Quinoa Pulao | Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf
This Instant Pot quinoa pulao or pilaf is a complete, one-pot meal that is quick, delicious, nutritious, vegan & gluten-free! Stovetop instructions included too!
Servings 3 people
Calories 327kcal
Ingredients
Measuring cup used, 1 cup = 250 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed till it runs clear and drained
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onions or shallots
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 1 cup water/stock
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, increase for more heat
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries/raisins, optional
- Dash of lemon juice
- Fresh parsley/cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
- Press the 'SAUTE' button, set it to "NORMAL' and wait until it displays 'HOT'. Add the oil, once it heats up, add cumin seeds, let them crackle.
- Next, add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, sauté for another few seconds until aromatic
- Add sliced mushrooms, sauté until they are lightly browned.
- Add veggies, cook for another minute.
- Add all the spices along with salt, mix well.
- Add the washed and drained quinoa, mix well and sauté gently for another minute.
- Add 1 cup of water/vegetable stock. Add dried cranberries (if using), make sure the quinoa is just about covered with water.
- Press 'CANCEL', close the lid of the Instant Pot with the valve on sealing position. Press the manual or pressure cook button and pressure cook on high for 1 minute. It will take some time for the pressure to build up (about 5 minutes), after which the timer will start.
- Let it depressurize naturally for 10 minutes, the silver pin drops at around 6 minutes. But let it sit for at least 10 minutes so that the quinoa can absorb all the liquid. After 10 minutes, turn the knob to venting and open the lid.
- Gently fluff the quinoa with a fork. Squeeze a dash of lemon, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro leaves, dish out and enjoy along with some yogurt or raita.
Notes
For stovetop quinoa pulao: The steps remain the same from adding oil, cumin seeds right up to step 9. The liquid quantity will change to 1.75 cups. Many people like a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid for the stovetop, but I personally prefer 1.75 cups of water for this pulao, it is perfectly fluffy and not mushy. After adding the liquid, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer covered for 10 minutes. After all the liquid has been absorbed, take the pan off the heat, and let it sit undisturbed for another 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork. Sprinkle lemon juice and serve.
You may double this recipe, cooking time will remain the same.
You may add more veggies, make sure the quinoa is just about covered with water. If required, add in another 1/4 cup of water.
Nutrition
Serving: 1person | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 10.8g | Fat: 8.4g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 650mg | Fiber: 7.5g | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4.3mg