Love Quinoa but can’t have gluten? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new and interesting grain to try? Either way, we’ve got you covered!
Quinoa can be expensive so substituting it with budget-friendly grains is always a great option.
This blog post will discuss ten substitutes for Quinoa that are all tasty and nutritious. Moreover, some of them are gluten-free as well.
We’ll explain the differences and similarities between the substitutes and provide the exact ratios to use when substituting.
So whether you’re looking for a replacement that tastes exactly like Quinoa or something new and exciting to try, here’s a list of alternatives for quinoa you can use.
Substitutes for Quinoa:
- Cooked Rice
- Cooked Chickpeas
- Cooked Couscous
- Barley
- Cauliflower Rice
- Millet
- Lentils
- Roasted Vegetables
- Nuts
- Teff
Cooked Rice
Cooked rice makes an excellent substitute for Quinoa in many recipes. Like Quinoa, brown rice is easily available and relatively inexpensive. Plus, it has a similar texture and color and cooks up quickly. Brown rice is also a good choice if you want to cut down on carbs.
Depending on the type of rice you choose, it can also be just as nutritious as Quinoa. And last but not least, rice is delicious! So whether you’re making a stir-fry or a grain bowl, cooked rice makes a tasty and satisfying base.
Cooked Chickpeas
When it comes to Quinoa, chickpeas are a good substitute. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and are gluten-free. Additionally, they are larger in size, making them more filling.
This substitution works well in soups and stews. Chickpeas can also be used as a replacement for Quinoa in salads.
You can either get canned chickpeas or have fresh ones. Since they have a high fiber count, they can serve you well. You can also grind it into hummus, making it a mouth-watering dip.
Cooked Couscous
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have Quinoa on hand, couscous makes for a great substitute. The two grains are similar in taste and shape, and couscous is also creamy.
Plus, it takes less time to cook than Quinoa, making it a perfect option when you’re short on time. Moreover, it is a healthy grain that can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads or meat.
Barley
One of the readily available substitutes for Quinoa is barley. Barley is a healthy grain that is also gluten-free and easy to cook.
It is packed full of nutrients, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthy alternative to Quinoa. Additionally, barley is usually cheaper than Quinoa, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Moreover, you can make a combo bowl of barley with fruits and a nutrient-rich breakfast or toss it with tomatoes and cucumbers to create a yummy salad.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to Quinoa, as it is much lower in carbs and calories but still provides some essential nutrients.
Cauliflower rice is also a healthy option, as it is free of gluten and other potentially harmful substances.
Additionally, cauliflower rice has a mild flavor, making it more versatile and easier to incorporate into different dishes.
Whether you want to cut down on carbs or calories or simply want a healthier option, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute for Quinoa.
Millet
Like Quinoa, millet is high in magnesium and has a fluffy texture.
It is also quite versatile – it can be used in sweet or savory dishes, making it a great option for those who are looking for a quinoa alternative.
In addition, millet is more widely available than Quinoaand tends to be less expensive, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Lentils
Lentils come in various colors and shapes, making them a versatile option for many dishes. However, they are not grains. They are actually pulses.
They also take longer to cook than Quinoa, so they are a good choice for dishes that require longer cooking times.
They’re firm and tasty, making them an ideal replacement for Quinoa in many recipes.
Roasted Vegetables
If looking for a substitute, why not try roasted vegetables? Roasted vegetables are rich in nutrients and offer lots of variety.
Moreover, they’re a healthy option for those looking to avoid Quinoa. There are many benefits to using roasted vegetables as a substitute for Quinoa.
First, roasted vegetables are rich in nutrients. This means that they can provide the same nutritional benefits as Quinoa.
Additionally, there is a lot of variety when it comes to roasted vegetables. You can roast practically any vegetable, which means that you can tailor the dish to your specific preferences. However, you can commonly use carrots, zucchini, and broccoli.
Also, roasted veggies are low in calories and fat and are a good source of fiber.
Nuts
For those who are looking for a crunchy texture and a high protein alternative to Quinoa, nuts are a great option. Walnuts, cashews, and almonds all make excellent substitutes in recipes calling for Quinoa.
They can be used as a quick alternative in stir-fries or as a crunchy topping on salads. In addition, nuts are a good source of healthy fats and fiber.
Teff
Teff is a gluten-free grain, rich in vitamins and similar to Quinoa in texture and flavor.
Teff can be used as a substitute for Quinoa in many recipes. When cooked, Teff provides a nutty and earthy flavor that is similar to QuinoaQuinoa. In addition, Teff is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense grain.
One of the major benefits of Teff is that it is gluten-free, making it an ideal grain for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Moreover, Teff goes well with savory and sweet dishes.
Conclusion
Now you would’ve found out that there are many substitutes for Quinoa. Each with its own unique benefits.
We hope that this article has helped you better understand the different ways Quinoa can be replaced.