Cooking quinoa might seem tedious, but it’s as easy as cooking any rice dish. Quinoa is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate and a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Given its health benefits, I’ve started incorporating it into my cooking with some of the best Indian quinoa recipes, like curd quinoa, lemon quinoa, quinoa upma, and quinoa fried rice. If you’re someone who regularly makes vegetable pulao, you can easily switch to quinoa pulao for a healthier version of this dish. This colorful quinoa pilaf cooked in Instant Pot is an easy, delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weekday lunches and dinners. I like to serve it with plain yogurt, or cucumber raita and pickle. I have also shared stovetop pressure cooker, and stovetop pot instructions below.
Ingredients
Quinoa: Both white and red quinoa work well in this recipe. Be sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove the natural coating, known as saponin, to prevent any bitterness before adding it to the quinoa & vegetable pilaf. Green chilies: I used Indian green chili peppers for the heat. Ginger and garlic: I have used homemade garlic and ginger paste. You can also mince and add them. Vegetables: I have used onions, carrots, beans, peas, and sweet corn. You can also swap for other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Oil: You can use any cooking oil. Dry spices: I have used turmeric and garam masala to make Indian quinoa pilaf. Whole spices: I have used cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom in this recipe. If you don’t have whole spices, simply add extra garam masala powder. Lime juice: freshly squeezed lime/lemon juice. Coriander leaves: for garnish.
How to Make Quinoa Pulao/Pilaf in Instant Pot
Firstly, press SAUTE on the Instant Pot. Add oil or ghee, and once it’s hot, add all the whole spices. Saute for a few seconds. Then add onions, green chili, ginger, and garlic paste, and saute for 2-3 minutes until onions turn soft and light brown – stir regularly. Next, add mixed vegetables, and mint, and cook for a minute. Then add rinsed quinoa, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt, and water and mix everything well. Adjust seasoning at this stage. Furthermore, close the lid on the pot and set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and timer to 2 minutes. After the Instant Pot beeps, Wait for Natural Pressure Release (NPR). Lastly, remove the lid from you, squeeze some lime juice, and garnish with coriander leaves. Quinoa vegetable pulao in Instant Pot is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method
Follow the same steps as that of the Instant Pot for the stovetop pressure cooker. Close the lid, place a whistle, and cook for 1 whistle on medium flame. Then, turn off the heat. After pressure has been released naturally, Fluff up the quinoa gently. Lastly, squeeze some lime juice and garnish with cilantro.
Stovetop Pot Method
Follow the same steps as that of the Instant Pot on a stovetop pot. Add mixed vegetables, and mint, and cook for a minute. Add 2 cups of water, rinsed quinoa, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt, and mix well. Let everything come to a boil. Then, reduce the flame to low and tightly cover the vessel with a lid. Cook on a very low flame until all the water has evaporated. Stir occasionally. Then, switch off the flame and let it rest covered for at least 10 minutes. Fluff up the quinoa gently, and lastly, squeeze some lime juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
Tips & Variations
I usually use Manual/Pressure Cook mode for cooking quinoa. It works perfectly and also takes less time. If you are in a hurry, at least give some time, about 5 minutes, before you release the pressure manually (5 minutes NPR). You can also replace quinoa with rice or millet. Always keep an eye on the time and do not overcook. Quinoa should not be mushy. I like quinoa to be perfectly cooked and separated. In this recipe, I have used fresh vegetables. But you can also use frozen vegetables too. I kept the spices mild, and you can add more spices as per your preference.
If you like pulao, then check out more Indian Vegetarian Pulao/Pilaf Recipes ★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.
