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)

Savory Sweet Potatoes
Heavily seasoned cubed sweet potatoes.

Savory Sweet Potatoes

A sweet and savory dish with hearty sweet potatoes and Italian seasonings. Ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Pico de Gallo
Small bowl of diced tomato-based salsa.

Pico de Gallo

This salsa combines the fresh flavors of veggies, herbs and tangy citrus for the perfect dip or topper for a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 pancakes (4-inch)
Carrot Ginger Salad
Photo of Carrot Ginger Salad

Carrot Ginger Salad

This flavorful, sweet and savory side dish is great for make-ahead meals!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Garden Herbal Tea
Mugs of water infused with herbs and orange peels.

Garden Herbal Tea

A quick and easy way to enjoy cold or warm tea using whatever herbs you like.
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Veggie Quiche Muffins
Plate of golden baked egg, vegetable and cheese quiches.

Veggie Quiche Muffins

Healthy grab and go breakfast that is warm, savory and filling.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
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.