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Home ยป All Recipes ยป Quinoa Pulao or Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa Pulao or Quinoa Pilaf

Apr 20, 2019 | Last Updated: Mar 19, 2024 | by Swati

8 shares
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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.

Quinoa Pulao/Quinoa Pilaf
Table of Contents
  • About the recipe
  • About Quinoa
  • Ingredients to make Quinoa Pulao
  • How to make Vegetable Quinoa Pulao
  • Instant Pot Quinoa Pulao method
  • How to cook Quinoa Pulao in Stove top Pressure Cooker
  • Try these healthy recipes with Quinoa from my blog
  • Recipe card

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

Healthy Quinoa Patties
Healthy Quinoa patties are easy quick and easy way to pack loads of nutrients and are so delicious. These Sweet Potato and Quinoa Patties made in Air Fryer are low in oil, totally plant based and gluten-free and your kids too are going to love it!!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Sweet Potato and Quinoa Patties
Quinoa Coconut Kheer
Vegan, Gluten-free Quinoa Pudding | Rich and creamy Kheer recipe with Quinoa and Coconut Milk
Check out this recipe
Quinoa Kheer
Sprouted Moong and Quinoa Dosa
Instant Dosa recipe with nutritious Sprouted Moong Beans and Quinoa for breakfast or light meals. Gluten-free, Vegan, low oil Dosa recipe.
Check out this recipe
Sprouted Moong and Quinoa Dosa

Recipe card

Quinoa Pulao

Swati
Healthy and Gluten-free Quinoa cooked with vegetable like carrots, corn, peas. Learn how to make Quinoa on Stove-top Pressure Cooker 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main
Cuisine Fusion, Indian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker Instant Pot or Stove top

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cup Quinoa
  • 1/4 Cup Mixed Vegetables
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 2-3 Garlic cloves
  • 1 small Ginger piece
  • 1-2 Green Chillies optional
  • 1 Tomato or 1 tbsp Tomato puree
  • ยฝ tsp Garam Masala
  • 1-2 tbsp Oil
  • ยฝ tsp Cumin Seeds
  • Salt to taste

Whole Spices (optional)

  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 small Cinnamon Stick
  • 3-4 Black Peppercorns
  • 3-4 Cloves

Instructions
 

  • Wash Quinoa very nicely in running tap water, till it  is clear.
    1/2 Cup Quinoa
  • Finely chop onion and tomato. You can also use tomato puree.
    1 small Onion finely chopped, 1-2 Green Chillies
  • Make paste of ginger garlic and green chillies if using. Use a mortar pestle or use store bought paste.
    2-3 Garlic cloves, 1 small Ginger piece

Instant Pot Steps

  • Switch on the Instant Pot at SAUTE MODE set timer 10 mins.
  • Add oil in inner pot, when it indicates hot oil add whole spices and cumin seeds .
    1-2 tbsp Oil, ยฝ tsp Cumin Seeds, 1 small Cinnamon Stick, 3-4 Black Peppercorns, 3-4 Cloves, 1 Bay leaf
  • When cumin seeds crackle, add ginger garlic paste. When the raw smell of garlic goes away, add chopped onions and saute till translucent.
  • Add finely chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
    1 Tomato
  • Add vegetables saute for few seconds.
    1/4 Cup Mixed Vegetables
  • Add quinoa and water . For 1/2 Cup quinoa add 1 cup water. Add salt and garam masala.
    1/2 Cup Quinoa, ยฝ tsp Garam Masala, Salt to taste
  • Cancel the SAUTE MODE and set the PRESSURE COOKER mode on for 2 mins.
  • Close and seal the lid and cook. When the timer is off, wait for the natural pressure release and check pulao.
  • Quinoa is cooked when the grains become translucent and you can see tiny sprouts on the cooked grain.
  • Fluff with fork and serve hot with chutney or raita or curry of your choice.

Stove top Pressure Cooker Method

  • Here I used onion paste with ginger garlic not chopped onions. And also used tomato puree instead of chopped tomato.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

Wash Quinoa nicely 4-5 times. There is no need to soak Quinoa.
You can directly use it in cook after washing. But I kept it for about 15 mins. You can skip it.
Use a fresh or frozen mixed vegetables.ย 
You can skip using Whole spices in the recipe.
You can use store bought ginger garlic paste and tomato puree. Or, you can also use Bhuna Masala.
ย 
ย 
Keyword Fasting Food, Gluten-free,Vegan, Fried Food, Healthy Food, Pulao recipes, Quinoa
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Comments

  1. Kalyani

    July 24, 2024 at 8:21 am

    One pot quinoa pulao looks and sounds very nutritious Swati ! Love to pair it with some Chilled cucumber raita

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    • Swati

      July 25, 2024 at 9:43 pm

      Thank you so much Kalyani!!

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      Reply
  2. Renu Agrawal Dongre

    May 17, 2019 at 9:25 am

    Wonderful pic for the letter Q and an awesome healthy share loaded with nutrients.

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  3. Srivalli Jetti

    May 03, 2019 at 10:45 am

    I guess this is the most popular one for the day! Even I made something like this..very nicely done.

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  4. srividhya

    April 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm

    Is it the red quinoa or the regular one? Love the color and the pulao has come out really well.

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    Reply
    • Swati

      April 30, 2019 at 12:47 pm

      Its the regular one Srividya.. has a red hue due to tomato and carrot.

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      Reply
  5. Sushma

    April 23, 2019 at 6:30 pm

    Quinoa pulao looks delicious. It surely gives a nutty and crunchy texture to the dish.

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  6. gayathriraani

    April 22, 2019 at 10:02 am

    Quinoa is such a versatile ingredient which is used in so much recipes. This pulao with the veggies and quinoa is such a nutritious treat.

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    Reply
  7. harini

    April 21, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    Good pick. This is one of the first dishes I tried with Quinoa years ago and haven't made it since ๐Ÿ™‚ Your version sounds delicious

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  8. Suma Gandlur

    April 21, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    It is one of the grains I really enjoy eating and your pulao looks perfectly made.

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    Reply
  9. vaishalisabnani

    April 21, 2019 at 12:15 pm

    Quinoa is the perfect choice for the alphabet , the pulao looks wholesome and healthy . Well even we havenโ€™t really included this grain in our daily diet , but yes it is one healthy one that should be included .

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  10. Megala

    April 20, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    Wonderful dish! I like its beautiful color.

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    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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Swati Malik

A passionate foodie, food blogger.. blogging about my food experiences, and food stories.. Love to click pics and cook for my loved ones. Aham Bhramasmi!!

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A passionate foodie, food blogger.. blogging about my food experiences, and food stories.. Love to click pics and cook for my loved ones. Aham Bhramasmi!!

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