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Home » Recipes » Quinoa

Quinoa Biryani - Instant Pot & Stovetop

Dec 18, 2022. by Bhavana Patil. 2 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Vegetable Quinoa Biryani recipe is an easy, Indian Style one-pot dish you can make with quinoa, vegetables, and biryani masala in an Instant pot pressure cooker or stovetop. It's our family's favorite lunch box recipe.

vegetable quinoa biryani served in a bowl garnished with cilantro and served with side of raita

Quinoa is one of the world's healthiest wonder grains that is a complete protein, and it contains heart-healthy fats, a good amount of fiber, and folic acid. You can use Quinoa to substitute rice in many recipes.

Along with it, I have added broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, green beans, and paneer (skip if vegan), which are great sources of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

This meal is rich in fiber and helps avoid unwanted cravings, especially if you are on a diet.

Today I have prepared the Indian Style Vegetable quinoa biryani recipe in Instant Pot.

If you don’t have the Instant Pot, use a regular pressure cooker and follow the same steps. This can be prepared on a stovetop pot too.

Quinoa Biryani Ingredients

  • Quinoa: I have used white quinoa here. To avoid any bitterness, make sure to rinse it under cold water to remove the natural coating, called saponin, before adding it to the Quinoa Biryani.
  • Mixed Vegetables: Add vegetables of your choice, a few options are onions, carrots, beans, cauliflower, and broccoli. In addition, I have added paneer for extra protein.
  • Ginger and garlic: I have used a paste made from fresh ginger and garlic. You can also add minced ginger garlic.
  • Green chilies: are added for the heat. You can increase or decrease according to your spice level.
  • Herbs: I used fresh mint, and coriander leaves.
  • Whole & Ground Spices: I used cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and biryani masala powder.
  • Lime juice: use fresh lime/lemon juice for the best flavors.
Quinoa Biryani Ingredients

How to Make Quinoa Biryani in Instant Pot

Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil (or ghee), and once it's hot, add cumin (jeera).

When cumin seeds begin to sizzle, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds.

Then add sliced onions, green chili, and saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and light brown – stir regularly.

step to saute onion ginger garlic in oil collage

Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves and cook for a minute.

Then add rinsed quinoa, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, water, and mix everything well. Adjust seasoning at this stage.

step to add vegetable, quinoa and spices collage

Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.

When the instant pot beeps, Wait for Natural Pressure Release (NPR).

Remove the lid away from you, Squeeze some lime juice. Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with Raita or plain yogurt.

dish in an instant pot

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method

  • Follow the process mentioned above until step 3 i.e., Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves, and cook for a minute.
  • Add 1.5 cups of water, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and mix well. Close the lid, place a whistle, and cook for 1 whistle on medium flame.
  • After pressure has released naturally, fluff up the quinoa gently. Squeeze some lime juice
  • Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with Raita or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pot Method

  • Follow the process mentioned above until step 3, i.e., Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves, and cook for a minute.
  • Add 2 cups of water, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, 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. Squeeze some lime juice.
  • Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.
quinoa rice served in a bowl garnished with cilantro and served with side of raita

What to Serve with Veg Quinoa Biryani?

Serve Vegetable Quinoa Biryani with cucumber raita and pickle. But it can be served with any kurma as well.

Storage Suggestions

  • Storage: Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days when stored in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: You can freeze in a freezer-safe container or ziplock for up to 2 months in the freezer.
  • Reheat: Add a tablespoon of water and reheat in a microwave or stovetop until warm through.

Tips & Variations

  • Soaking quinoa is not mandatory. In this veg quinoa biryani recipe, I dint soak the quinoa. But if you have time, you can soak for 15-20 minutes and reduce the water by ¼ cup.
  • 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.
  • I have used fresh vegetables in this vegetable quinoa biryani recipe. But you can also use frozen vegetables too.
  • I kept the spices mild, you can add more spices as per your preference.
  • Vegans can replace ghee with oil and paneer with tofu.
  • Adding roasted cashew nuts, raisins, ghee, in the end, enhances the taste of Biryani a lot more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quinoa Biryani Vegan and Gluten-free?

Yes!

What other vegetables can be added to the quinoa biryani recipe?

You can also add bell peppers, potatoes, and green peas.

How to store the leftover quinoa biryani?

