Quinoa Pulao / Pilaf - Instant Pot & Stovetop

5 from 6 votes

A flavorful healthy one pot meal of pulao made with quinoa and fresh cut vegetables

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword quinoa pilaf, quinoa pulao, quinoa recipes

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Method Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 340kcal

Author Bhavana Patil

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, 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.

Follow the process mentioned above on a pot. Add mixed vegetables, mint, and cook for a minute.
After pressure has 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.

Follow the process mentioned above until step 4 ie Add mixed vegetables, mint and cook for a minute.
Add 2 cups of water, rinsed quinoa, turmeric powder, garam masala, 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 and lastly, squeeze some lime juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
Quinoa Pulao Indian recipe is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.

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 millets.
Soaking quinoa is not mandatory. In this recipe, I dint soak the quinoa. But if you have time you can soak for 15-20 minutes and reduce 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.
In this recipe, I have used fresh vegetables. But you can also use frozen vegetables too.
I kept the spices mild, you can add more spices as per your preference.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.