This recipe of Quinoa Pilaf in an Instant Pot is just what you need on a busy day for a quick, simple, tasty, and nourishing meal.
Why to include Quinoa in your diet ?
Quinoa is a known superfood with innumerable benefits. It contains antioxidants that protect us from diseases and aging. Being a complete protein, it's a great source of food for vegetarians. The fiber content in quinoa not only helps with regular bowel movement but also regulates cholesterol, and blood sugar, which in turn improves heart health. With so many added advantages it is great to include it in your diet.
Why you will love this recipe ?
- This is very easy to make , uses simple ingredients that are already in your pantry and a one pot meal when using an instant pot.
- It gets done quickly and best for the busy days when you want to have a nourishing meal.
- It can be a side with a grilled fish or a meal by itself as it has all the veggies and can go with a little yogurt salad on the side.
Ingredients used in the Quinoa Pilaf
- Quinoa washed well until the washed water is clear to avoid any bitter taste after cooking.
- Vegetables like carrot, peas, potatoes 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 Quinoa Pilaf in an Instant Pot?
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.
What to serve with the Quinoa Pilaf?
Enjoy the pilaf with raita (yogurt salad), pappad (fritters), or chips as the accompaniments. Some folks to have this as a side dish with a pan-seared, baked or grilled fish. However this is served this pilaf tastes really awesome.
Quinoa Pilaf in an Instant Pot
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
Nutrition
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. Do check it out.
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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!
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!
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!
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.
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Glad to hear that and hope she loves this dish.Thanks so much!
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!
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!
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 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!
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 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!
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 am always on the lookout for new quinoa recipes! Love your instant pot version!
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!