How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa

Last update May 19, 2020 13:36 by Pambos Miltiadous

Quinoa has come a long way in the last few years — all the way from the back shelves of health food stores to national supermarket aisles. Its high protein content, sweet and nutty flavor, and delicate texture have made quinoa a popular substitute for starchier pasta and rice — though once you try it, you're not likely to think of it as a "substitute" again! Quinoa is an easy grain to love.

What Is Quinoa?
Cultivated in the Andes for over 5,000 years, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has been called "the mother grain" and "the gold of the Incas." Technically, it's not a grain but a seed, though it is used in virtually all the same ways as other whole grains. Over the last few years, the popularity of quinoa has grown steadily as people have discovered its pleasant nutty taste and superfood qualities. As a complete protein source also high in iron, magnesium, and fiber, quinoa is not only one of our healthiest pantry staples, but also one that's incredibly easy and quick to cook.

What You Need

INGREDIENTS

1 cup uncooked quinoa (any variety — white or golden, red, or black)
Olive oil (optional)
2 cups water or low-sodium broth
1/2 teaspoon salt

EQUIPMENT

Fine-mesh strainer
2-quart saucepan with lid
Spoon

DIRECTIONS

Rinse the quinoa. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse thoroughly under cool, running water. Rub and swish the quinoa with your hand while rinsing. Drain.
Toast the quinoa in a saucepan (optional). Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the drained quinoa and cook, stirring constantly, to let the water evaporate and toast the quinoa, about 1 minute.
Add liquid and bring to a boil. Stir in the water or broth and the salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
Lower heat and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Turn heat down to the lowest setting. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let stand for 5 more minutes, covered. Don't peek!
Fluff and eat! Uncover — You should see tiny spirals (the germ) separating from and curling around the quinoa seeds. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and serve. If any liquid remains in the bottom of the pan or if the quinoa is still a bit crunchy, return the pot to low heat and cook, covered, for another 5 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed.