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)

Barley Lentil Soup
Bowls of soup containing colorful vegetables, lentils and barley.

Barley Lentil Soup

One-pot hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with veggies, herbs and grains!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 and ½ hours
Makes:
10 cups
Summer Cucumbers
Platter of seasoned cucumber and red onion slices.

Summer Cucumbers

A quick and simple side dish of crisp cucumber and onion with tangy red wine vinegar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes
Red potato, mushroom and green beans covered in a creamy herb sauce.

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Warm and creamy dish that is on the table in 30 minutes. A great holiday dinner or potluck recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Mix and Match Grain Bowl
Two versions of a grain bowl with vegetables and chicken or tofu.

Mix and Match Grain Bowl

Make a simple, delicious and healthy meal for any time of day with ingredients you have on hand and these mix and match ideas.
Prepare:
varies
Cook:
varies
Makes:
4 servings
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy Pulled Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder and spices from your pantry. Slow cooking is a simple way to create tender and juicy pork for many different meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
7 to 9 hours
Makes:
5 cups
Cherry Scones
Photo of Cherry Scones

Cherry Scones

Warm and buttery treat combining whole-wheat flour, tart cherries and buttermilk. Perfect for breakfast or on the go.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 scones
Was this page helpful to you?