Check the quinoa packaging to see if the quinoa has been pre-rinsed. If yes, move on to the next step. If not, place 1 cup quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse the quinoa in the sink with running water for about 30 minutes, until water runs clear below the quinoa.

Place 1 cup quinoa and 1 3/4 cup water (and salt if using) in a small- or medium-sized pot that has a lid. Without the lid on, bring to a full boil over high heat (10 on a knob with a scale of 1-10).

Once the quinoa and water are boiling, reduce heat to low (around 1 or 2 on a knob with a scale of 1-10), put on the pot’s lid, and cook for 15 minutes. At the end of 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork, and serve!