How to Cook Perfect Quinoa
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5
How to Cook Perfect Quinoa
Description
To cook perfect quinoa, start by rinsing the grains thoroughly under cold water to remove saponins that can cause bitterness. Combine rinsed quinoa with water and kosher salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer the quinoa like pasta until the grains become translucent around 8 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally prevents sticking. Drain the cooked quinoa and return it to the pot. Cover with a kitchen towel and lid, letting it rest and steam for 5 to 10 minutes to become fluffy and fully tender.
The resulting quinoa has separate, soft grains with a subtle nutty flavor and slight chewiness in the center, making it a versatile base or side dish. It can be served warm directly or cooled for salads and other recipes.
Cooked quinoa stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container. For additional flavor, cook quinoa in broth or add aromatics like smashed garlic during boiling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water. Add the water to the pan with the quinoa and kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
- Boil the quinoa like pasta, until al dente and the centers become transparent, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 12 minutes. Drain, fluff with a fork, and return the quinoa to the pot, cover with a kitchen towel and a lid and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, or spread the quinoa on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool.
- Cooked quinoa can be stored in a sealed container and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa well before cooking improves flavor and removes bitterness.
- One cup of dried quinoa yields approximately three cups cooked.
- To enhance flavor, cook quinoa in broth or add a smashed garlic clove to the boiling water, then discard before draining.
- Cooked quinoa keeps refrigerated in a sealed container for 4 to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 104 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 104kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 395mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 160mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Calcium | 17mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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