How to Cook Quinoa (in Case You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask)
Quinoa is everywhere — in your oatmeal, your veggie bowls, and even your burgers. Considering quinoa’s growing popularity over the past several years, you might be wondering how late is too late to ask, “How exactly do you cook quinoa?” The answer, actually, is never! Just like there’s nothing wrong with starting your New Year’s resolution in February, there’s nothing wrong with learning to cook quinoa in 2018. Check out the instructions below to get started.
1. Remember the ratio. Just like rice, quinoa is cooked in a two-to-one ratio of water to quinoa. So that means that however much quinoa you decide to cook, you’ll need twice as much water. For example, if you’re preparing one cup of quinoa, then you’ll need two cups of water.
2. Wash the quinoa. You’ll need to wash the quinoa thoroughly before cooking it. It’s best to do this with a mesh strainer, as quinoa grains are very small and will slip through other types of strainers. Simply measure out your quinoa into the strainer and then run under cold water, scrubbing with your free hand. This process should only take about 30 seconds.
3. Boil the water, then add the quinoa. Turn the heat up and let the water come to a rolling boil. Then you can stir in the quinoa.
4. Let it simmer. After adding the quinoa, cover your pot and turn the heat to low. Let everything simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
5. Allow it to steam. Once all the water has evaporated, turn off the heat and let the quinoa continue to steam in the covered pot. The quinoa is done when little curly sprouts pop out of the seeds and it looks fluffy and light. Fluff it with a fork and serve.
Now that you’re a pro at this trendy and tasty dish, show us how you made it on Instagram.
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(Photos via Melanie Burke / Brit + Co)