Leftover vegetable quinoa biryani can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Slightly warm in the microwave or stovetop pot before serving.

More Quinoa Recipes

  • Lemon Quinoa
  • Quinoa Upma
  • Quinoa Pulao/Pilaf
  • Quinoa Curd
  • Quinoa Bisibelebath
  • Quinoa Fried Rice
  • Quinoa Chickpea Salad

More Instant Pot Recipes

  • Vegetable Biryani
  • Chickpea/Chole Biryani
  • Ghee Rice
  • Mushroom Biryani
  • Soya Chunks Biryani
  • Paneer Biryani

If you’ve tried this healthy Indian-style quinoa biryani recipe or any other recipe on Indianveggiedelight, then don’t forget to rate the recipe. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see the latest recipes!

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vegetable quinoa biryani served in a bowl garnished with cilantro and served with side of raita

Vegetable Quinoa Biryani

Bhavana Patil
Vegetable Quinoa biryani is an easy, healthy one pot dish you can make with quinoa, vegetables and biryani masala.
4.89 from 9 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 3
Calories : 488
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, South Indian
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Method: Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 10 minutes
Total Time : 25 minutes

Equipment

  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

measuring cup used 1 cup = 250 ml

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups mixed veggies (carrots, beans,cauliflower and broccoli)
  • ½ cup paneer(cottage cheese) optional
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 green chiles slit into half
  • 2 tablespoon mint (pudina) leaves
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro (coriander leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera)
  • 1.5 tablespoons biryani masala powder I use Shakti Biryani Powder mix. Adjust based on your spice level; see 'notes' for substitute
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 2 tablespoon coconut oil / Ghee(clarified butter)
  • 1.25 cups water
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions
 

Instant Pot Method:

  • Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil or ghee and once it's hot add cumin (jeera). When cumin seeds begin to sizzle, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Then add sliced onions, green chili, and saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and light brown in color – stir regularly.
    step to saute onion ginger garlic in oil collage
  • Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves and cook for a minute.
  • Then add rinsed quinoa, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and water and mix everything well. Adjust seasoning at this stage.
    step to add vegetable, quinoa and spices collage
  • Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.
    Once the pot beeps, Wait for Natural Pressure Release (NPR).
  • Remove lid away from you, squeeze some lime juice. Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with Raita or plain yogurt.
    dish in an instant pot

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:

  • Follow the process mentioned above until step 3 i.e. Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves and cook for a minute.
  • Add 1.5 cups of water, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt and mix well. Close the lid place a whistle and cook for 1 whistle on medium flame.
  • After pressure has released naturally, fluff up the quinoa gently. Squeeze some lime juice
  • Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pot Method:

  • Follow the process mentioned above until step 3 i.e. Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves and cook for a minute.
  • Add 2 cups of water, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, 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 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. Squeeze some lime juice.
  • Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.

Notes

I have prepared this dish in my electric pressure cooker, Instant Pot DUO60 6 QT
  1. Soaking quinoa is not mandatory. In this veg quinoa biryani recipe, I dint soak the quinoa. But if you have time you can soak for 15-20 minutes and reduce water by ¼ cup.
  2. 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.
  3. I have used fresh vegetables in this vegetable quinoa biryani recipe. But you can also use frozen vegetables too.
  4. I kept the spices mild, you can add more spices as per your preference.
  5. Vegans replace ghee with oil and replace paneer with tofu.
  6. Adding roasted cashew nuts, raisins, ghee, in the end, enhance the taste of Biryani a lot more.
 
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 15gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 86mgPotassium: 511mgFiber: 9gVitamin A: 4680IUVitamin C: 9.4mgCalcium: 342mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword healthy, instant pot, quinoa biryani, quinoa recipes, under 30 minutes
Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @indianveggiedelight or #indianveggiedelight

More Healthy Quinoa Recipes

  • Quinoa Upma - Instant Pot & Stovetop
  • Quinoa Fried Rice
  • Quinoa Khichdi - Instant Pot & Stovetop
  • Indian Quinoa Recipes | Quinoa Recipes
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Comments

  1. Mathew V says

    June 14, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    4 stars
    Looks fine.

    Can you suggest with mutton, chicken say meat biriyani.

    Reply
    • bhavana says

      June 14, 2020 at 6:14 pm

      Hey Mathew ,I am a vegetarian...so have never cooked meat.Sorry

      Reply

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