Ways to Prepare Quinoa

By Wendy Polisi

Expert Author Wendy Polisi

Quinoa is a delicious super food that is also very versatile. If you are new to cooking quinoa, you may be wondering how to prepare these tiny seeds. Here are a few ways that quinoa can be prepared.

Getting Started

Before you start cooking, you will need to rinse it thoroughly to remove the saponin that is on the outside of the quinoa. I like to soak it for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing, but if you are short on time you can skip this step. Place the quinoa in a fine colander or a regular colander lined with cheesecloth. Rinse for 3 to 4 minutes, agitating with your hands every now and then.

Stove Top Preparation

The most common way of preparing quinoa is on the stove top. The amount of liquid to quinoa ratio can vary depending on how much time you have and how fluffy you would like the end result to be.

For the fastest cooking, use two parts liquid to one parts seeds. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for between 15 and 18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

If you have a little more time and would like your quinoa to be fluffier, you can use 1.25 parts liquid to one part quinoa. Bring to a simmer and then reduce to low. Cook covered for 30 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed.

Steaming Quinoa

Stove top steaming is one of my favorite ways to cook quinoa. Bring two parts liquid to one parts quinoa to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water in a fine metal colander. Bring a fresh pot of water to a boil. Place quinoa in the colander over the water and cover with a dish cloth and lid. Steam for 10 minutes or until soft but still firm to the touch.

Baking Quinoa

I love to bake quinoa and use it as a topping over yogurt and fruit. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Toss the quinoa with one tablespoon of honey (or agave nectar) and one tablespoon of olive oil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring frequently.

Cooking in a Rice Cooker

When you cook quinoa in a rice cooker, you will need one parts quinoa to two parts liquid. Turn the rice cooker on and cook for between 15 and 18 minutes.