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 used to love it but now it makes me vomit does anyone know why that is?
I use quinoa in so many recipes — sweet and savory. My favorite way to use it is as a replacement for ground beef in vegan mexican recipes. Like these quinoa tacos with homemade tortillas: http://bakingbackwards.blogspot.ca/2013/04/gearing-up-for-cinco-de-mayo-vegan-taco.html
As a cancer health educator and nutritionist, I heartily recommend quinoa – loads of nutrients, protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. Brilliant stuff. I cook using less water, 10 minutes simmering and five minutes sitting with the lid on. Always perfect! If you forget to rinse before cooking, you can rescue it by rinsing in running water and briefly reheating. Great hot or cold, even as porridge! Here’s a recent-ish quinoa recipe of mine: http://kelliesfoodtoglow.com/2013/06/07/quinoa-bowl-with-citrus-avocado-and-edamame/ *and* http://kelliesfoodtoglow.com/2012/08/17/tomato-and-skillet-corn-quinoa-salad/. I’m working on a quinoa crusted pie this week. I look forward to some quinoa recipes with the Katie touch!
Hi Kellie, can you please tell me if I can use the raw, ground quinoa (NOT cooked) in porridge? As a Nutritionist, you are the best person to ask Thanks heaps. Ruz
Hi Ruz, completely raw isn’t a great idea, but sprouted is fine for most people if you get organic and it has had the hull removed. I don’t want to ‘contaminate’ Katie’s site with a link, but a good how-to can be found on healthyeating.sfgate,com. You might need to search around but good instructions are there. I do this sometimes and it is really tasty. Some healthy experts do recommend completely cooking it, esp. if you have a lowered immune function.
I love quinoa! A while ago I had to start a gluten free diet, and we started making quinoa pancakes,putting it in soup,all sorts of things!
Yes I love love love quinoa (as much as oats) and use it loads in sweet recipes…mainly cookies and tray bakes. This is one of my favourites: a quinoa banana bread style slice. http://www.includingcake.com/home/2013/7/19/banana-quinoa-slice
My absolute favorite quinoa oatmeal! Ignore the foul language if it offends you, the website is hilarious! http://thugkitchen.com/post/51561424744/dont-give-me-that-i-dont-eat-breakfast
I am a quinoa fan. My favorite way to cook it is a variation of something I read in The Engine 2 Diet (where it was used for rice). It’s very simple, too — I replace 1 Tablespoon per cup of water I’m supposed to use with 1 Tbsp Bragg’s. It is great!
Doesn’t anyone sprout quinoa? You know what sprouting does for seeds and grain, right? Soak it for an hour or so and let it sprout for a day. Cooks up even fluffier. And nutritinally..well…you know.
I love quinoa…… When it’s still hot I add Parmesan cheese, then cool it and make a salad,, and add my homemade dressing. The best, crunchy veggies, cheese and dressing then whole grain croutons, can’t beat it. Jeanne.
Trying quinoa for the first time. Thanks for the recipe! Is it okay to make a big batch and reheat in the microwave each day? What’s your favorite way to eat it, sweet or savory?
Yes, you can reheat. And I like both 🙂