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White rice is perhaps the biggest blank canvas in the culinary world, able to accommodate a host of flavors, textures, and sauces. Quinoa is one such ingredient that instantly elevates white rice, adding texture and flavor. It may not have the universal appeal of a pairing like peanut butter and jelly, but this grain-on-grain combination can be a fluffy, flavorful comfort food that harmoniously improves both grains.
Pairing quinoa with rice works for a few reasons. From a texture perspective, white rice’s soft, smooth texture contrasts the nutty, chewy texture of quinoa, creating an interesting mouthfeel that ensures the person eating doesn’t get tired of the taste or feel of one or the other. Another plus is that while quinoa brings more nuttiness, both grains have a fairly mild taste, which means it’s easy to impart flavor into both of them. Because they can be easily upgraded, the pairing can work as a simple side dish or a key part of a full entree.
One more benefit is that adding quinoa brings more protein and fiber to your meal in one easy move. Quinoa also has a lower glycemix index than white rice, which is good if you want to keep your blood sugar more level.
How to add quinoa to rice for an easy upgrade
One of the best things about a rice and quinoa combo is that you can cook them together. With both grains, home cooks can combine them and let them simmer in salted water on the stovetop. When cooking is complete, the grains can be fluffed up together with a fork. This method can be used with any kind of rice, but white rice offers a touch of starchiness to blend with the more earthy flavor of quinoa. The type of quinoa used is up to you. Red quinoa has a nuttier flavor than black quinoa, which has a hint of sweetness.
The balance between amounts of rice and quinoa is also a personal choice, but you may wish to start with one part quinoa to three parts rice, and up the quantities from there. Just check packets for compatible cooking times. Both rice and quinoa are sold in most grocery stores, or you can buy online. This organic quinoa on Amazon is good value.
As colorful and flavorful as quinoa and rice can be together, other ingredients can impart extra flavor. Using broth instead of water to cook them can add rich savoriness to both grains, as can a dash of soy sauce at the end. After the mix has cooked, vegetables bring color, crunch, and even more flavor to turn a simple combo of grains into a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Or use the grainy combo as the base for a comforting fried rice dish, a nutritious grain-based bowl meal or a tasty veggie tir fry.
