Form the base of soups, grain bowls, salads, and more.

Technically though, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), isnt actually a grain.

It is a seed classified as a supergrain.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa in a bowl to serve with a serving spoon

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Quinoas popularity has to do with its high nutritional content, health benefits, and versatility in dishes.

Here, learn how to cook perfect quinoa every time.

Plus, you might customize how it’s cooked to match what you intend to make with it.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa ingredients

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Here, learn what gear and ingredients you’ll need to make fluffy, delicious quinoa every time.

Step 2:Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high.

Add the quinoa and toast for about a minute or two.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa rinsing the quinoa

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Stir frequently so you don’t accidentally burn any of the quinoa.

Step 4:Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes.

At this point, you should have fluffy quinoa ready to lend itself to any number of dishes.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa heating the oil in a saucepan

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you could use a fork to fluff it up and separate the seeds.

What Is the Ratio of Water to Quinoa?

The ratio of water to quinoa is 2 to 1.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa toasting the quinoa in the oil

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For example, for one cup of quinoa, you will need 2 cups liquid.

Can You Only Use Water?

No, the liquid you use to cook quinoa doesnt have to be water.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa adding the water

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In fact, you could easily add depth of flavor by replacing the water withchicken or vegetable stock.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Quinoa?

Toast quinoa:

Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa bringing to a boil before covering

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Add the quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.

Boil quinoa:

Stir in water and salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Southern Living How to Cook Quinoa cooked quinoa ready to serve

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Cover and let cook 15 minutes.

Let quinoa rest:

Turn off the heat and let sit, undisturbed, 5 minutes.

No, while quinoa is boiling, you should leave it to cook without stirring.

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The only time you stir quinoa is when it’s toasting in the oil before boiling.

This will help evenly toast the grains.

Quinoa boils to tender in about 15 minutes.

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No, you’re free to combine cold water and quinoa and let it come to a boil.

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