How to Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of water or broth
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 2 minutes. This removes the saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste.
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. If using salt, add a pinch now.
- Add Quinoa: Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Quinoa is done when it is translucent and the germ has spiraled out from each grain.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, still covered. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Quinoa can be served as a side dish, used in salads, or incorporated into soups. It's a versatile grain that pairs well with vegetables, proteins, and dressings.