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How To Make Quinoa

by Lynne Webb on February 10, 2014 (Updated August 10, 2021) // 1 Comment

How To Cook » How To Make Quinoa

How To Make Quinoa

by Lynne Webb on February 10, 2014 (Updated August 10, 2021) // 1 Comment

Learn how quick easy it is to prepare quinoa as a side dish or as a base for a healthy meal.
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Raw quinoa in a wooden bowl with a measuring scoop.

Quinoa is a firm-textured grain with a subtle nutty flavor that cooks up fluffy and light. It can be used in place of rice or couscous in many recipes and it’s quick and easy to prepare.

Once a staple food of the ancient Incas, quinoa, a highly nutritious grain native to South America, is finding its way onto American tables with increasing frequency.

Because it contains eight essential amino acids, quinoa is considered to be a complete protein. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than most other grains, gluten-free and a good source of iron and fiber.

How to Make Quinoa, Step-By-Step

  1. Thoroughly rinse the quinoa with cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This removes a somewhat bitter, soap-like coating of a naturally occurring substance called saponin. Saponin is thought to be quinoa’s natural protection against insects, birds, and fungus, and most of it is removed during processing, but rinsing is still a good idea for best results.
  2. Place the quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 12 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
  3. Fluff with a fork, add seasonings or combine with other ingredients as you would rice or couscous.

Recipe Variation: Quinoa with Scallions

We serve this easy variation alongside our Spice Breaded Chicken Tenderloins, but it would make a great accompaniment for just about any grilled, roasted, or pan-seared protein.

Prepare our basic recipe with the following substitutions:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan and sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
  • Add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until most of the broth has been absorbed, about 12 minutes.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 sliced scallions and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 3 minutes before serving.

More Quinoa Recipes

  • Curried Lentil, Quinoa, and Vegetable Stew
  • Southwest Chicken Quinoa Bowl
  • Greek Spinach and Quinoa Salad
  • Sweet-Smoky Baked Quinoa Burgers
  • Quinoa with Roasted Eggplant, Kale and Mushrooms
  • Rainbow Quinoa with Chorizo-Vegetable Medley
  • Stir-Fried Quinoa with Eggplant and Cabbage
How To Prepare Quinoa

How to Make Quinoa

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Learn how quick easy it is to prepare quinoa as a side dish or as a base for a healthy meal.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time : 15 mins
Total Time : 20 mins
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water, stock, or broth

Instructions 

  • The first step is to thoroughly rinse the quinoa with cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This removes a somewhat bitter, soap-like coating of a naturally occurring substance called saponin.
  • Saponin is thought to be quinoa’s natural protection against insects, birds, and fungus and most of it is removed during processing, but rinsing is still a good idea for best results.
  • Place the quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until all the water is absorbed about 12 minutes.
  • Quinoa turns translucent when fully cooked. Fluff with a fork, add seasonings or combine with other ingredients as you would rice or couscous.

Recipe Notes

Recipe Variation: Quinoa with Scallions

We serve this easy variation alongside our Spice Breaded Chicken Tenderloins, but it would make a great accompaniment for just about any grilled, roasted, or pan-seared protein.
Prepare our basic recipe with the following substitutions:
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan and sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant.
  • Add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until most of the broth has been absorbed, about 12 minutes.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 sliced scallions and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 3 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
How to Make Quinoa
Amount per Serving
Calories
156
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
8
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
239
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
27
g
9
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
6
IU
0
%
Calcium
 
24
mg
2
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.

Author: Lynne Webb | 

Course: Side Dishes
 | 
Cuisine: American

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Comments

  1. Rosemary from SC says

    February 20, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Thank you for mentioning to rinse… for the longest time I didn’t like quinoa’s taste, however, when I learned to rinse, I found that, when rinsed before cooking, presented a grain of infinite yummy possibilities.

    Reply

Hi there! We’re Lynne & Erika, seasoned home cooks and recipe creators here at My Gourmet Connection. Our aim is to bring variety and new flavors to your everyday meals and we’ve got hundreds of recipes for you to explore. Welcome!

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