How do you prepare (wash) grains like rice or quinoa before cooking?

Question

Discover why you should wash grains like rice and quinoa. Learn the simple rinsing prep step that removes excess starch for a better final texture.

Answer 1

Rinse rice or quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and debris, resulting in a better texture and flavor.

Detailed Explanation:

Washing grains like rice and quinoa is a crucial step in preparing them for cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need a fine-mesh sieve or colander and a bowl (optional).

2. Place the grains in the sieve: Pour the rice or quinoa into the fine-mesh sieve.

3. Rinse under cold water: Hold the sieve under cold running water. Gently swirl the grains with your hand to ensure all of them are rinsed.

4. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear: This usually takes a few minutes. You'll notice the water initially cloudy due to the starch. Keep rinsing until the water becomes clear.

5. Drain the grains: Once the water is clear, allow the grains to drain thoroughly in the sieve.

6. Proceed with cooking: The rinsed grains are now ready to be cooked according to your recipe.

For quinoa, rinsing also helps remove saponins, a natural coating that can give it a bitter taste.

Pro Tip:

Don't skip the rinsing step! Unrinsed rice can become sticky and gummy, while unrinsed quinoa can taste bitter. Rinsing significantly improves the final texture and flavor of your cooked grains.