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5 BEST Substitutes for Quinoa: Nutritious Meals

Quinoa is the most popular and considered as the best super grains used for a healthy diet.

If you have learned about a clean diet, you should know that quinoa is commonly found in most vegetable dishes and meals.

However, if you are not a great fan of quinoa, don’t hesitate to use other equally healthy substitutes.

Also, these substitute grains could be the most efficient and healthiest choice that you can use to replace quinoa.

What is Quinoa?

what is quinoa

Quinoa is a super grain that is a very popular and healthy food used by people who like to stick to a healthy diet.

It is originated from Tropical South America, and it is a kind of rice-like grain with an earthy, nutty flavor.

When you cook quinoa, it gives out a chewy texture like barley or rice.

Quinoa contains more protein content than all other grains and nuts, and that is why it is considered the most nutrient food and is listed as a number one food in the healthy nutrition contender ranking.

Also, quinoa contains a lot of fiber content similar to vegetables with low GI and fruits.

Because of all these excellent characteristics, sometimes finding quinoa is not an easy task, and also it is expensive than other grains.

There are a lot of versions that substitute quinoa as a healthy alternative.

Most of the substitutes have similar nutritional values as quinoa, but they also have good proteins and low carbohydrates content.

The substitutes will help you to avoid some disadvantages of using grains.

In addition, if you don’t like some flavors or textures of quinoa, the substitutes will be a perfect choice.

5 Best Substitutes for Quinoa

best substitutes for quinoa

What are the substitutes for quinoa? Here, you can find the five best substitutes for quinoa that can help you choose one to replace quinoa.

1 – Teff

teff

Teff is considered one of the best substitutes for quinoa.

Teff also contains the same earthy and nutty flavor with different characteristics that go well with savory and sweet dishes.

Teff is surely one of the best substitutes as it is rich in vitamin C, gluten-free grains mostly used in Ethiopian cooking, like smooth and spongy injera bread along with cumin and Greek traditional dishes.

All these exclusive characteristics of Teff make it the perfect choice to replace quinoa.

Also, these seeds go well with savory and desserts and other dishes, including stew, to get the same flavors from quinoa.

2 – Kamut

kamut

Kamut is also one of the best substitutes for quinoa, and it contains a flavor similar to basmati rice with more protein, fiber, and more fatty acids.

Kamut seeds offer more nutrition value than any other healthy grain.

The term Kamut is obtained from a Khorasan, but it is the best substitute as it is fat-free and provides high protein value that makes it the best alternative for quinoa.

Also, Kamut keeps the shape unchanged even after cooking under hot temperatures that makes the dish look elegant and healthy.

Adjusting the flavor a bit, you can use Kamut in both savories and sweets.

Kamut is the best option for Mexican cuisines, and also it goes well with salad, try it, you are sure to enjoy the taste.

3 – Millet

millet

Millet is also one of the best substitutes for quinoa, and it is also the healthiest grain that matches the exact nutritional value of quinoa.

However, you can find different varieties of millets, but the most used one is pearl millet as it is easy to find and easy to cook.

Cooked millet is more creamy and fluffy than quinoa as these grains are cooked easily in water, so the longer you cook, and with more water, you cook millets, you will get the richer and the creamier texture.

Millet is high in magnesium and fully loaded with beneficial minerals that are good for heart and mind health.

You can replace quinoa with millet and enjoy your dish’s nutritional and beneficial facts and tasty flavors.

4 – Fonio

fonio

Fonio is also the best substitute for quinoa, and it is also the oldest grain that was initially found in Africa.

Fonio is loaded with high nutritional value compared to quinoa, and you will find Fonio seeds in the most sophisticated salads, cereal, and soups.

Fonio also provides a nutty flavor, and it looks like a pebble in shape.

Fonio is a kind of fusion between couscous and quinoa, and when it is cooked, it gives not only delicious taste and flavors but also provides healthy nutrition.

This vegan, gluten-free Fonio is also filled with minerals and vitamins.

It is a suitable alternative for quinoa that allows you to enjoy your favorite dishes.

5 – Cooked Couscous

cooked couscous

Couscous is considered one of the best substitutes for quinoa, and if you are a die-hard fan of Italian cuisine, then couscous is just you need to replace quinoa.

Couscous looks exactly similar to quinoa, and it is the best option if you want to cook creamy and rich rice dishes for dinner.

The earthy taste and flavor of couscous go well with vegetables, fresh fruits, and meat.

However, you should know exactly the amount to use to make the dish tasteful and flavorful the way you like the dish to be.

The best part about couscous is that it is simple and easy to prepare, and you can add your favorite ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, and green beans to get a highly nutritious meal for dinner.

Conclusion

Finding substitutes for quinoa is easy, and you can make healthy and exciting dishes that give a similar flavor and taste to quinoa with these substitutes.

So whenever you want a bit of change in texture or something different than routine, then you can try any of these substitutes mentioned above for quinoa and enjoy your dishes.

best substitutes for quinoa

The 5 Best Substitutes for Quinoa

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • Teff
  • Kamut
  • Millet
  • Fonio
  • Cooked Couscous

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Follow the substitution ratio to determine how much is required in your recipe.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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