Vegetable Quinoa Pulao - Instant Pot & Stovetop

Quinoa Pulao is a flavorful, healthy Indian-style one-pot dish made with quinoa and fresh-cut vegetables in an Instant pot pressure cooker or stovetop. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and is a great lunch box recipe for kids and adults. Quinoa pilaf is Vegan and Gluten-Free.

Quinoa, pronounced 'keen-wa' is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate, as well as a whole protein (meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids). There are two types of quinoa available: red and creamy white. They also open up to release little white curls (like a tail) as they soften.

Cooking Quinoa might seem tedious, but it's as easy as cooking any rice. This colorful quinoa pilaf is an easy, delicious meal prepared in less than 30 minutes that is low in calories and fat and very filling, especially in a weight-loss program. I usually serve this pilaf with cucumber raita and pickle.

Today I am sharing Instant Pot, Stovetop Pressure Cooker, and Stovetop Pot ways of making quinoa pulao Indian-style recipe.

Health benefits of Quinoa

• It is very high in protein, with all the essential amino acids.
• It is very high in fiber, much higher than most grains.
• It is gluten-free and perfect for people With gluten Intolerance.
• It has a low glycemic index, which is good for blood sugar control
• Quinoa appears to be very high in antioxidants. Sprouting increases their antioxidant levels even further. – Source Healthline

Quinoa Pulao Recipe Ingredients

• Quinoa: White or red quinoa would work here. Make sure to rinse it under cold water to remove the natural coating, called saponin, to avoid any bitterness before adding it to the Quinoa & Vegetable Pilaf.
• Green chilies: I have used Thai green chilies for the heat.
• Ginger and garlic:  I have used paste from fresh ginger and garlic. 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 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-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 Pilaf in Instant Pot is ready. Serve with Raita or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method

• Follow the same process mentioned above for the stovetop pressure cooker. Close the lid, place a whistle, and cook for 1 whistle on medium flame. Turn off the gas.
• After pressure has been released naturally, Fluff up the quinoa gently. Lastly, Squeeze some lime juice and garnish with cilantro. Quinoa pulao in a pressure cooker is ready to serve.

Stovetop Pot Method

• Follow the process mentioned above on a 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.
• The Quinoa Pulao Indian recipe is ready. Serve with Raita or plain yogurt.

What to Serve with Vegetable Quinoa Pulao?

Serve Quinoa and Mixed Vegetable Pulao with cucumber raita and pickle. Also, Indian-style quinoa pulao can be served with any kurma as well.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Indian Pulao/Pilaf Recipes

• Karnataka Style Veg Pulao
• Broken Wheat Pulao
• Beetroot Pulao
• Millet Pulao
• Peas Pulao

More Indian Quinoa Recipes

• Vegetable Lentil Quinoa Soup
• Curd Quinoa
• Quinoa Bisibelebath
• Quinoa Biryani
• Lemon Quinoa
• Quinoa Fried Rice
• Quinoa Upma

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