How to Make Quinoa on the Stovetop

WW Recipe of the Day: How to Make Quinoa on the Stovetop

How do you boil the perfect quinoa? Making quinoa is very similar to cooking rice.

The ratio is 1:2, 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water (or broth) - same as most rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and let it cook. Once the water is absorbed, it can be fluffed with a fork.

Plain cooked quinoa

Cooking quinoa on the stove, does require a little time and attention—but really is quick and easy and nothing to be intimidated by.

How Many Calories and WW Points in this Quinoa recipe?

According to my calculations, each 1-cup serving has approximately 222 calories and

6 *SmartPoints (Green plan)
6 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)
6 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)
6 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

To see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here!

How to Make Perfect Quinoa on the Stovetop Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: In a medium pot, stir together the quinoa and water (or broth).

Ready to cook quinoa

Step 3: Over high heat, bring to a rolling boil.

Bringing quinoa to a rolling boil

Step 4: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated/absorbed (about 15 minutes).

Step 5: Let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Cooked quinoa

Step 6: Salt, or add your favorite seasonings, to taste.

Cooking Quinoa Notes

Quinoa, a staple in South America for centuries, has been called the “miracle grain” because it's nutritious, satisfying and easy to prepare. You can make a bowl of cooked quinoa and store it in the fridge all week, a boon to weekly meal planning.

This stovetop method of making quinoa is definitely hands-on. If you walk away, or get distracted, while it's simmering, it can very quickly burn once the water (or broth) has been absorbed.

Most quinoa sold in the United States is pre-washed to remove the saponin, a natural coating that acts as a natural insect repellant, but which has a bitter, soapy taste. 

If your pot of quinoa has a soapy film on top, the grains were not properly pre-washed. Drain several times and wash the quinoa seeds thoroughly before continuing to cook.

That said, all quinoa, even the pre-washed kind, should be rinsed in a fine-mesh colander (affiliate link) before cooking to remove any saponin dust that may still adhere to the seeds.

Plain cooked quinoa

Quinoa Serving Suggestions

Quinoa is great when added to soups, stews and chili or salads.

Or, add your favorite protein (leftover lean rotisserie chicken, turkey, pork, beef, tofu, etc.) along with some veggies (steamed broccoli or cauliflower, carrots, sugar snap peas, etc.), top with a little Sriracha or low sodium soy sauce (or Tamari) and you've got a simple gluten-free meal in a bowl.

Ways to Use Leftover Quinoa

• Add to scrambled eggs or omelet with some chopped vegetables for a little extra protein boost.
• Mix in a little quinoa with your favorite tuna or chicken salad.
• Toss in a few spoonfuls of leftover quinoa the next time your heating up soup.
• Add to a green salad to make it a little more filling.

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5 from 1 vote

Stovetop Quinoa

Having plain cooked quinoa in the refrigerator is a simple and easy way to give a nutritional boost to your favorite soups, stews, chili, salad-and can quickly be turned into a one-bowl meal!

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time22 minutes mins

Servings (adjustable): 4

Calories: 222

Author: Peter | Simple Nourished Living

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• ▢ 2 cups water, or vegetable broth, or chicken broth

Instructions

• In a medium pot, stir together the quinoa and the water (or broth).
• Over high heat, bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes.
• Let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
• Add salt or season to taste with your favorite spices.

Equipment

5-Quart Pot

Rice Bowls

Recipe Notes

This stovetop method of making quinoa is definitely hands-on. If you walk away, or get distracted, while it's simmering, it can very quickly burn once the water (or broth) has been absorbed.

Serving size: 1 cup

Click here to see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site.

6 *SmartPoints (Green plan)

6 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)

6 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)

6 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

Nutrition Facts

Stovetop Quinoa

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 222 Calories from Fat 32

% Daily Value*

Fat 3.6g6%

Carbohydrates 39.4g13%

Fiber 5.2g21%

Protein 8.1g16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cook quinoa, easy quinoa, perfect quinoa

Did you make this recipe?Mention @simplenourishedliving on Instagram and tag #simplenourishedliving - we love to see your creations!

*Points® calculated by WW. *PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® calculated by Simple Nourished Living; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc. All recipe ingredients except optional items included in determining nutritional estimates. SmartPoints® values calculated WITHOUT each plan's ZeroPoint Foods (Green plan, Blue plan, Purple plan) using the WW Recipe Builder.

If you like this easy stovetop quinoa recipe, you might also like:

• Vegetarian Greek Quinoa Salad
• WW Chicken and Quinoa Salad
• Southwest Quinoa and Black Bean Skillet
• Lemony Lentil Quinoa Salad

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