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)

Bread Pudding in the Microwave
Dishes of whole-grain bread pudding with raisins.

Bread Pudding in the Microwave

A quick and easy breakfast, snack or dessert recipe that combines warm cinnamon, whole-grain bread and sweet raisins.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Roasted Vegetables
Plate of roasted thin whole carrots and brussels sprouts.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast your favorite vegetables with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Rice Bowl Southwestern Style
Bowls of rice, vegetables and chicken with shredded cheese.

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Lots of filling grains, healthy veggies and southwestern flavor make this a meal to enjoy any time of day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Sautéed Cabbage
Plate of cabbage mixed with shredded carrots.

Sautéed Cabbage

Earthy with a bit of sweetness, this tasty sautéed cabbage recipe only has 5 ingredients and is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Plant Part Salad
Wooden bowl filled with a variety of raw vegetables.

Plant Part Salad

Kids learn the parts of a plant and how to make a tasty salad with this recipe.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Cherry Puff Pancake
Photo of Cherry Puff Pancake

Cherry Puff Pancake

A fun to bake pancake recipe known by some as a Dutch Baby. Try with cherries or your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 pieces