Cook perfect quinoa all the time using the rice cooker (the lazy way). Ideal for busy weekdays and nights or when you are running out of time
I am often times asked by non vegan friends (especially in January when a lot of them are attracted by the idea of cutting down animal products consumption and try #veganuary) how to cook quinoa. As a vegan I am eating quinoa very often but I never thought the process of cooking it is worth writing a blog post on the topic.
Given is a question I am receiving so often I imagine there are a lot of other nonvegans or persons at the beginning of their vegan journey who similar to my friends are asking the same question and might find this post on how to cook quinoa the easy (I like to call it lazy) way useful so here I am writing a blog post about it. 😀
About quinoa
Quinoa is gluten-free and a good source of several important nutrients, including folate, magnesium, zinc, and iron. It’s also rich in fiber and protein, nutrients that play an important role in helping you feel full.
Quinoa is a good source of protein, providing 8 grams per cooked cup (185 grams).
Quinoa is often referred to as a complete protein. This is because it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body can’t make on its own therefore incorporating it into your diet can help you meet your daily protein needs so no surprise why it is so popular with vegans.
The secret to cooking perfect quinoa all the time
The secret ingredient is that there is no secret ingredient 😂 but there is an important quinoa-to-water ratio that you should have in mind which is: 1 Cup Quinoa to 2 Cups Water (or one part Quinoa to two parts water if you are cooking different quantity)
And finally the step by step instructions to my go to lazy way of cooking quinoa
- Start by adding the cup of quinoa to the bowl of the rice cooker and gently wash it till the water remains clear
- Remove the washing water and add the two cups of water
- Cover with the lid, turn the rice cooker on and let it do its magic while you enjoy time with your loved ones or take care of other tasks
- After 20 minutes or when he rice cooker stops or switches to warm function quinoa is cooked and ready to be served or added to other dishes
Isn't this just too easy to be true? Life is already complex so why not keep cooking simple 😀
Note
I love cooking quinoa in the rice cooker as I just have to set it and forget it while I am taking care of the rest of the dishes or just catch up with my dear ones. Hope this recipe will simplify your life in the kitchen as much as it simplified mine.
Since quinoa can be added to both sweet and savory dishes I like to cook it only with water which gives me flexibility and more options when I decide on what kind of dishes I add it to later.
Enjoy!
Questions you might have about cooking quinoa in rice cooker
In an perfect world and if you plan ahead you should try to soak quinoa before cooking but we all have busy lives and this is not always possible.
Soaking quinoa in water helps removing some of the anti-nutrients such as phytic acid and saponin found in its natural coating which prevents absorption of minerals. Quinoa can be soaked in fresh water for as little as 2 hours, or you can leave it soaking in water in the fridge overnight.
So if times allows yes you should always try to soak quinoa before cooking.
Quinoa usually takes out 15-20 minutes to cook in a rice cooker. Once the cooker switches to the warm setting, let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Sure, you can add flavorings such as herbs, spices or broth.
Yes, you can leave quinoa in the rice cooker in the warm setting for up to 30 minutes. However, it's best to transfer it to a separate container to prevent it from drying out.
Up to one week in an airtight container. Have it in the fridge and add it to your salads or dishes during the week.
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How to cooked perfect quinoa all the time (the lazy way)
Equipment
- 1 rice cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Quinoa dry (uncooked)
- 2 Cup Water
Instructions
- Start by adding the cup of quinoa to the bowl of the rice cooker and gently wash it till the water remains clear
- Remove the washing water and add the two cups of water
- Cover with the lid, turn the rice cooker on and let it do its magic while you enjoy time with your loved ones or take care of other tasks
- After 20 minutes or when he rice cooker stops or switches to warm function quinoa is cooked and ready to be served or added to other dishes
- Enjoy
Édgar Mijangos says
👌👌👌👌👌🤤😌