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Basic Quinoa Recipe

Unlock the culinary magic of quinoa with this simple yet perfect recipe! Quinoa, a complete protein and gluten-free grain, cooks up light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile in just 20 minutes. Use it as a healthy rice substitute, the base for vibrant salads, or the star of your next tabouleh. This recipe yields 3 cups of perfectly cooked quinoa, ready to elevate your meals.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 156.4 kcal
Protein 12g
Rating 4.7 (17 Reviews)
Basic Quinoa 28

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Quinoa

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

How to Make Basic Quinoa

  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes any bitter saponins.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/2 cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan (approximately 1 1/2 quart).
  3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
  5. Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and finish cooking.
  6. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked quinoa!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

1g

Carbs

9g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Salads Lunch Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Salmon Recipes Vegetarian Proteins The Americas American Healthy Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free One Pot Meals 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation North American Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less African Easy Low Fat Vegetarian Grains Dietary Low Sodium Gluten Free Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Free Of Something Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains 3 Steps Or Less