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–+ servings

Fluffy Quinoa Recipe

Quinoa is an easy ingredient to use in a variety of recipes. It can be cooked easily on the stove or in a rice cooker.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

Rinse The Quinoa:

  • Add the quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Drain then add to the pot. (This step is optional - some quinoa brands are already pre-washed and don't require it. Be sure to check the package)

Cook The Quinoa:

  • Add 1 cup uncooked quinoa to a pot along with 2 cups of water (or broth). Bring the pot to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Cook until all the liquid has evaporated, about 10-15 minutes. Do not stir the quinoa during this time (stirring creates mushy quinoa).
    Two images of a white pot, first with uncooked quinoa and water. Second with a blue lid on top.
  • Check the bottom to see if the liquid is all gone, then remove from heat.
    Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Now you can fluff the quinoa with a fork.
    Two images of a white pot with cooked quinoa and a spoon.
  • Add to a bowl, season with salt and pepper. Use in your recipes or serve as a side dish. Enjoy!
    Cooked quinoa in a white bowl with a spatula.

Recipe Notes:

  • When preparing quinoa, you can soak it in water for at least 30 minutes prior. This will help release the phytic acid – an enzyme in quinoa that our bodies have a hard time digesting.
  • Toasted Quinoa: The uncooked quinoa seeds can be lightly toasted before cooking. This creates a lovely flavor. Place them in a frying pan without oil over medium-high heat. Toast for a few minutes, keeping an eye on them as you go. Once toasted they can be added to a pot with water to boil.
  • Cook Quinoa In A Rice Cooker: Add 1 cup of uncooked quinoa with 2 cups of water to a rice cooker. Turn on, or cook for 25-40 minutes depending on the rice cooker. 
  • To Serve: We love to serve plain quinoa drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Quinoa can be served in a similar way that you would eat rice.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Cooked quinoa can also be frozen and then thawed to use at a later date.
Nutrition
Sodium: 8mg | Calcium: 24mg | Vitamin A: 6IU | Fiber: 3g | Potassium: 239mg | Calories: 156kcal | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fat: 3g | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 27g | Iron: 2mg

Please note these nutritional values provided above are just an estimate. Actual numbers will vary based on brands and ingredients you choose, and your preferred portion sizes.

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