5 Ways to Cook Quinoa

If you’re on the hunt for a nutritious, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire, look no further than quinoa. This humble ancient grain (technically a seed!) has surged in popularity over the years, and for good reason. It’s packed full of proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it’s delightfully easy to prepare and adapt to many dishes.

Today, we’re going to explore not just one, but several ways to cook this wonderful little grain. So, grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!

Cooking Quinoa: A Basic Guide

Before we jump into the different methods, here’s a simple guide to cooking quinoa. No matter the method, these steps stay the same:

What You’ll Need

• Quinoa
• Water or broth
• A fine mesh strainer
• A pot with a lid or a rice cooker

Steps

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cool water using a fine mesh strainer. This removes the saponin coating that can make quinoa taste bitter or soapy.
2. Ratio of Quinoa to Liquid: The general rule of thumb is a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid. So, for 1 cup of quinoa, you’ll need 2 cups of water or broth.
3. Cook Until Fluffy: Cook your quinoa until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa looks fluffy. You’ll know it’s done when the little “tails” (the germ) start to pop out.

Now, let’s dive into the different ways you can cook quinoa!

Stovetop Method

The stovetop method is the most common way to cook quinoa and it’s incredibly straightforward.

1. After rinsing your quinoa, place it in a pot with your liquid of choice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes (still covered), then fluff it with a fork and serve.

Rice Cooker Method

Did you know that you can cook quinoa in a rice cooker? This hands-off method is great when you’re busy with other things.

1. Rinse your quinoa, then add it to your rice cooker.
2. Pour in your liquid, close the lid, and set your rice cooker to its “white rice” setting (or equivalent).
3. Let the rice cooker do its job. When it’s done, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes, then fluff and serve.

Microwave Method

Yes, you can even cook quinoa in the microwave! This method is perfect for those in a rush or with limited kitchen appliances.

1. Rinse your quinoa and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add your liquid, then cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
3. Microwave on high for 6 minutes. Take it out (be careful, it’s hot!), stir, then microwave for another 2 minutes.
4. Let it sit covered for about 10 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed, then fluff and serve.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot provides another hassle-free method to cook your quinoa.

1. Rinse your quinoa, then place it in the Instant Pot.
2. Add your liquid, then close the lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position.
3. Choose the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 1 minute.
4. When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
5. Open the lid, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes to absorb any leftover liquid, then fluff with a fork and serve.

The Sauté Method

For a bit of extra flavor, try the sauté method.

1. Rinse your quinoa, then heat a bit of oil in a pot.
2. Add the quinoa to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly toasted.
3. Pour in your liquid, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff and serve.

There you have it, folks! Multiple ways to cook quinoa to fit your schedule, equipment, and mood. Quinoa’s subtle, nutty flavor and wonderful texture make it a fantastic addition to salads, soups, stir-fries, and even breakfast bowls. So next time you’re craving a nutritious and easy-to-cook grain, remember quinoa and these versatile cooking methods. Here’s to happy and healthy cooking!