Quinoa Pulao (Vegetable Quinoa Recipe)
Vegetable quinoa pilaf made in Indian style with spices, herbs, mixed veggies and quinoa. Serve it for a meal with raita. Make it in the Instant pot or in a pot on the stovetop.
© Swasthi's Recipes
Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1½ to 2 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 small onion chopped or sliced
- 1 green chili pepper chopped or slit
- ½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- ¼ to ½ cup carrots chopped
- ¼ cup green peas
- 2 to 3 green beans chopped
- 1 small tomato (optional, chopped finely)
- 10 to 12 mint leaves (pudina) chopped finely
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon red chilli powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Whole spices (skip if you do not have)
- 1 small bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 inch cinnamon
- 2 cloves
Use any one
- 1¼ cups water to cook in Instant pot OR
- 2 cups water to cook in pot
Instructions
Preparation
- Pour quinoa to a large bowl and pour 3 to 4 cups of water. Rub them well for a few seconds and drain the water.
- Pour more water and rinse them again. I rinse them thrice. Lastly drain them to a colander and set aside. Rinse and chop all the veggies.
How to make Quinoa Pulao in the Instant Pot
- Press saute button and pour oil to the steel insert. Add all the whole spices. When they sizzle, add onions and chilies. Saute until transparent for 2 mins.
- Saute ginger garlic paste for 30 seconds and stir in turmeric, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, mint and mixed veggies. Saute until the tomatoes breakdown.
- Add quinoa and saute for 30 seconds. Press Cancel and pour water. Mix well to release any bits of food stuck. Cover the IP and position the steam release valve to sealing.1¼ cups water
- Pressure cook for 1 min in new IP or 2 to 3 mins in old IP (read notes). Let the pressure drop naturally before opening the lid.
- Let the quinoa pulao cool down slightly. Taste test and add more salt and lemon juice before serving. Do not stir a lot when it is hot.
Stovetop Quinoa Pulao
- On a low to medium flame heat oil in a pot. Add all the whole spices.
- When they begin to sizzle add sliced or chopped onions and chilies. Saute until they turn golden or transparent.
- Add ginger garlic and fry until you get a nice aroma. Do not burn. Reduce the heat and stir in salt, garam masala, turmeric and chilli powder.
- Add the chopped veggies and mint. Stir fry for 60 seconds. If using tomato then saute until they break down and turn mushy.
- Transfer drained quinoa and saute for 30 to 60 seconds. Pour water and give a good stir. Taste test and add more salt if needed.2 cups water
- Bring the water to a rolling boil on a high heat & then reduce the flame to medium. Cook until the quinoa turns tender and absorbs all the water.
- When quinoa is cooked fully they look transparent. Cover and reduce the flame to low. Let the quinoa pulao rest on the stove for 5 to 7 mins. Squeeze some lemon juice if desired. Serve with raita.
Video
Watch Quinoa Pulao Video
Nutrition
Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 522mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2318IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 3mg
