FOOD NEWS
The Simple Tip To Prevent Watery Quinoa
BY CATHERINE NYORANI
While quinoa is easy to cook, it can end up watery and bland because it’s a seed and not a grain, meaning it absorbs a lot of water. To prevent this, drain your cooked quinoa.
As a seed, quinoa absorbs way more water than grains do and swells to twice its size while cooking. Use liquid in moderation and drain it right before it finishes cooking.
Start by rinsing your seeds with cold water to remove the outer coating that can taste bitter. Place the quinoa in a saucepan and add water, plus salt to taste.
Most recipes call for a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, but since the seeds soaked up some water while rinsing, reduce the amount of cooking water slightly.
Bring the pan to a boil, put the lid on, and reduce the heat to the lowest level for a gentle simmer. Cook the quinoa for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn off the stove.
Drain the quinoa through a fine mesh strainer and return it to the pan. Cover with the lid again and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.