Slow Cooker Quinoa is easy and foolproof. It is the perfect way to make a healthy, delicious side dish to complement your other crockpot creations!
The more I read about the health benefits of this wonder food, the more I want in my diet. I have always made rice in my slow cooker in bulk. Why not quinoa too?
One of the keys to fluffy quinoa is to make sure it steams a bit. Slow cookers are perfect for that - steaming is a natural part of the slow cooking process.
This great recipe will allow you to always have a ton of perfect plant protein on hand. Try adding it to your weekly meal prep. That way you will always have some ready to go for any weeknight dinner.
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📃Shopping list
To make this healthy slow cooker recipe you will need:
- uncooked quinoa
- water
- salt (optional)
🥄Assembly method
To make this easy crock pot recipe, start by rinsing your quinoa over the sink. You do not need to soak it, just rinse it. Quinoa grows a naturally bitter coating to help it repel bugs and other predators. Rinsing will help remove any leftover bitterness.
Next, spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This step is optional but will make clean up much easier. Add quinoa and water to your slow cooker and give it a good stir. Cover and cook on low.
Since every slow cooker is different, the first time you make crockpot quinoa, keep a closer eye on it. After about 1.5 hours, check on it about every 15 minutes or so. Mine is done right on the dot of 2 hours, but I have heard of some people having to cook it much longer.
How to tell when quinoa is done
The key to this slow cooker version of quinoa is to cook until all the water is absorbed. You will know your quinoa is ready to go when the grains pop open and you can see the germ. If you look closely, they will look almost like little mini bean sprouts.
When you reach this point, just fluff with a fork and your perfect plant-based protein is ready to serve!
Pro tip: a fine-mesh strainer is the best tool to use when rinsing quinoa
If you love this recipe, please let me know in the comment section below!
🍽Serving suggestions
The best part about quinoa is that it can be added to so many tasty meals. For this reason, I to it in bulk. It is perfect with saucy dishes like Horseradish roast, Creamy lemon and spinach chicken, or hearty chili. Your quinoa will soak up so much flavor from these delicious dishes.
It is ideal to add to soup. You can take a delicious recipe like tortilla soup and turn it into a slow cooker quinoa tortilla soup. A full one-pot healthy meal!
Quinoa is also a perfect side dish. It is great alongside everything from salmon to brisket. It can be served plain or just with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper If you want to jazz it up further, mix in some diced-up fresh tomatoes and red onion. Then, sprinkle with lemon juice or lime juice.
If you are looking for a creamy side dish, stir in some sour cream, black beans, and diced green chilis. Then, top with some cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. The combinations are endless!!
↔Substitutions
Looking to add a little extra flavor while cooking? Cook quinoa with vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth in place of the water. Try experimenting with black, white or red quinoa to see if you have a preference. The team prefers the tri-colored mixture shown in the photos here.
Looking to for a little quinoa variety? Try slow cooker quinoa stuffing or Mexican quinoa - which is a full one pot meal!
If you love this recipe, please let me know in the comment section below!
Storing
Store your slow-cooked quinoa in an airtight container or zipper top plastic bag. It will last up to 7 days in the fridge and 3-4 months frozen.
😉Hints & hacks
- This recipe can be easily doubled. All instructions remain the same. Just keep an eye on the timing the first time you do it. Once you know the timing, you will be practically able to make future batches of this quinoa recipe with your eyes closed.
- I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
- In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
- When you are finished cooking, use a fork to help fluff your quinoa.
- Don't forget to plug in your crockpot!
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📖 Recipe
Lazy Slow Cooker Quinoa
Equipment
- 3.5 quart slow cooker or larger
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups Quinoa
- 6 cups water
- ½ tsp salt optional
Instructions
- Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until water runs clear.
- spray your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking spray
- place quinoa into the bottom of the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt (if using)½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups Quinoa
- pour water over quinoa and stir briefly to make sure all quinoa is submerged.6 cups water
- cover and cook on low
- after about 1.5 hours, check on quinoa every 15 minutes. Once the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa looks as though it has popped open, it is ready.
- fluff with a fork and enjoy!!
Notes
Nutrition
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