Perfect Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups quinoa
• 3 cups water/lightly salted chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bay leaf

Preparation:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water, stirring with your hands, for about 30 seconds. Drain.
2. This step is optional, but it really brings out the flavor of the quinoa. Simply pour the quinoa into a saucepan over medium heat and stir for about 4 minutes, until golden brown—keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn. You can also warm a couple of teaspoons of olive, vegetable, or grapeseed oil in the pan for extra flavor.
   
   
3. In a medium saucepan, combine water or broth, olive oil, bay leaf, and 1.5 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. You can also add dry white wine for flavor. Add the quinoa and stir, using a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. Bring to a boil.
4. Then reduce the heat to low so the water simmers gently. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
   
   
   
   
5. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaf. If making the quinoa ahead of time, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet to stop cooking and let it cool. Then transfer to a container, seal tightly, and refrigerate for up to 5 days.