Quinoa is one of the easiest whole grains to prepare and one of the most versatile. Measure out twice the amount of water as dry quinoa (1 cup of water to 1/2 cup dry quinoa, for example) and then use any of the following cooking methods:
Basic stovetop quinoa: Place the quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until all the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
Energy-saver quinoa: Place the quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.
Rice cooker quinoa: Add 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa, stir, and cover. When the cooker shuts off, the quinoa is done.
Microwave quinoa: Place the quinoa and water in a microwavable dish. Cook on high for 5 minutes, stir, and then cook 8 minutes longer at 60 percent power. Allow the quinoa to stand for a few minutes before serving.
For all these preparation methods, stir the quinoa a couple times during cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking. You can tell that the quinoa is done when the grains turn from white (or red or black) to translucent and the germ spirals out.
