Directions
1
First things first, measure the quinoa. I use these dry measuring cups so the measurement is as exact as possible.
2
Next, rinse. This is to ensure there are no weird objects straying in the quinoa (it’s happened) and to rinse away the bitter coating that can sometimes make it taste a little funky. Rinse it for about 1 minute using a fine mesh strainer.
3
Once rinsed, add to a pot with water. You always want to use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. So, if you’re cooking 1 cup of dry, you’ll want to use 2 cups of water. If you’re cooking 1/2 cup dry, use 1 cup of water and so on.
4
Bring to a low boil.
5
Add seasonings of choice. I always add salt, but some garlic or onion powder is always delicious.
6
Stir and let simmer over low heat, uncovered, until all of the water is absorbed.
7
Cover to let it steam. At this point it will still look slightly undercooked, but it will continue to cook once it is covered, so do not add any extra liquid if you want the quinoa to be fluffy and not mushy!
8
After about 10 minutes, it will be done, so fluff it with a fork and serve!
9
If you follow the instructions on the package, you’ll usually be told to use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water (which is good!) but you’ll be instructed to cook it covered. This method isn’t necessarily bad but it will generally cause it to be mushy instead of fluffy.
10
Second, be sure to use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Any more water and you’ll probably end up with a pile of mush instead of nice soft individual kernels.
11
Can you freeze it?
12
Yes, you can absolutely freeze quinoa. Once cooked, it will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
13
Be sure to let it cool down completely before storing it in either the fridge or the freezer. Store it in an air tight container (or even a zip lock bag in the freezer) for best results.
14
Rinse the quinoa and add to a pot with the water and salt.
15
Bring to a rapid boil.
16
Reduce heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
17
After about 15 minutes or when the liquid is absorbed, remove from the heat and cover.
18
Let steam for about 10 minutes to finish cooking.
19
Fluff with a fork and enjoy!
Notes
Once prepared, cooked quinoa will keep in the fridge for about 1 week.
While cooking, quinoa expands by about 3 times. So, 1 cup of dry quinoa will yield about 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
For more flavor, you can use vegetable or chicken broth in place of water.