How do I properly cook quinoa?

Cooking quinoa is quite easy and can be done in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water. This helps to remove the bitter outer coating called saponin that can make the quinoa taste bitter or soapy.

Step 2: Add the rinsed quinoa to a pot with a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water (for example, 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water). You can also use broth or stock to add more flavor to your quinoa. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the quinoa simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb any remaining water and become light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve. You can season it with salt, pepper, olive oil, or any other spices or herbs to your liking.