Quinoa is an amazing pseudo-grain that is gluten-free, high in protein, and contains essential amino acids and lots of other good vitamins and minerals. Alone, it is similar to rice with a neutral light flavor, but mixed into a recipe it adds a nice nutty flavor and texture to many dishes. This is how to cook the basic grain, with minimal seasoning.
Course Main Course, Pasta + Grains + Dumplings, Salad, Side Dish
Ingredients
1cupquinoaSee note about rinsing quinoa
1 ½cupswater or brothSee note on water
½ teaspoonsaltoptional
Instructions
Stovetop instructions:
Bring quinoa, water, and salt if using to a boil in a saucepan. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed. ½
Fluff with a fork before serving or using in further recipes.
Instant Pot instructions main pot:
To cook the quinoa in the main pot of your Instant Pot, add the quinoa, 1 1/2 cups water, and salt if using to the pot. Close lid and turn valve to closed.
Cook for 1 minute on high. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then switch valve to open for quick release. Cooking time stays the same even if doubling or tripling the recipe.
Instant Pot - Pot in Pot instructions:
Place a trivet into the main pot and add one cup of water.
Place the quinoa, water, and salt if using into an oven-safe bowl that will fit inside your Instant Pot. Put this bowl on top of the trivet in the instant pot.
Close lid and turn valve to closed. Cook for 1 minute on high. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then switch valve to open for quick release. Cooking time stays the same even if doubling or tripling the recipe.
Notes
Note on rinsing the quinoa: Quinoa has a natural outer coating called saponin that is very bitter. Several brands offer pre-rinsed quinoa where the outer coat has been removed for you. Check your package directions to see if it specifies that you should rinse or if it is pre-rinsed. When in doubt an extra rinse won't hurt.To rinse your quinoa, you need something with a fine sieve. A standard colander has holes that are too large and the quinoa will fall through. Rinse under cold running water for 30-45 seconds. Allow excess water to drip out for a few seconds are you are good to go. No need to adjust the water in the recipe if you rinse or not.Note on water: Most package directions say to use 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. I have found that this leaves very wet quinoa and is not ideal for a recipe that includes extra liquids. If you are serving quinoa plain or in place of rice, the 2 cups of liquid are fine, and broth gives the quinoa an extra boost of flavor.If using the cooked quinoa as an ingredient in a further recipe, use 1 ½ cups water. Definitely, the lower amount if cooking in the instant pot. Start with the lower amount and you can always add a splash more near the end of cooking if it seems too dry for your liking.