How to cook Quinoa
Perfect Quinoa: A Simple Trick for Chewy Tender Grains
Quinoa is a fantastic, versatile grain that’s a staple in many plant-based kitchens. It’s also naturally gluten free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a powerhouse ingredient for healthy living. But if you’ve ever cooked quinoa and ended up with a mushy, gummy pile of quinoa following package instructions, you’re not alone.
The Secret to Perfect Quinoa
Most quinoa packages recommend cooking with a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. However, this often results in overcooked, mushy, clumpy quinoa that just plain sucks. To achieve chewy, tender, and crumbly quinoa, ideal for salads and other recipes, try using a 1:1 water-to-quinoa ratio instead. Here’s how you do it:
How to cook perfect quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
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Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.
Cook in a rice cooker
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Add the quinoa, water or broth and salt if using to your rice cooker. Push the button and wait until it's done!
Cook on stovetop
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Combine and Boil: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 1 cup of water (or broth), and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Simmer and Cover: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
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Fluff and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool slightly before using it in your recipes.
Why This Works
Using equal parts water and quinoa ensures that the grains cook evenly without becoming waterlogged. The result is perfectly cooked quinoa that’s chewy, tender, and doesn’t stick together, making it perfect for salads, bowls, and other dishes.
Recipe Ideas
- Tabbouleh: Replace the traditional bulgur with quinoa in our favorite Mediterranean Tabbouleh recipe.
- Quinoa Salad: Toss your crumbly quinoa with fresh veggies, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutritious salad.
- Quinoa Bowls: Layer your quinoa with roasted veggies, greens, and a protein source like chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying meal.
- Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: Use your perfectly cooked quinoa as a filling for stuffed peppers, combined with beans, spices, and a bit of cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based delight.
Give this method a try and let us know how it transforms your quinoa dishes! Happy cooking, and remember, wellness starts one meal at a time.