There was a time when I thought I hated quinoa; that its chewy and almost-crunchy texture just wasn’t for me. Over the years, however, I’ve experimented to find the perfect quinoa-to-water ratio and cooking time for the foolproof method of how to cook quinoa that actually turns out soft and fluffy every single time.
If you like pillow soft quinoa, this quinoa recipe is for you!
Table of Contents
Yes, today’s how to cook quinoa recipe might not be the most interesting recipe ever posted… but it’s the base for a few other more exciting recipes I hope to post soon: breakfast quinoa, quinoa chocolate chip cookies, and quinoa pancakes.
EDIT: The Breakfast Quinoa and Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies are now both up on the blog!
This basic quinoa recipe can be eaten on its own as a simple side dish, or spice it up by stirring in a little garlic powder and oregano, tossing it into a stir fry, adding a spoonful of tahini or some tomato sauce. Let your imagination run wild.
You can even use it for my favorite Quinoa Pizza Bites!
Do you have any favorite quinoa recipes? I still have a ton more quinoa recipes that I still need to publish on the blog, so be on the lookout for more healthy quinoa recipes to be posted in the near future.
Also, in your comments please feel free to leave links to your own favorite quinoa recipes if you wish.
How To Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw quinoa (80g)
- 1/4 tsp salt – optional
- 1 2/3 cup water
- optional 2 tsp oil
Instructions
- How to cook quinoa: In a strainer, rinse quinoa and drain. Bring a small pot with the 1 2/3 cup water to a boil, then add the quinoa and all optional ingredients. Lower the heat to the lowest simmer, and cover. Simmer for 40 minutes, covered, then do not open the lid but turn off the heat completely. Let sit an additional 20 minutes, covered. After this time, the quinoa should be light and fluffy. If it's still too liquidy for some reason, simply turn the heat back on and stir for a few minutes until fluffy.NOTE: When found in nature, quinoa has a coating of bitter-tasting saponins. These occur naturally in the quinoa to prevent insects from eating the plant. Most packaged quinoa will be pre-washed; however it is always a good idea to wash the quinoa again just in case.View Quinoa Nutrition Facts
Notes
Edit: How To Make Quinoa – The Quick Way!
- 1 cup raw quinoa (160g)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups water
Instructions: In a strainer, rinse quinoa well. Drain. Now combine the raw quinoa with the other ingredients and bring to a boil uncovered. When it starts to boil, cover and simmer (or cook on low if your “simmer” is too gentle like mine is) 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and quinoa is light and fluffy.
More Healthy Savory Recipes
Or this Cauliflower Pizza Crust
I kind of like the slightly bitter quinoa aftertaste!
(Also, would you be interested in creating a savory quinoa-and-veggie based fritter?)
InStyle magazine published a recipe last year that I LOVE. I’ve made it for French, American, Finnish, and Czech friends. They all LOVED it too, and without fail, someone asks for the recipe. I substitute the much easier to find edamame for the fava beans. The ingredients together seem bizarre – lemon, radishes, edamame, avocado, cumin, basil – but they go together so surprisingly well. I have it in my write-in cookbook, but a quick web search had it posted on this blog: http://foodielawyer.com/2012/03/quinoa-avocado-edamame-salad/
After I’ve thoroughly rinsed it, I like to fry dry Quinoa for 10 minutes before cooking as normal. It brings out a lovely nutty flavor and makes the kitchen smell wonderful.
I only started liking quinoa recently too. My favourite quinoa recipes are:
http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/creamy-caprese-quinoa-bake/
http://www.ambitiiouskitchen.com/2013/09/lentil-quinoa-chili-vegan-gluten-free/
I like to add pre- cooked Quiona to my almost fully cooked Oatmeal along with some Nuts and Dark Chocolate Syrup for a Chooclatey Breakfast that is good for you!!!
Keep up the good work on the blog!
Thanks for the quinoa tips!! I had a question about your pumpkin cereal: Would puffed cereal (like puffed kamut) work?
Sorry, I haven’t tried it.
We love quinoa. I usually cook it in broth. Our favorite recipe & one we have several variations for is like a risotto. Here’s a link to the original recipe.
http://www.ziplist.com/recipes/747792-Einstein_s_Spinach_Quinoa_Risotto_Recipe?return_to=%2Frecipes%2Fbox
I love Quinoa!
My favorite recipe would be a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Dill, Cucumber, Parsley, Tofu, Chickpeas and Balsamic Dressing 🙂
I must say, i am looking forward when you bring forth into the world……. chocolate covered quinoa! Or if you were to create a quinoa cheesecake breakfast bowl with a carmeal sauce! Ihop and any breakfast food should start running! 🙂
Yum! I like to cook it in almond milk and add cocoa powder and whatever sweetener I am in the mood for!