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Quinoa

Fluffy Quinoa: The Best Nutritious Side Dish for Any Meal

Discover the perfect side dish with fluffy quinoa, a nutritious, protein-packed, and versatile grain that complements any meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Steaming Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 222

Ingredients
  

For the Quinoa
  • 1 cup quinoa gluten-free grain
  • 2 cups water or broth for flavor
  • 1 pinch salt optional
For Flavor Variations
  • aromatics like minced garlic or chopped onion
  • herbs and spices e.g., cumin, paprika

Equipment

  • medium saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa
  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 seconds to remove bitter saponins.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth, and add a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Turn off heat and let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes to steam.
  6. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 318mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gCalcium: 31mgIron: 2.8mg

Notes

Experiment with various aromatics and spices to enhance flavor. Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.

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