How to cook quinoa

Healthy, tasty, versatile - there's a reason they call quinoa a superfood! Learn how to cook this special seed to perfection for salads, baking, desserts, breakfasts and more

An ancient grain once popular among the Incas in South America, quinoa has had its profile raised in recent years thanks to its high nutritional value. Gluten-free and with twice the protein of rice or barley, quinoa is also one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids.

Many struggle with its name, as despite the spelling, it’s pronounced ‘keen wa’. With a mild, nutty flavour, quinoa has the look of couscous but the versatility of rice. Cook and use it as you would rice, in classic salads with roasted vegetables or in soups, stews or bakes. The seeds can be white or red, or try quinoa blends with fellow supergrains like amaranth and canihua.

How to cook quinoa

• Rinse 1 cup (185g) quinoa in a fine sieve under cold water.

• Bring 1 1/2 cups (375ml) water to the boil, add quinoa, cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer.

• Cook for 10-12 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and quinoa is tender.

• Remove from the heat and set aside with the lid on for a further 5 minutes before fluffing up with a fork.

Top tip

Be sure not to skip the rinsing step. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin which can make it taste bitter when cooked.

5 ways with quinoa

1 Quinoa salad with roast chicken, dates and hazelnuts

This flavour-packed salad makes a healthy weeknight meal or satisfying lunch. Use a supermarket rotisserie chicken or leftovers from your Sunday roast to save time.

2 Quinoa breakfast bowl

Try this breakfast bowl packed with protein, antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and fiber. Serve topped with yoghurt and fruit for a delicious gluten-free breakfast.