Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
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)

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Large platter of orange pumpkin cookies.

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Soft pumpkin breakfast cookies made with canned pumpkin, whole-wheat flour and warm spices.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
48 Cookies
Tuna Cabbage Salad
Tuna Cabbage Salad served on slices of toast.

Tuna Cabbage Salad

Light and healthy salad with shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Easy Manicotti
Plate of stuffed cheese pasta with red sauce and fresh parsley.

Easy Manicotti

Tender pasta loaded with creamy cheeses, fresh herbs and tangy tomato sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
14 Filled shells
Ants on a Log
Celery sticks spread with peanut butter and topped with raisins are displayed on a plate in a pinwheel formation. In the middle of the plate is a celery and peanut butter stick with mini pretzels extending out of the peanut butter like the wings of a butterfly.

Ants on a Log

Have some fun with this snack! Peanut butter, raisins and your imagination can be used to fill and decorate crunchy celery sticks.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Braised Radishes
Bowl of sliced and braised radishes.

Braised Radishes

Warm and tender radishes with a mellow flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Split Pea Soup
Two bowls of green and yellow pea and vegetable soup.

Split Pea Soup

Simple 5-ingredient split pea soup. Hot, creamy and comforting on a cold day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
9 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.