Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf recipe is so easy to make and tastes awesome. On a busy day, when you need a quick, simple, and tasty meal that also nourishes, this is exactly what you’re looking for!
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Why to include Quinoa in your diet?
Quinoa is a superfood packed with antioxidants, complete protein, and fiber. It protects against diseases and aging, supports heart health by regulating cholesterol and blood sugar, and is a great option for vegetarians. The numerous health benefits make quinoa a smart addition to any diet (Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
Why you will love this recipe?
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, with the convenience of an Instant Pot, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both quick and hassle-free.
- It gets done quickly and is best for busy days when you want to have a nourishing meal.
- It works perfectly as a side dish alongside grilled fish or as a satisfying meal on its own, packed with veggies. For an extra touch, pair it with a refreshing yogurt salad on the side.
Ingredients used
- Quinoa - Be sure to rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove any bitterness and ensure a more pleasant flavor after cooking.
- Vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes are finely chopped. You can also use beans, broccoli, or others.
- Salt to taste and Spices like coriander powder and garam masala (optional).
- Juice of lemon for a tangy taste.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil to sautee.
- Vegetable stock or water for cooking the quinoa.
How to make Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf?
Sautee the Veggies and Quinoa
Quinoa Pilaf is very easy and hassle-free to make especially when using an Instant Pot. Chop the desired vegetables very finely.
You can use carrots, beans, potatoes, and peas. Some other options that can be added are paneer, corn, broccoli, and any other veggies that you like.
To saute the chopped veggies, use a little vegetable oil or coconut oil. Once sauteed add the quinoa. Ensure that the quinoa used is rinsed well to avoid any bitter taste.
Optional Flavoring
If you like a little flavor in the pilaf, add a quarter teaspoon of garam masala (a mix of assorted spices) and a little coriander or cumin powder. This is purely optional, be assured that the pilaf will taste good even without the addition of the extra spices.
The amount of water that I normally add is 1.25 cups for 1 cup of quinoa when cooking in the outer pot directly.
If you have more than a cup of chopped veggies, add another 0.25 cups of water. You can also replace water with vegetable stock for a varied flavor. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon.
Cook on manual mode and high pressure for 5 mins. Once done use natural pressure release to release the steam. Open the instant pot, and fluff the cooked pilaf with a fork.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa and chop all the veggies into small pieces
Step 2: In an Instant pot, add some oil and sautee the veggies and Quinoa. Add salt, water, or vegetable stock and cook on manual mode at high pressure for 5 minutes.
Step 3: When done, NPR fluff up a little using a fork.
Step 5: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy.
What to serve with the Pilaf?
Enjoy the pilaf with raita (yogurt salad), pappad (fritters), or chips as the accompaniments. Some folks have this as a side dish with pan-seared, baked, or grilled fish. However this is served this pilaf tastes awesome.
The pilaf tastes great and knowing that it's healthy makes it even more desirable. A cup of quinoa has twice the protein and about five grams more fiber than rice, The fewer carbohydrates and calories also make it very appealing for folks on a diet and the calorie-conscious.
If you liked this pilaf you may also like the Sago pearls pilaf that was posted some time ago. If you like veggies and rice Vegetable Biryani is a good option. Do check it out.
If you tried this Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below. I love hearing from you!
Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa washed and cleaned
- 1 cup vegetables finely chopped carrot, peas, beans)
- ½ lemon medium size
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp coriander powdered
- ½ tsp salt to taste
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1.5 cups water or vegetable stock
Instructions
- Wash and rinse the quinoa thoroughly and keep aside.
- Cut the chopped veggies and keep aside along with the quinoa.
- In an instant pot heat some vegetable oil or coconut oil.
- Add the chopped veggies first followed by quinoa and sautee well.
- Add 1.5 cups of water and salt to taste.
- Add juice of half a lemon.
- Cook on manual mode and pressure cook for 5 mins
- Let it cool using the natural pressure release.Open the instant pot and fluff the pilaf with a fork
- Serve with raita (yogurt salad) , pappad (fritters) and chips
Notes
- Make sure to rinse Quinoa well until the water runs clear, which helps remove any bitterness and guarantees a enjoyable flavor after cooking.
- Adding garam masala or any spices to this dish is completely optional rest assured, the pilaf will still taste delicious even without the extra spices.
- If you’re using more than a cup of chopped veggies, simply add an extra 0.25 cups of water to maintain the right texture and consistency.
- For a deeper flavor, you can substitute water with vegetable stock.
- Don't forget to squeeze the juice of half a lemon to add a refreshing zing!
- Once the cooking is done, open the Instant Pot and gently fluff the pilaf with a fork to separate the grains and enhance the texture.
I tried your quinoa pilaf recipe in the Instant Pot, and it was fantastic! The flavors were spot on, and it was so easy to make. Perfect for meal prep too! Thanks for sharing!
I am always on the lookout for new quinoa recipes! Love your instant pot version!
This was a great addition to my meal rotation! The flavors came together so nicely in the Instant Pot, making it a quick and healthy option.
Wonderful to hear that you liked the flavors of the quinoa pilaf ,the instant pot indeed makes it really easy and flavorful. Thank you so much for the feedback!
I used to make pilaf all the time. This sounds like a good twist on traditional pilaf, and I like quinoa a lot. The instant pot is a great idea!
Yes indeed , it gives quinoa a lift from the usual recipes and almost tastes like traditional pilaf and instant pot method is indeed the best way to prepare as we don't need to baby-sit the dish! Thank you for the feedback!
I already pinned this recipe as I am using quinoa more a more lately and need new recipes. This will be perfect with salmon or any type of fish and it looks so delicious!
Thank you so much, yes indeed any side dish of a fish like salmon with a hint of lemon would be a perfect meal!
I love how easy and nourishing this quinoa pilaf is to prepare in the Instant Pot. The fact that quinoa is a complete protein makes it perfect for a vegetarian meal that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Thank you so much for your feedback , I agree it's a very nourishing and perfect meal that can be easily made!
This quinoa pilaf in the Instant Pot sounds perfect. I love how versatile it is with all the veggie options too! Can't wait to try it with my family.
Thank you so much , hope you love it !
I adore quinoa and was thrilled to find your easy to make, yummy recipe!!! I'll be making it a lot!
Happy to hear that , thank you so much for the wonderful feedback!
I recently made this, and it was so easy and flavorful! The texture was perfect, and it worked well as a quick, healthy side.
Thanks so much for the feedback , glad to hear that!
My daughter loves Quinoa. She loves trying new dishes with it so I’ll send this to her and let her give it a try.
https://icecreamnstickyfingers.com/hocus-pocus-snack-board/
Glad to hear that and hope she loves this dish.Thanks so much!
I have always cooked quinoa on the stove. I love quinoa and will be trying this method.
Wonderful to hear that , instant pot method is hassle free indeed, Thank you so much!
I will have to give this a try. I always need a good side dish for my meals and the quinoa looks tasty.
Thank you so much!
Nisha, your post reminded me it has been too long since I used my quinoa supply.. thank you for the quick yet healthy recipe and reminder too!
Thanks Vidya and glad this post was a reminder!