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Easy Fluffy Quinoa

How To Make Fluffy Quinoa

Before diving into quinoa, let’s chat about what complements it best. Think of fluffy quinoa as a blank canvas. With its subtle, nutty flavor and fluffy texture, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: How To Make Fluffy Quinoa
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 186kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups filtered water
  • 1 cup quinoa thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa

  • First things first, grab a fine-mesh strainer and rinse your quinoa under cold water. This step is non-negotiable.
  • Rinsing eliminates the bitter coating known as saponin. I can’t stress enough how crucial this little detail is!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • Once rinsed, place your quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add the water, olive oil, and sea salt. Stir gently to ensure everything is mixed.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

  • Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to boil. Keep an eye on it. Things can get exciting fast, and you don’t want a kitchen disaster.

Step 4: Simmer

  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for around 15 minutes. It’s during this time that the quinoa absorbs all that water.

Step 5: Let It Rest

  • Remove the pot from heat but keep the lid on. Allow it to sit for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period lets steam finish cooking your quinoa, ensuring it’s fluffy.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

  • Finally, remove the lid and grab a fork. Fluff the quinoa gently with the fork to separate the grains. Now it’s ready to serve!

Notes

  • Don’t Skip Rinsing: Rinsing well is the key to avoiding bitterness.
  • Use the Right Ratio: Stick to 1 cup of quinoa for every 1.75 cups of water for perfect cooking.
  • Fresh Ingredients Matter: Quality olive oil and sea salt can elevate the flavors.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Be attentive during the simmering process. Overcooking can lead to mushiness.
  • Experiment with Broth: For an extra flavor layer, substitute water with vegetable or chicken broth.

Nutrition

Serving: 150g | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 150mg | Fiber: 3g
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