quinoa is about the size of a minute round grain of rice and can also be consumed in the form of an all-time family favorite: quinoa. pasta. has a great texture and is gluten-free.
Give your weekly pasta night a healthy makeover by swapping out traditional pasta for quinoa pasta and upping the protein content.
Fast facts
- Nutritional benefits: high protein content and gluten-free.
- Varieties: They are found in many forms, such as traditional pasta.
- Found at: Most supermarkets and online retailers.
- Uses: Any pasta dish can be made with quinoa pasta.
What is quinoa pasta?
The ancient grain quinoa actually dates back thousands of years, but only recently has quinoa pasta made its way into dishes as an alternative to traditional pasta.
Quinoa pasta is made by grinding quinoa seeds from the Andean plant of the same name into flour, which is then made into a paste. High in protein, quinoa pasta has a similar texture to traditional and whole wheat pasta, and a pleasant bite when cooked al dente. Real quinoa pasta should only have quinoa flour on its ingredient list, but many brands mix rice, amaranth, millet, and cornflour with quinoa flour to make the final product. Check the label to make sure you’re buying quinoa pasta and look for wheat allergens if you need a strict gluten-free approach in your diet.
How to cook with quinoa pasta
Quinoa pasta is cooked in a similar way to whole wheat pasta. Use it in hot and cold pasta dishes. Fill large pot three-quarters full with cool, fresh water. Add a tablespoon of salt to the pot and bring the contents to a boil. Once the water has boiled, add whatever portion of quinoa pasta you want to the water. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil and stir gently to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick.
Most quinoa pasta will be ready in 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the shape and thickness. Check package directions for exact cooking times. When ready, the dough should be smooth but firm. Strain the pasta and add the sauce of your choice.
Where to buy quinoa pasta?
Quinoa pasta is easily found in most grocery stores and online. At the grocery store, look for it in the pasta aisle or the gluten-free section, depending on the store setup. Be sure to check the ingredients on the box, however, as some quinoa pasta contains various amounts of rice or corn and only a little quinoa. To reap the health benefits, look for a variety that is mostly, if not all, quinoa.
Storage
Once opened, store raw quinoa pasta in its original packaging or an airtight container in your pantry for up to 3 years. Once cooked, place the leftover quinoa pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition and benefits
Quinoa pasta contains a powerful nutritional contribution. It is high in protein, fiber, iron, and magnesium.
Several studies have suggested that quinoa may have a variety of health benefits due to its high fiber content. A high-fiber diet, like that found in quinoa, could help people live longer.
A gluten-free ingredient, quinoa pasta is an excellent alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Quinoa pasta lowers blood sugar, insulin, and triglyceride levels better than other types of gluten-free pasta.
