How to Cook: Quinoa

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Everything you’ve wanted to know about Quinoa. This How to Cook: Quinoa guide features instructions on stovetop, pressure cooking, slow cooking and even rice cooker methods for cooking quinoa, plus there are a few delicious recipes to try as well.

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About Quinoa

Quinoa has gained popularity in recent years as a healthy alternative to traditional grains. The Incas called it the “mother of all grains.” It is gluten-free, high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa isn’t a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal which means it’s basically a seed prepared and eaten like a grain. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.

Typically the ratio for cooking quinoa is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water, but it you like a fluffier end result try 1 cup quinoa to 1.5 cups water. Play around with the ratio until you find what you like. 

How to Cook Quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa on the Stovetop

Rinse 1 cup quinoa and drain. Add to a pan with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.

How to Cook Quinoa in a Slow Cooker

Rinse 1 cup quinoa well in a mesh strainer. Add the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/2 cups water to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours, or 2-3 on high.

How to Cook Quinoa in a Pressure Cooker

Rinse 1 cup quinoa in a mesh strainer. Add the quinoa to pressure cooker with 1 1/2 cups water. Cover and secure the lid. Turn the heat up to high and until cooker indicates high pressure, lower the heat to maintain pressure and begin counting 1 minute pressure cooking time. After a minute, move the cooker off the burner and wait for the pressure to come down naturally (about 10 minutes).

How to Cook Quinoa in an Instant Pot

Cook for 1 minute at high pressure. Natural pressure release 10 minutes.

How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker

Wondering how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker? You totally can. Just add 1 part rinsed quinoa with 2 parts water, and turn on rice cooker. Cooking time will vary with your type of rice cooker and the amount of quinoa you’re cooking. 1 cup of cooked quinoa will be ready in 15 minutes.

Quinoa Recipes

Check out these delicious recipes using Quinoa:

Strawberry & Pecan Quinoa Salad
Bacon & Shrimp Quinoa Fried Rice
Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili
Roasted Stuffed Poblanos

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