About Quinoa: How to Grow and Cook Quinoa Recipes

Many wonder how to cook Quinoa, it's very easy and doesn't take long to prepare.  Quinoa can be cooked in a rice cooker, in the microwave, or on the stovetop...instructions for each can be found on this page.

The first time I discovered Quinoa was not online or at the food store, but when we were at our favorite health food store, Miller's Natural Foods in Lancaster County, PA.  Each spring when we visit for our anniversary weekend, I stock up on grains for the year that I store in our refrigerator, freezer or cabinet..whichever is appropriate.

Quinoa is popular because it is a unique and natural grain, well actually it isn't really a grain...more about that later...it is higher in protein than rice and has a lower glycemic index than rice.  Plus it is delicious!

Image Credit

by Claudia aka happynutritionist
Updated 2/27/13

How do you cook Quinoa? First, here is how to cook Quinoa on the stovetop.

Cooking Quinoa is similar to cooking rice, it cooks in 10-15 minutes.

• Cook with 2 cups of water to every 1 cup of Quinoa
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  
• Cover and cook 10-15 minutes
  
• Turn off and take off the heat right away, as you want the Quinoa to be cooked firm but soft, and not "mushy. 

If this is your first time cooking Quinoa and it doesn't have the consistency that you like after cooking, don't worry, you will learn from your experience and do better the next time.  I often turn the burner off a few minutes before suggested, but leave the lid on and let it "cook" in it's own heat during the remaining time.

When you look at cooked Quinoa, it may appear to you that the "grains" have a little white string wrapped around part of them...this is normal...it is the germ of the seed. 

Let us know in a comment if you have had any experiences cooking Quinoa that might be helpful to us.

Quinoa is good just as it is, hot, with a little olive oil or butter stirred in, and we like to season it with Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Seasoning.

I will provide links to recipes for Quinoa below as we do tend to keep things simple.

Another thing that I like to do during warmer months is the following cold salad:

• After cooking, stir a little olive oil with the Quinoa so it doesn't stick together and refrigerate
• After it is cool, cut up in small cubs cucumber, green peppers, green onions and tomatoes.
• Add to the cooled Quinoa, and toss/stir together
• Add a few dashes of olive oil and either red wine or apple cider vinegar and stir in gently but well. 
• Serve right away or put back in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors blend nicely over time.

Enjoy!