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How to cook quinoa: a nutty flavor and super fast cooking time make cooking quinoa from scratch a great option for healthy meals!
Around here, we love quinoa – but I remember when it was new to me and all the questions I had.
What is quinoa?
Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”) is classified a “super food”, and is considered to be a whole grain. It is one of the most popular health foods, due to it being gluten-free, high in protein (and fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E).
It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a very distinctive, slightly chewy texture, and is great as a substitute for rice or couscous (4o calories fewer than the same volume of rice).
There are over 100 different varieties – but we tend to stick to the white.
Fun fact: Quinoa is not a grass like wheat or rice – it’s actually related to spinach and amaranth.
Check out how to cook Farro in this post!
Why should I eat quinoa? Is quinoa good for you?
Well, it tastes good. Plus it’s gluten free, and high in protein. And it’s good for you!
One half cup of cooked quinoa – has 4 grams of protein, 2.6 grams of fiber, 140 mg of phosphorus, 159 mg of potassium, 1.4 grams of iron, and 1 mg of zinc.
Quinoa also contains small amounts of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Why rinse quinoa?
While most boxed quinoa is already pre-rinsed, I always give it a good rinse anyway.
Rinsing will remove the natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. Saponin is a naturally occurring chemical that coats every tiny grain of quinoa – it’s there to ward off insects—but it has a strong, unpleasant taste. Blech!
How to cook quinoa:
1 cup uncooked quinoa needs 1.75 Cups of liquid (the box says 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid – but for me, if you do a 1:2 ratio, you end up with gummy, paste-y quinoa)
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The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa until the water runs clear.
- In a small saucepan bring water (or broth, depending on usage) to a boil then add quinoa.
- Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until all the water is absorbed (Small pockets of air will appear on the surface – see pics below)
- Remove from heat, and remove lid.
- Fluff with a fork.
- Devour.
Recipes using quinoa
- Healthy Quinoa & Black Bean Salad
- Quinoa Patties with Sriracha Dip
- Fresh Ginger & Orange Scented Quinoa
- Quinoa Bowls with Turmeric Tahini Sauce (from Lemon Blossoms)
- Quinoa Greek Salad (from Bowl me Over)
- Mango Lime Quinoa Salad (from Bucket List Tummy)
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on Kylee Cooks, leave a comment and rating – I truly love to hear from you!
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How to cook Quinoa – and what to do with it!
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 ¾ cups water or broth
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa until the water runs clear.
- In a small saucepan bring water (or broth, depending on usage) to a boil then add quinoa.
- Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until all the water is absorbed (Small pockets of air will appear on the surface – see pics below)
- Remove from heat, and remove lid.
- Fluff with a fork.
- Devour.
Tips & Notes:
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Jennifer Stewart says
Very informative and helpful. I need to dig into some of those recipes.
Sandra says
We love quinoa, but didn’t realize it’s packed with all those nutrients! Perfect side to just about any dish and how handy that it cooks quickly!
Madi says
This is so good to know! I have a ton of quinoa that I didn’t know what to do with! Can’t wait to try your ideas!
michele says
We love quinoa and make it all of the time… Ive always used my rice cooker…. this way worked out even better! Thanks!
Brandi Burgess says
I am ashamed to say I have never had quinoa! I NEED to give this a try!!!!
Michaela Kenkel says
This was really informative!! thanks so much!
Julie Menghini says
What a helpful recipe! I love having quinoa as a side dish and these tips and recipes look amazing!
Deb says
Dan and I love quinoa but just don’t eat it enough. Thank you for reminding me of all the healthy benefits, definitely need to work it in more often!
Kathy says
I love quinoa and I will be making it more often with this easy how to tutorial. So easy to make and so good for you!
Jaida ~ Sweet Beginnings says
What a great post about quinoa! All those health benefits and so easy to cook! We need to use it more!