Vegetable Quinoa Pulao (Instant pot + Stove top) Cooking Carnival

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Quinoa Pulao is a Wholesome and nutritious pilaf made with Quinoa, loads of vegetables, basic Indian spices, dried fruits, herbs, and lemon juice.

It is vegan, gluten-free, mess-free, and one of the simplest one-pot meals ready in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is a healthy alternative that substitutes rice with Quinoa without compromising on the taste. We can make this on the stovetop and in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. I am sharing all the method.

Vegetable Quinoa pulao in kansa bowl, raita on the side.

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What is Quinoa?
About this Quinoa Pulao
Why make this recipe?
Ingredients required for Quinoa Pulao
Step-by-step process
Notes, tips, and quick FAQs
More One-pot recipes
Vegetable Quinoa Pulao
Video

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa, pronounced ‘keen-wa,’ is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate and a whole protein. It is a grain-like crop harvested from its seeds.

It is not an actual grain but can be related to the grain. Quinoa has the highest protein content of all the grains, so it’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

It also provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Quinoa is a gluten-free and cholesterol-free whole grain.

It contains heart-healthy fats, good fiber, and folic acid. It’s a great source of minerals too.

Because of its nutritional value, Quinoa has recently gained popularity, leading to its price being doubled and tripled.

There are two types of Quinoa available: red and creamy white.

If you want to eat healthier and incorporate whole grains, grab Quinoa instead of white rice.

About this Quinoa Pulao

I learned about Quinoa only after shifting to the USA, and my first dish, which I made, was a Quinoa Dosa.

It was a big hit. And after that, I tried many dishes like, quinoa salad, quinoa dhokla, quinoa idli, quinoa khichdi, quinoa chili, Quinoa pulao, etc.

I love making one-pot meals for weeknight dinners. I prefer making a recipe with all the essentials incorporated into one dish.

You can substitute rice with quinoa in in almost every rice dish. This Vegetable Quinoa Pulao is one such recipe.

It is a very delicious, healthy, and perfect one-pot meal.

Along with Quinoa, I have used different veggies like carrots, bell pepper, green beans, and corn which are a great source of fiber and vitamins.

I have kept the pulao recipe simple by using basic Indian spices that are regular in the pantry.

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

Why make this recipe?

Quinoa Pulao is a flavorful and healthy Indian-style one-pot dish.
It’s a quick and easy meal made in Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.
This is the easiest recipe loaded with flavors and nutrients to make on a weekday.
This is a vegan and gluten-free pilaf.
It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and is a great lunch box recipe for kids and adults.
This vegetable quinoa pulav is very adaptable, depending on your liking. We can make it using any vegetables and spices we have in hand.

Ingredients required for Quinoa Pulao

Below is the ingredients list and possible substitutions. The exact ingredient amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Quinoa – White or red Quinoa would work here. Make sure to rinse it under cold water to avoid any bitterness. I suggest you wash Quinoa even though the packets say it’s pre-rinsed.
Vegetables – I have used fresh veggies like onions, bell pepper, green peas, carrots, beans, and sweet corn. You can also swap for vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, mushroom, and zucchini. You can use frozen veggies instead of fresh ones.
Green chilies – I have used Thai green chilies for the heat.
Oil – You can use any cooking oil. You can use ghee if you wish too.
Dry spices – I have used turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, and salt to make Indian quinoa pilaf.
Whole spices – I have used cumin seeds.
Lemon juice – freshly squeezed lime/lemon juice.
Cilantro and mint – for garnish.
Ginger and garlic – I have used finely chopped ginger and garlic. You can use ginger garlic paste too.
Raisin – I like to use some raisins in my pulao recipes. If you do not like sweetness, feel free to skip the raisins or substitute them with cranberries.
Cashews – Just like raisins, I like the taste and crunch of cashews in pulao. If you want to make it nut-free, feel free to skip it.

Premeasured ingredients for indian style quinoa pulao.

Step-by-step process

Wash the quinoa with 3 to 4 times with water. Drain the water and keep the quinoa aside.
Add oil to the Instant Pot and put it in saute mode.
Add cumin seeds. Let it splutter. Add finely chopped green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Saute for a few seconds.
Add all the vegetables (onion, carrots, green beans, corn, green peas, and bell pepper). Saute them for a minute.
Add turmeric powder, salt, chili powder, garam masala, washed Quinoa, cashew, raisin, and water.
Stir everything very well.

Making Indian quinoa recipe in an instant pot.

Secure the lid. Turn off the instant pot from sauté mode. Press the manual pressure button and set the two-minute time under high pressure with the vent valve in the sealing position.
After the instant pot beeps (Once the cooking time is done), let the pressure release naturally.
Carefully open the lid. Add lemon juice, cilantro, and mint leaves. Fluff them up with a fork.

adding mint, cilantro and lime juice in quinoa recipe made in Instant pot.

Vegetable Quinoa Pulao is ready. Serve hot with Cucumber Raita or boondi raita, papad, and pickle. Enjoy!

A Kansa bowl filled with vegetable quinoa pulav, spoons and raita on the side.

Notes, tips, and quick FAQs

Add as little or more vegetables based on your liking. Fresh or frozen will both work well.
Make sure not to overcook Quinoa. It should be fluffy, not mushy.
Cut small, equal size pieces of vegetables; it will help in fast and even cooking.
To make quinoa pilaf more flavorful, use vegetable stock to cook Quinoa.
You can add a few strands of saffron and a few drops of rose or kewra water for a more traditional pulao flavor.
I kept the spices mild; you can add more seasonings.
This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
Gather all the ingredients and have them ready. It is quick and easy to add everything and get it done.

What to Serve with Vegetable Quinoa Pulao?

Serve Indian-style quinoa pulao with cucumber raita or this boondi raita and pickle.

How can we store leftovers?

Quinoa pulao will keep good for 2 or 3 days in the fridge in an air-tight container. You can reheat it on a stovetop or microwave.

How to freeze this quinoa pulao?

We can also freeze the pulao. Portion them into required sizes and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They stay suitable for a couple of months. When you are ready to eat, you can defrost it in the microwave or put it in the fridge overnight for thawing. Reheat it in the microwave before serving.

Does Quinoa need to be soaked?

No, Quinoa gets cooked very fast and doesn’t need soaking before cooking

Can I cook quinoa pulao without vegetables?

Yes, we can use the spices and make a plain quinoa pulao.

Is Quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, Quinoa is gluten-free.

Is it required to soak Quinoa before cooking?

No. You dont need to soak the quinoa before cooking.

Can diabetic people eat Quinoa?

Yes, Quinoa can be consumed by diabetics and is a good substitute for rice.

Are Quinoa and couscous the same?

No, Quinoa and couscous are not the same. Quinoa is a seed, whereas couscous is made from semolina.

Quinoa pulao on a plate, papad and curd on the side.

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Warm regards,

Dhwani.

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