Learn how to cook the most perfect, light and fluffy quinoa every time! This complete plant-based protein has a slightly nutty flavor, and is a great gluten-free “grain” alternative.
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Fun facts:
- Quinoa is a seed, and not a grain! #mindBlown!
- It has all the 9 essential amino acids needed by the body (which can’t all be produced by the human body)
- Its gluten-free and Vegan!
So I’ve heard a lot of people talk about cutting carbs by using Quinoa instead of rice, but that isn’t really a truthful statement. Quinoa is most certainly a high-carb food, but it does have fewer carbs per 1 cup serving than rice (40g vs 46g).
Carbs or not though, Quinoa is a great alternative to rice. Its a light and airy, so you feel like you’re eating so much more in terms of quantity. Can’t really say no to more food for the same amount of calories now can you?
Buy 
Rinse
Cooking Quinoa
Anyway, the first couple of times I tried cooking quinoa, it just turned out too watery and mushy. This was also close to a year ago when I had just started actually cooking.
I was quite uninformed back then, but after the repeated failures I gave up on it for a while.
It really wasn’t that big of an issue for me though because some or the other cafe at work would have this superfood “grain” on the lunch menu as a side, or even on the salad bar. So I still had a way of getting my quinoa-fix.
But I recently joined Ancient Harvest’s Product Club and they sent me 2 packets of their Quinoa in this month’s package.
Put my now-improved cooking skills to the test, and finally nailed the technique!
Combine 
Simmer 
Rest
How to make fluffy quinoa?
The secret for me was to use a large skillet – about 8-10” wide – instead of a pot.
Rinse, Combine with Water, Boil, Simmer, Let Rest, Fluff!
Worked like a charm.
Perfectly cooked, tender, and so fluffy too!
Looking for an easy quinoa recipe? Here’s some ideas, Vegan too!
- Breakfast: Cinnamon Sweet Potato & Quinoa Pancakes
- Lunch: Moroccan Chickpea Quinoa Salad with Kale
- Dinner: Pork Fajita Quinoa Burrito Bowl
- Dessert: Overnight Peanut Butter Cup Chia-Quinoa Parfait
Perfect Light and Fluffy Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dry Quinoa, 180g
- 2 cups Water
- ¼ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Place quinoa in a bowl and rinse under running water for at least 1 minute. This is required to remove the bitter taste.
- Combine quinoa, water and salt in a saucepan or skillet and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and all the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, while covered.
- Fluff with a fork and use immediately or cool to store.
Notes
- Spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Refrigerator: 4-5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: For months in freezer-safe zipper bags. Thaw completely before using.
- Ancient Harvest Traditional Quinoa
- Ancient Harvest Harmony Quinoa Nutrition:
- Servings: 3 cups | Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 234kcal
- Fat: 3.4g | Saturated fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 4.1g | Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 8.3g
Hey! I'm Haylee
Google Software Engineer
I use my passion for baking (and eating) to create healthy, high-protein, good-for-you and diet-friendly desserts and sweet treats that are actually delicious.
Come join me in Hayl's Kitchen and let's eat high protein, sweet and guilt free!