How to Make Quinoa (No Rinsing)
Learn how to make quinoa on the stove or instant pot in under 20 minutes with just 2 ingredients.
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I remember a few years ago hearing of this new food that healthy people ate. Growing up with a family that loves their sugar and all things fattening, I never would I have imagined trying quinoa. Many of my friends were talking about it, but we still didn’t know how to pronounce this superfood. So I did what anybody does when they need to know something. I Googled it. The lady on the pronunciation button said it so well, but it still took me about 5 times to be confident enough to say it in public.
Now, here I am a few years later, a huge fan of quinoa and teaching others how to make it.
What is quinoa?
It is an ancient grain from South America and has recently been called a “superfood” because of its high nutritional content. Comparable to rice, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is an easy side dish to prepare.
Health benefits
There are many reasons that quinoa should be an important part of your diet, according to Healthline
It is packed full of:
- Protein– It is a great source of plant based protein and contains essential amino acids.
- Complex carbs– Carbs get a bad rep sometimes, but not all carbs are bad. “Good carbs” or complex carbs give our bodies energy and keep us fuller for longer.
- Fiber– Quinoa is high in fiber which is great for your digestive system.
- Vitamins & minerals– It contains manganese, phosphorus, folate, thiamin, vitamin B6, zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium.
Different Types
There are 3,000 different types of quinoa, but the most common are red, white, and black. At the store, you can also buy a variety and get the tricolor package.
The mildest flavor and most popular is white quinoa.
How to make quinoa
For years I simply followed the directions on the package of my quinoa and made it on the stove. It is a 2:1 ratio of water to grains. Granted there is nothing wrong with using the stove, but I will grab my Instant pot every time when I need to make a batch.
Here are the basic instructions, you can decide which one works best for you!
On the stovetop
Add quinoa and water into a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You can tell it is done when all of the water has been absorbed.
Instant Pot
Making quinoa in the instant pot is my absolute favorite. Throw in 1 cup of quinoa and 1.5 cups of water into the instant pot. Cook for 3 minutes. Do a natural release for 10 minutes. Fluff and enjoy!
I love using my instant pot for meal prep and it saves so much time and brain power. You set it and forget it!
What to serve with quinoa
Quinoa is great for meal prep and is a healthy protein packed side dish.
I also love to throw quinoa into salads for some extra fiber and protein, like this kale quinoa salad.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will come back for more!
