As a culinary expert with a deep understanding of various grains and their preparation, I can provide you with a comprehensive answer to your question about quinoa. Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious seed that has gained popularity for its health benefits and culinary uses. When cooked properly, quinoa should be fluffy and tender, not crunchy. However, there are certain factors to consider that can affect the texture of the cooked quinoa. Firstly, it's important to understand the process of cooking quinoa. The typical method involves rinsing the quinoa to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste or cause digestive issues if not removed. After rinsing, the quinoa is then cooked in water or broth, with a general guideline of a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid. During the cooking process, the quinoa will absorb the liquid, and you should observe tiny spirals, which are the germ of the quinoa, separating from and curling around the seeds. This is a sign that the quinoa is cooking properly. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of quinoa and the specific cooking method used, but it generally takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the quinoa to become tender. If you find that the quinoa is still crunchy after the initial cooking time, there could be a few reasons for this. One possibility is that there was too much quinoa relative to the amount of liquid, causing the quinoa to not have enough water to fully cook. Another reason could be that the heat was too low, which can prolong the cooking time and potentially lead to undercooked quinoa. To remedy a crunchy texture, you can follow the advice given in the reference you provided: return the pot to low heat and cook, covered, for another 5 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed. This will allow the quinoa to continue cooking and become tender without burning or drying out. Another tip for ensuring a fluffy and tender texture is to fluff the quinoa with a fork after it has finished cooking and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This helps to separate the grains and prevent them from sticking together, which can contribute to a less desirable texture. In summary, cooked quinoa should not be crunchy. It should be fluffy and tender. To achieve this, make sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking, use the correct ratio of quinoa to liquid, and adjust the cooking time and heat as needed. If the quinoa is still crunchy after the initial cooking, give it a little more time on low heat to finish cooking. And finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and achieve the best texture. read more >>

Fluff and eat! Uncover -- You should see tiny spirals (the germ) separating from and curling around the quinoa seeds. ... If any liquid remains in the bottom of the pan or if the quinoa is still a bit crunchy, return the pot to low heat and cook, covered, for another 5 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed.May 15, 2018read more >>