A Handy Guide for Cooking Quinoa
What is quinoa?
Quinoa is a gluten-free super food; a complete protein food that contains complex carbohydrates, protein, minerals, essential amino acids and healthy natural fats. It might look like a grain, and is typically lumped in with grains like rice and barley, but those little pieces of quinoa are actually seeds. When cooked they go from being tiny hard balls to a mass of tender, toothsome fluffiness. So what’s the best way to cook quinoa? There is no one universal answer! With our easy step-by-step guides for How to Cook Quinoa on the stove, in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, you’re sure to find the perfect method for you. Today I’m going to show you how to make quinoa all three ways, plus an optional step of toasting the quinoa that really helps develop the nutty flavor. Enjoy fluffy quinoa as a side dish, include it in salads or bowls, or use it in recipes that call for rice or any other grain!
Ingredients You Need
Quinoa – any color or type of quinoa, including white quinoa, red quinoa, black quinoa, or tri-color quinoa Water – or chicken or vegetable broth Salt and pepper – both to taste Olive oil – optional, to toast the grain-like seeds in the pan before adding water
How to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop
How to Cook Quinoa in the Slow Cooker
Make quinoa nearly all hands-off with the crockpot! Get it started earlier in the day, and without another thought, it’ll be ready to serve at dinnertime. To cook quinoa in a slow cooker, first place the quinoa water, and spices in the crock pot. Set on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Fluff with a fork and serve.
How to Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot
Free up the stovetop and prepare quinoa in the pressure cooker! Set the instant pot on Sauté. Once hot, add the olive oil and quinoa to the pressure cooker. Stir and toast the quinoa briefly before stirring in the water and spices. Then, lock the lid in place and set the instant pot on Pressure Cook High for 3 minutes. Once the timer goes off perform Natural Release for 10 minutes (i.e. don’t touch it!). Then finish with a quick release, open the instant pot, fluff and serve.
Optional Add-Ins
Jazz up the fluffiest quinoa with any mix-ins you like! Here are some of our favorite simple but flavorful ingredients for you to consider adding to quinoa:
Spices – Before adding quinoa to the boiling water first mix in seasonings like a teaspoon or two of cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning, or other spice blends to complement the meal. For some heat consider sprinkling on some crush red pepper flakes before serving. Other aromatics – Add minced garlic, grated ginger, fennel seeds, diced onion, or shallots to the boiling water or broth before stirring in the dry quinoa. Fresh herbs – Gently stir in your choice of chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint after the quinoa has cooled. Protein – Toss in cooked chopped chicken, turkey, or crisp tofu.
What to Do With Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense wonder has a similar texture as many grains (i.e. rice, corn) but is actually a small seed. So it’s a more protein-rich option for making all kinds of dishes that are a bit lighter on the carbs and calories, but are also still super versatile and satisfying! Use cooked and cooled quinoa in salads to make them extra hearty and delicious. Try these favorite recipes:
Lentil Salad Thai Quinoa Salad Crispy Kale and Quinoa Salad Quinoa Salad with Green Chile Dressing Chunky Mediterranean Salad THE Jennifer Aniston Salad
Prepare a batch on the stovetop, slow cooker or Instant Pot, and use the cooked quinoa to make any of these winning savory dinner quinoa recipes:
Confetti Quinoa Stuffed Chicken Vegan Plant-Based Meatballs Stuffed Zucchini Boats Chicken Bowls with Romesco Sauce Superfood Fajita Bowls Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet
Looking for More Handy “How To” Guides? Be Sure to Check Out:
How to Cook Basmati Rice How to Cook Barley (with Pearl Barley Salad Recipe) How to Cook Chickpeas 3 Ways How to Make Herb Infused Honey How to Reheat (Basically) Anything in an Air Fryer
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