Quinoa is a gluten-free seed, when compared to white rice, quinoa is much better. If you are looking for the best way to cook quinoa, you are in the right place. Because in this article, I will instruct you on how to cook quinoa on stovetop.
1. FAQs When Cooking Quinoa
1.1. Do You Have To Rinse Quinoa?
Yes, quinoa needs to be rinsed before cooking. Rinsing the quinoa helps clean it by removing residues or impurities. Additionally, rinsing quinoa is necessary to remove the seed’s bitterness. If you don’t rinse quinoa, it may taste slightly bitter, but it’s still safe to eat
Certain brands sell rinsed quinoa seeds which can be cooked directly without rinsing. So, check your quinoa packet before rinsing.
Before rinsing the quinoa seeds, soak them in a bowl of water for 1-2 minutes. Then, transfer the soaked quinoa to a mesh strainer or colander. Place it under running cool tap water and rinse for 30-40 seconds. While rinsing, rub the quinoa seeds with your hands to get rid of the bitterness. Drain or shake off the excess water.
1.2. What is the Ratio of Water to Quinoa?
The ratio of water to quinoa can vary slightly depending on cooking method used. However, as a general guideline, here are the commonly recommended ratios for cooking quinoa:
- On Stove: 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): 1 cup quinoa to 1.25 to 1.5 cups water
- Rice Cooker: 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water
1.3. How Much Quinoa Per Person?
The amount of quinoa per person can vary depending on the serving size and whether it is the main dish or a side dish. As a general guideline, you can use the following measurements:
- As a side dish: Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup (uncooked) quinoa per person.
- As a main dish: Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup (uncooked) quinoa per person.
These measurements can be adjusted based on individual appetite and dietary needs. It’s always a good idea to prepare a bit extra to account for any unexpected guests or leftovers.
2. How To Cook Quinoa on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa seeds
- 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: First, put quinoa in a fine mesh colander. Then place it under running cool tap water and rinse for 30-40 seconds. While rinsing, rub the quinoa seeds with your hands to get rid of the bitterness. Drain or shake off the excess water
Step 2: Pour the vegetable broth into a medium-sized pot and add the rinsed quinoa seeds with quinoa to water ratio is 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed): 2 cups of water, then season with salt and mix. If you want to add more flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Then place the pot on the stove on high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
Step 3: As soon as you notice the bubbling water, adjust the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 14-15 minutes.
Step 4: Turn off the stove but do not uncover the pot. Let the cooked quinoa rest for 10 minutes. Lastly, uncover, fluff up, and enjoy or you can use it to make easy quinoa recipes vegan such as Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
Now, you know how to cook quinoa on stovetop and you can easily have a good meal. I hope you all can learn and apply successfully the instructions that I shared above. Thank you for reading.
