This Is How to Cook Quinoa the Right Way

Quinoa is great for a number of reasons, particularly for all its health benefits. It's gluten-free, high in protein and antioxidants, and improves your metabolism to name just a few. (It's like the most perfect grain). We didn't think there could be a wrong way to cook it, but apparently there is. According to Bon Appetit, there are five things you need to know to cook quinoa. They are:

  • Identify what is.&
  • Wash it.
  • Drain it.
  • Let it sit for 15 minutes after washing it.
  • Cook it only for 15 minutes or less.&

It really is so easy to cook that even the cooking-adverse can do it. So now that you know how to cook quinoa, we wanted to give you some awesome meal choices for your next lunch, dinner, snack, or whatever food adventure awaits you.

Scroll down to see delicious quinoa recipes.

It really can't get any simpler than this recipe. All you do is mix quinoa, butter, garlic powder, and sea salt in a vegetable broth and let it simmer in a pot for 15 minutes. You then have a tasty garlic dish with next to no effort. 

Here's an herb alternative for those who aren't feeling garlic. 

This makes a great appetizer or side dish (or even a full meal when you make and eat a lot of it—you do you). Quinoa pancakes only take about eight minutes to make and only need to salt, garlic, egg, and parsley to make. 

If you're a fan of chicken and rice dishes, this is a great quinoa version. Just add a spice of your choice for flavor. 

We love that our favorite vegetables—squash and kale—are mixed with interesting flavor enhancers: roasted hazelnuts and dried cranberries. Plus, it's a such a pretty dish to look at. 

Next up, check out five fat burning smoothie recipes