If you think making fluffy, tender, perfectly cooked quinoa is impossible, learn how to boil quinoa like pasta! It’s a super simple technique that you’ll use over and over.
How to Boil Quinoa Like Pasta
My friend Steph asked me the other day if I’d ever tried boiling quinoa. I’d heard of it, but hadn’t tried the technique, so it got my wheels turning. I usually make my quinoa like rice, simmering two parts liquid, to one part quinoa until the water is absorbed. But I’m always up for learning something new, so I thought I’d give it a try. And… it’s amazing! Distinct grains of tender, fluffy quinoa that are perfect for salads, sides and protein boxes. Once you see how to boil quinoa like pasta, you’re going to be hooked too.
What’s the Big Deal about Quinoa?
Quinoa is an ancient grain (well, seed technically) that has been a staple in the diet of the Andean peoples of South America for 4000 years. The Incas referred to it as the “mother of all grains”. It’s full of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. That’s a pretty solid resume, right?
Speaking of protein, quinoa is a rock star in the carbohydrate world because it naturally contains all nine essential amino acids. This means it’s a rare complete protein in the “non-meat” category. Which is great, not only for vegetarians, but for everyone! It also packs a lot of fiber, iron and potassium in those tiny little grains. And best of all, like rice and pasta, quinoa is a perfect blank canvas for flavor. You can pretty easily sub cooked quinoa in for pasta or rice in many recipes.
A Watched Pot
First things first, fill your pot up with water. Just like when you make pasta, you’re going to have to wait for your water to boil before you can start cooking, so get that pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Also, just like pasta, make sure to salt the water.
While you’re waiting for the water to boil, take the time to rinse your quinoa well. It’s a good idea, not only to wash off any impurities, but rinsing also helps remove quinoa’s natural coating which can have a bitter taste. Make sure you use a fine mesh strainer to rinse the quinoa! Those little grains will slip right through a regular colander.
Once the water’s boiling, add the rinsed quinoa to the pot. Set a timer for 12 minutes (give or take). Taste a little of the quinoa (be careful, it’s hot!). You want it to be tender with a little chew, and you want to see the little white ring around the outside of the grains. Drain the quinoa back into that fine mesh strainer and either serve hot, or cool to use in another recipe.
Two Techniques
So that leaves us with two different techniques for cooking quinoa. Boiling the quinoa like pasta, and making the quinoa like rice. Which one should you use? It really depends on what recipe you’re making.
- If you’re making the quinoa to use in a salad, as a simple side dish, or in a protein box lunch, the boiling technique is perfect. These recipes will benefit from the quinoa grains cooking separately, staying tender and light. Here are a few recipes for your boiled quinoa:
- If you’re making the quinoa in a hot preparation, like in a casserole or pilaf, then you’ll want to use the “rice” technique. Here are some ideas for using this style of cooking:
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- A fine mesh strainer is a must for making quinoa. Those tiny little grains will go right through a regular colander, and they didn’t travel all the way from Peru just to end up down your drain.
- Okay, you don’t have to store your quinoa in a mason jar, but I highly recommend it. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I recommend keeping almost everything in a mason jar. Not only does it look cute, but it keeps your quinoa dry and fresh.
- If you don’t have a pot for boiling pasta (and quinoa!), you need one. It’s also a good size for soups and stews.
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How to Boil Quinoa Like Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Grains
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you think making fluffy, tender, perfectly cooked quinoa is impossible, learn how to boil quinoa like pasta! It’s a super simple technique that you’ll use over and over.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dry quinoa
- minimum of 8 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
Instructions
- Fill your pot with water, then add the kosher salt to the water. You want to salt your water like you would for pasta. Place on the burner over high heat, cover, and wait for the water to boil. Don’t watch it! (Just kidding, a watched pot will eventually boil.)
- While you’re waiting for the water to boil, rinse the quinoa very well in a fine mesh strainer.
- When water is boiling, add the rinsed quinoa. Boil until tender and you can see the outer white ring on the quinoa grains, about 12 minutes.
- Drain quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Serve hot, or cool and store in the fridge.
Keywords: quinoa, how to cook quinoa, quinoa recipe
