Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed has an earthy and nutty flavor with a fluffy, slightly chewy texture.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Pesto
Small bowl of pesto served with scrambled eggs.

Pesto

Pesto is a bright green sauce that can be enjoyed many ways. Freeze extra to have for meals and to season soups and sauces all year.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ¼ cups
Roasted Radishes with Peas
Plates of a vibrant pea and radish mix.

Roasted Radishes with Peas

Mild, slightly sweet, roasted radishes paired with bright and creamy peas, dill and lemon make the perfect side to any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Skillet Corn Chowder
Bowls of creamy corn soup garnished with microgreens.

Skillet Corn Chowder

Only 5 ingredients to make this creamy, cheesy, and comforting chowder.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Sautéed Cauliflower Rice
Two bowls of grated cauliflower garnished with parsley.

Sautéed Cauliflower Rice

A fun alternative to rice, this cauliflower rice is a great way to add more veggies to your meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Ginger Almond Asparagus
Sauteed asparagus slices with slivered almonds in a small bowl.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

A healthy vegetable side dish idea combines delicious sauteed asparagus with the perfect crunch of almonds.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Hummus (with tahini)
Hummus garnished with parsley served with carrot sticks, celery and radishes.

Hummus (with tahini)

Homemade hummus dip, blended with lemon, garlic, and tahini. Perfect for dipping veggies or pita!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Was this page helpful to you?