If your quinoa is not pre-rinsed, rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water for 30 - 45 seconds. Allow the excess water to drain off.

Transfer the quinoa to a large non-stick pan. Turn the heat on to medium. At first the remaining water will evaporate off the grains. Stir the quinoa about once a minute.

After about 10 minutes, the water will be evaporated and you will hear the quinoa begin to crackle and pop.

Stir the quinoa more frequently now to prevent burning as it toasts. After about 5 minutes of toasting, the quinoa should be a reddish-brown colour.

Pour in the water and cover the pan with its lid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until all the water has absorbed - about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat but leave the lid on the pan to steam the quinoa for a further 5 minutes.

Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper, and fluff the quinoa with a fork.