How to cook perfect quinoa

2.6K

Want to know how to make the perfect quinoa? This super easy recipe has a hint of lemon zest, cumin and thyme. It's cooked in vegetable broth for extra yum.

So a few years back before quinoa was a big deal, I had a sample at Whole Fooods- it was yummy. I bought a big bag went home and started to cook it. It was a disaster. The texture was mushy- it had no taste and I burnt the bottom. Shhhhhh, I don’t think food blogger are suppose to say things like they failed at cooking something. I didn’t just fail, it was a EPIC failed. So, I took some time to really experiment on how to cook perfect quinoa and I nailed it. This recipe has a hint of cumin and thyme. It is cooked in vegetable broth for good measure. I also have lemon zest in it to add a exciting note. It quickly became one of my healthiest pantry staples. The fact that it is also that is incredibly easy and quick to cook.

Want to know how to make the perfect quinoa? This super easy recipe has a hint of lemon zest, cumin and thyme. It's cooked in vegetable broth for extra yum.

Want to know how to make the perfect quinoa? This super easy recipe has a hint of lemon zest, cumin and thyme. It's cooked in vegetable broth for extra yum.

So here are some facts about quinoa:

It is gluten-free.

It has way more fiber than most grains (I know it is not a grain but a seed).

It is rich in iron and magnesium.

It is loaded with antioxidants.

Basically it is super nutrias and good for you.

Want to know how to make the perfect quinoa? This super easy recipe has a hint of lemon zest, cumin and thyme. It's cooked in vegetable broth for extra yum.

This recipe is so easy to make, you will differently find new ways to incorporate quinoa into a meal per day. I usually make a big pot and have left over for my grain bowls for lunch. I found that once I made enough for two days at a time- it was easy to substitute other grains. It is also very important that you wash quinoa. Quinoa can have a bitter taste if you don’t rinse it well.

 

Want to know how to make the perfect quinoa? This super easy recipe has a hint of lemon zest, cumin and thyme. It's cooked in vegetable broth for extra yum.

Nothing beats a easy recipe, that is packed with flavor and is also good for you.

Noms!

5 from 1 vote

How to make the perfect quinoa

Servings 4 -6
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • Olive oil
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon and juice optional

Instructions

  • Measure 1 cup of quinoa and place into a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse with cool water for about 1-2 minutes. This is important to get rid of the bitter taste.Allow to drain.
  • Heat olive oil in the saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the drained quinoa. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute to let the water evaporate and toast the quinoa. Add the cumin. Stir well.
  • Stir in 2 cups of broth, garlic, thyme and salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
  • Lower heat and cook, covered, for 15 minutes.
  • After that remove the pot from heat and let stand for 5 more minutes, covered. Don’t even think about peeking.
  • When 5 minutes has passed -Remove the lid. Add the lemon juice and zest. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork, and serve.
Author: Ann Stewart

Join the Conversation

  1. I made quinoa once but i was not impressed with it but felt like maybe I didn’t do it right. I knew everyone raves about it. So I have decided to get back into my clean eating again and will give it another try with your recipe. Thanks!

    1. I’m glad you are going to give it a try again christine!!! It is super yummy and good for you too. Let me know how you like it ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Love quinoa! So glad you mentioned the tip to rinse it first! ๐Ÿ™‚ I think it’s also to help remove with an allergen on the seed. I had a friend who didn’t know that and ended up having an allergic reaction. It was crazy!

    1. Awesome Katie! I have never heard that before- wow. I’m big on washing grains, seeds and beans. ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I’ve eaten quinoa before, but have never made it. I didn’t know you had to rinse it. Great tip!

    1. I’m glad you liked it Shann. I learned that tip the hard way. My quinoa came out bitter.

  4. 5 stars
    Great, easy how-to guide on making quinoa! We usually cook it with plain old water. Definitely going to have to try that lemon zest trick.

    1. Thanks Sam! You would be surprised how much of a difference some good ol’ zest makes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Close
Your custom text © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.
Close