How to Make Plain Quinoa

Learn how to make plain quinoa in three simple steps that always result in the perfect fluffy texture. Then use it as a side dish any way you like.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 8

Cook Time 15

Total Time 23

Servings

Calories 86kcal

Author Oriana Romero

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (200 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
2 cups water (480 ml) (see notes)
Salt to taste

Instructions

Rinse quinoa under running water, rubbing them together with your fingers to ensure you wash off all the unpleasant-tasting coating. Drain.
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Then add the drained quinoa; stir and toast for 2 minutes.
Add water. At the first boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 min or until all the liquid has evaporated.
When the quinoa is done cooking, use a fork to fluff it and season with salt, to taste. Serve.

Video

Notes

STORE: Store leftover quinoa in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.

QUINOA: you can use any color quinoa you like. 1 cup of uncooked quinoa will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

WATER: You can substitute water for vegetable or chicken stock. In that case, omit the salt called in the recipe. If you want your quinoa al dente, reduce liquid to 1 3/4 cup per cup of uncooked quinoa.

JAZZ UP YOUR PLAIN QUINOA

After the quinoa is cooked, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon, or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco.

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Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate, and it can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition