Quinoa Pulao or Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa Pulao or Quinoa Pilaf Recipe with stove top pressure cooker and Instant pot. Quinoa Pilaf is an easy, quick and nutritious one pot meal, which you can have for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Quinoa Pilaf is Vegan, Gluten-free, wholesome nutritious meal ready within 30 mins.

About the recipe

Quinoa Pulao os a quick and easy one pot meal, ready within 30mins. Whenever I am pressed on time I go for pulao or khichdi recipes as these are wholesome, nutritious and can be made in one pot in pressure cooker (stove top or electrical like Instant Pot) It's a perfect wholesome meal for lunch boxes. Cooking Quinoa in open pan can take long time as the grain takes time to cook. Pressure cooking reduces the time and also retains the nutrients which can be destroyed with overcooking of the grain.

This one pot quinoa pulao with vegetables is fuss free to make, can be served with plain yogurt or your favourite raita.

About Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced as kee-wah) is one of the ancient grains and is very popular these days especially among the people who want to avoid rice. It is also known as the superfood of the future. Quinoa is a complete protein as it is loaded with all the 9 essential amino acids. A rich source of iron, magnesium, and riboflavin which is known to improve the energy levels in brain and muscle cells.

It is a native of South America(Peru) and was discovered 4-5 thousand years ago. These days lot of people have started eating it. We use it in salads, soups and as an alternative to rice.

Quinoa for Everyday Meals

In short, from salads, to sides , from breakfast to main Quinoa can form an integral part of your everyday meal. I like to have quinoa once in a while to have diversity in my meals. I also add it in salads, make burger patties or cutlets.

Check HERE HOW to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa is cooked when the grains become translucent and you can see tiny sprouts on the cooked grain.

Ingredients to make Quinoa Pulao

Quinoa- Use white or colored quinoa. Wash it very nicely before adding in the recipe.

Mixed vegetables- Use fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice. In the recipe I have used carrot, peas and corn. You can use any other vegetables like green beans, mushroom, cauliflower, potato, baby corn etc, whichever is available to you.

Masala for Pulao- Onion, tomato/tomato puree, ginger, garlic, green chillies(optional).

Spices-Garam masala, Cumin seeds, salt, oil. You can also add whole spices like Bay leaf, Cinnamon stick, cloves and peppercorns.

How to make Vegetable Quinoa Pulao

Quinoa Pulao can be made just like the way we make Mixed Veg. Pulao with rice. I do not use whole spices in preparing it. You can also add paneer/tofu or soya chunks along with the vegetables.

You can make it by open pan stove top which can take a bit long. Making in Instant Pot reduces the cooking time.

Preparation for Pulao

• Wash quinoa 4-5 times very nicely to remove the coating which may cause the bitterness in cooked quinoa dishes. Then soak it for about 15 mins.
• Cut and prepare your vegetables when using fresh vegetables. You can also use frozen vegetables.
• Make paste of ginger garlic and green chillies(if using). You can also use store bought ginger garlic paste.

Instant Pot Quinoa Pulao method

• Switch on the Instant Pot at SAUTE mode, set time for 10 min.
• Heat oil and then add cumin seeds and other whole spices.
• Add ginger garlic paste and saute till raw smell of garlic goes away.
• Next add chopped onions and saute till onions turn translucent.
• Add tomatoes/tomato puree and cook for about 2-3 mins.
• Next add vegetables and saute for 1-2 min.
• Add quinoa, drain water before adding. Finally garam masala and salt and about 1 cup water for half cup quinoa.
• Cancel the Saute Mode, set the Pressure Cook Mode and set the timer for 2 mins.
• After the Instant Pot beeps wait for the Natural Pressure Release.
• Open the lid and check Pulao. Lightly fluff it with fork or spoon.
• Serve hot with your favourite raita or even plain yogurt.

How to cook Quinoa Pulao in Stove top Pressure Cooker

• To cook in Stove top pressure cooker or Indian Style Pressure cooker, keep the cooker on medium flame. Follow the steps from add oil and cumin seeds to adding Quinoa and water.
• Here I used onion paste with ginger garlic not chopped onions. And also used tomato puree instead of chopped tomato.
• Close the lid and cook pulao for 2-3 whistles on medium flame.
• When done, wait for the natural pressure release and then open the cooker. Check pulao and lightly fluff the vegetables.
• Serve hot.

Stepwise pics for Indian Pressure Cooker Method

Serving Suggestions

Raita recipes to serve with pulao Pineapple Raita, Cucumber Mint Raita, Spinach Raita, Lauki Raita, Ash Gourd Raita

Can I make ahead and freeze Quinoa Pulao

You can make Quinoa Pilaf for weekday meal preparations. It stays good for 2-3 days in refrigerator.

To freeze pulao, use airtight freezer friendly containers and freeze pulao as per required portions.

Thaw pulao and reheat in microwave for 1 min (HIGH) or in a pan on stovetop. You can add 1-2 tbsp water if required while reheating pulao.

Do not freeze the thawed pulao again.

Try these healthy recipes with Quinoa from my blog

Recipe card

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