The 3 steps to cook quinoa in a microwave oven

How to cook quinoa in a microwave

The standard way to cook quinoa is to cook in in boiling water.The microwave is used for cooking almost anything these days and quinoa is no exception. These instructions are for a 700watt microwave oven. Your microwave may be different and you will have to adjust the times to suit.

Step one

Measure out one cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water. The proportions are more important the the size of the cup.

Step two

Rinse the quinoa under cold water for half a minute to remove any impurities.

Step three

Put the water and the quinoa into a microwaveable dish and cover. Now you cook it in the microwave on high for about three minutes. Remove it from your microwave and allow to rest for 1 minute. Mix up the quinoa in the water with a spoon before putting it back into your microwave oven for a second time for three minutes. When it is finished just put it to one side to rest and finish the cooking process. then you can move on to serve it.

The conditions in a microwave oven are different to cooking on the hob and ther may be some water not absorbed. Simply drain this off.

You can now serve and enjoy your quinoa. The only difference I have observed in cooking quinoa in a microwave as opposed to cooking it the standard way is that is expands very slightly more and is a bit softer to the touch. The superb taste of quinoa is still there and it is easily used in all your best recipes.

You will find that quinoa is a great substitute for potatoes and rice and can be served up as a side dish to almost any main meal. Just serve it on the plate instead. Quinoa is better in some situations than others and in particlular it works well with stir fry dishes and salads. This is where it really comes into its own and prooves to be a versatile addition to your kithcen larder,