Quinoa
Perfectly fluffy and flavorful quinoa, cooked with a hint of garlic and finished with fresh lemon and parsley. A versatile and healthy side dish that's naturally low in sodium and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Rinse the quinoa
- b.Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
- c.Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1 minute, rubbing the grains with your fingers to remove the bitter saponin coating.
- d.Drain very well.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the quinoa (optional)
- b.Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add the rinsed and drained quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and is slightly golden.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the quinoa
- b.Carefully pour the water into the saucepan. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- c.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and fluff
- b.After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and finish cooking.
- c.Remove the lid and gently fluff the grains with a fork.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- c.Serve warm as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most important step is rinsing the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve to remove its bitter saponin coating.
- 2The ideal quinoa-to-liquid ratio is 1:2. For every 1 cup of dry quinoa, use 2 cups of liquid.
- 3Toasting the quinoa before adding water enhances its natural nutty flavor and is highly recommended.
- 4Avoid lifting the lid while the quinoa is simmering and resting. This keeps the steam trapped, which is essential for fluffy results.
- 5For extra flavor, cook the quinoa in no-salt-added vegetable broth instead of water.
- 6Store leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a lower-fat version, omit the olive oil and toast the quinoa in a dry pan before adding the water.
quickQuick
To save a few minutes, you can skip the toasting step and proceed directly to boiling the quinoa after rinsing.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas or edamame at the end along with the parsley and lemon juice for a protein boost.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the black pepper and parsley. Stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast at the end for a mild, cheesy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent protein source for vegans and vegetarians.
High in Dietary Fiber
With more fiber than many other grains, quinoa supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Antioxidants
Quinoa contains beneficial plant antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and other health benefits.
Good Source of Minerals
It is particularly high in magnesium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health, energy production, and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, quinoa is very healthy. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also high in fiber, gluten-free, and packed with important minerals like magnesium and iron.