Quinoa pulao
Vegetable quinoa pilaf made in Indian style with spices, herbs, mixed veggies and quinoa. Serve it for breakfast or meal with raita. With stovetop & Instant pot instructions.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips.
© Swasthi's Recipes - www.indianhealthyrecipes.com
Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1½ to 2 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 small onion chopped or sliced
- 1 green chilli chopped or slit
- ½ teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- ¼ cup carrots chopped
- ¼ cup green peas
- 2 to 3 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)
- 2 cups water (1¼ cups for instant pot)
Whole spices (skip if you do not have)
- 1 small bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon cumin (jeera)
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 inch cinnamon
- 2 cloves
How to make the recipe
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
- Heat oil in a pot. On a low flame saute all the whole spices if using for 30 to 50 seconds.
- When they begin to sizzle add sliced or chopped onions and onions. Saute until they turn golden or transparent.
- Add ginger garlic and fry until you get a nice aroma. Do not burn.
- Then 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 it breaks down and turns 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.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil & 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 sometime. Squeeze some lemon juice if desired. Serve with raita.
NUTRITION (estimation only)
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