FOOD NEWS
For Mush-Free Quinoa, All You Need Is A 5-Minute Steam Bath
BY CC GOURDEAU
Quinoa is a delicious and nutritious grain that's perfect for salads, grain bowls, and other recipes, but cooking it properly can be complicated.
Making quinoa is a multi-step process. It must be rinsed, toasted, and then boiled, but some cooks forget the final and most crucial step: letting the grains rest.
After turning off your stove, let the quinoa sit in the pot with the lid on so steam can gather. The quick 5-minute steaming session evaporates extra moisture from the grains.
The steam bath will result in the most fluffy quinoa, and prevent any mushiness caused by excess moisture. Waiting to dig in will reward you with the best results.
Using the same grain-to-water ratio as the stovetop method, quinoa can also be cooked with a steam bath in a rice cooker in about half an hour, or in an Instant Pot even quicker.