How to Cook Quinoa
Use this easy foolproof method to make perfect light, fluffy quinoa every time!
Prep: 2min
Total: 27min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 3/4 cups water
Instruction:
- Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered for 10 more minutes.
- Fluff with a fork.
Perfect Quinoa
Learn how to cook perfect quinoa, every time. I’ve tried all the other quinoa cooking methods and this one works best. It’s easy to cook fluffy quinoa when you know the right way to do it!
Prep: 2min
Total: 22min
Yield: 3
Serving Size: 1 cup cooked quinoa
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 cup cooked quinoa, calories 208 calories, Sodium 2.8 mg, Fat 3.4 g, Saturated Fat 0.4 g, Carbohydrate 36.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 part uncooked quinoa (e.g. 1 cup quinoa—any color will do—you will end up with three times as much cooked quinoa)
- 2 parts water (e.g. 2 cups water)
- Salt, to taste (around 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of dry quinoa)
Instruction:
- Rinse the quinoa: Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh colander and rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. Drain well. This step removes any bitterness on the outside of the quinoa (caused by naturally occurring saponins).
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat a bit to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 10 to 20 minutes (small amounts of quinoa will be ready closer to 10 minutes; larger amounts between 15 to 20). Reduce heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. This step gives the quinoa time to pop open into little curlicues, so it’s nice and fluffy. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt, to taste, unless you’re proceeding with another recipe as written.
How To Cook Perfect Quinoa | Healthy Tip Tuesday
FAQ
What can I add to quinoa to make it taste good?
I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper. I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.
What goes well with quinoa?
What to Serve with Quinoa? 8 BEST Side Dishes
- 1 – Steamed Kale. Kale is known as a superfood, and it’s one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. …
- 2 – Roasted Brussel Sprouts. What is this? …
- 3 – Eggs with Veggies. …
- 4 – Vegetable Soup. …
- 5 – Baked Sweet Potatoes. …
- 6 – Roasted Beets. …
- 7 – Rice and Beans. …
- 8 – Vegetarian Chili.
What is the best way to eat quinoa?
Use quinoa just as you would any other grain, like rice or barley. It makes a fantastic side dish for almost any meal, especially if cooked it with broth instead of water and add a bay leaf to the pot. It can also be used in breakfast porridges, and salads.
Why do you soak quinoa before cooking?
*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).
