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How to cook Quinoa perfectly, every time! It is gluten free, vegan, and so much easier to make than you may think. With minimal prep It is a great source of fibre to add into your diet and can be served with so many things! If you’re ready to learn how to cook quinoa, continue reading!
Recipe Difficulty – Very Easy
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
Quinoa is such a great anytime food! It can seem a little intimidating at first, but follow along with my how to make quinoa step by step and you will see how easy getting quinoa cooked can be! Cooking quinoa can be even simpler than cooking rice. And it works for any meal. There are so many ways to add it to your menu!
When it comes to breakfast, you can use it just about any way you’d use oatmeal – as a cereal, with fruit, in muffins, etc.
For lunch, dinner, and snacks, try using it in a salad, tacos, chili, etc. The sky is the limit! It’s a great way to add some more fiber into your diet. There are so many quinoa recipes out there! I’ll show you how to prepare fluffy quinoa, and you’ll be on your way!
This was inspired by my Pumpkin and Quinoa Curry recipe, and pairs well with this amazing Roasted Sprouts with Oranges & Walnuts recipe.
Ingredients to make Quinoa
- Quinoa – comes in a variety of shades. Any will work with this recipe!
- Water – is necessary with the perfect quinoa water ratio.
- Stock Pot/Cube – this is optional. I recommend it if you’re eating the quinoa alone, but you may choose to leave it out if using in other recipes.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Stock Pot/Cube – There are lots of things you could substitute to add some flavour to quinoa. Some examples are lemon juice, minced herbs, garlic powder, etc.
Variations
- Spicy – Add cumin and cayenne pepper to enjoy some spicy quinoa.
- Deluxe – There are so many ways to amp up quinoa! You can add in a chopped vegetable and some spices to make it perfect for your family’s new favourite dish! You can really go all out and try Southwest Quinoa, Mediterranean Quinoa, or a Quinoa Chickpea Salad.
- Kid friendly – Quinoa is a great food for when you start introducing solids to your baby. Make a breakfast bowl with their favourite tropical fruits. Some other great options for kids are Avocado Quinoa, Dark Chocolate Quinoa, or Cinnamon Quinoa Porridge.
See these Spicy Potato & Quinoa Cakes for a spicy version of this recipe on my website!
How to make Quinoa
Step 1: Firstly, rinse the quinoa in a sieve until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Put all ingredients in a covered pot over high heat. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue with the original timer.
Step 3: After the timer goes off, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for 7-10 minutes. It should remain covered.
Hint: Letting it rest while remaining covered is very important as helps to make the quinoa fluffy.
Leftovers
Leftover fluffy quinoa can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge or 3-4 months in the freezer. Quinoa is extremely handy for lunch or dinner as you can reheat it or eat it cold.
Recipe FAQs
They are all delicious! If you are new to quinoa, it is better to start with the lighter colours as they are milder in flavour.
Yes! It is naturally gluten free, so you don’t need to find a specific brand if you need to avoid gluten.
The best ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. Cook it for 20 minutes, bringing it to a simmer once it reaches a boil, and then leave covered for another 7-10 minutes to fluff up.
The best way to cook quinoa is on the stove. If you’re wondering how to boil quinoa, you’ll need to rinse it first, combine it with the water and any other ingredients, cover it, and start the 20 minute timer when you turn the heat up. Once it comes to a boil, reduce it to a simmer and finish out the timer. Allow it to sit with the lid still on for another 7-10 minutes off the heat and then enjoy!
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How to Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 300 g quinoa
- 600 ml water
- 1 stock pot/cube, (optional)
Instructions
- Firstly rinse the raw quinoa in a sieve until the water runs clear.
- Add to a pot along with the water and stock pot/cube (optional), place the lid on and put over a high heart and set timer 20 minutes. Once the water is boiling reduce to simmer (still using the same timer).
- Once the 20 minutes is up and all the water has been absorbed, take off the heat and allow to rest with the lid on for 7-10 minutes (this make it fluffy).
Notes
Nutrition
Thanks for this. Very helpful.
Thank you James… absolutely love your recipes. Not been well enough to try them yet, but you have really highlighted the brilliance of one pot, cheap meals that a novice to professional would use
I love quinoa, with it being so versatile, although I would never have thought to such an extent❣️ Polenta also underated but not many recipes around for solid (block) version, which I prefer. Also gluten free, plus vegan etc, I believe?
Wishing you & your family love & best wishes X
Fool proof way of cooking my quinoa going forward! Also loved the addition of stock to make it even tastier 🙂