So, as I am typing up this paragraph, I am hearing it aloud in my head and it seems a bit silly. But it is the truth, so here goes: At the end of a long day, when I am tired and feeling hungry, it is just a little too much for me to cook up some quinoa to serve with dinner.
I say that it seems silly, because I realize it really isn’t all that hard and doesn’t take all that long, but there is something about the whole process of getting out the saucepan, boiling the water, and then cooking the quinoa that just deters me most nights.
Multiple times I have ditched my plans to make quinoa at the last minute, because I just couldn’t work up the energy to embark upon that project. (Still seems silly!)
Soooo, I have been playing around with ‘easier’ ways to make quinoa (on the weekends, of course!), including oven-baked quinoa, microwaved quinoa, and finally hit upon the best way I have found so far. Slow Cooker Quinoa!
I really love this method for three main reasons.
One, the prep is in the morning, before the demands of the day start to kick in.
Two, it really could not be easier. Add the quinoa and the chicken broth to the slow cooker and turn it on low. The hardest part is remembering to plug it in (not that I have personal experience with that issue…ahem).
Three, my quinoa turns out perfect every time! Hooray!
Slow Cooker Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups quinoa (it is easiest if you buy the already rinsed kind)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low 5-6 hours. **Note that due to possible differences in slow cookers, you will want to be vigilant the first time you use this method. Make a note of how long to cook the quinoa until it is done so that you can repeat it in the future! 5 hours works for me every time, but others have had a different experience. Someone even reported that theirs was done after 2 hours!
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Shelly says
I totally get it! I often do not make it because it just seems like a hassle..ha.
Shelly
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Oh, I am definitely trying this!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Kristin, hey, I’m not going to laugh at *any*thing that helps you get a home-cooked meal on the table in the middle of a busy work week!
Tara says
Great idea, never tried it this but will for sure!!
Debra @ Bowl Me Over says
Love this, reminds of a rice cooker. What a great idea!!
Audrey says
I am a stay at home mom and some nights making quinoa is too much effort for me to0. No judgement here. Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesdays.
Helen Fern says
Thanks for sharing on the “What’s for Dinner” link up!
Cait says
Kristin I totally understand what you’re saying about the seemingly laborious process of making quinoa after a long day! Can’t wait to try out the slow cooker for a nutritious, delicious, homemade quinoa dinner one night this week. Thanks for sharing!
Donna says
Thanks for sharing! I followed your instructions and I noticed my quinoa was already done and mushy at the three hour mark. 🙁
Kristin King says
Thanks for the feedback. It must be a difference in slow cookers. I have done it this way many times and it is always perfect. But I will add a note that people should pay attention the first time they use this method in case their experience is different than mine! Hopefully you can depend on whatever timing you end up with, then you can make a note of it so you can get perfect quinoa every time too. 🙂
Mary Schmidt says
Did you put the slow cooker on low, med or high
Kristin says
The setting of the slow cooker should be low. 🙂
Coy says
At about 2 – 2.5 hours, my quinoa was fully cooked and the edges started to burn. LOL! Good thing I was being mindful of the time. I would definitely say to check it after 1.5 hours.
Kristin says
Good feedback! I will add a note to my recipe card! Thanks!
Jojo says
You put water on quinoa?
How much?
Kristin says
I don’t use water, I use chicken broth. The amount is on the recipe card, but it is 3 cups for 1.5 cups of quinoa. I hope that helps! 🙂