How To Cook Quinoa
How to cook quinoa with helpful techniques for making it perfectly light and tender every time. A healthy gluten-free and vegetarian option to accompany any meal.
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Strainer
- 2-3 quart saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place quinoa in a medium-sized bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 2 minutes.
- Transfer soaked quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer or seive. Rinse quinoa under cold running water for 30 seconds until water runs clear.
- Shake the sieve to remove excess water.
- Transfer to a medium-sized pot fitted with a lid.
- Add 2 cups of cold water and salt to the pot.
- Bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water boils, immediately reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover pot and simmer until quinoa absorbs all of the water and is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. If the quinoa still looks wet, continue to cook, checking every 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let stand, covered 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
Notes
- Toasting Option: Once quinoa is rinsed, it can be sauteed in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes before adding in water add salt. This will accentuate the slightly bitter and nutty flavors of the quinoa.
- Chicken, beef or vegetable stock or broth can be substituted for water to add more flavor the quinoa.