Quick Quinoa & Peas Recipe – Indian Instant Pot Comfort Food

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Quinoa & Peas Recipe – Indian Instant Pot Comfort Food

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, yet incredibly flavorful, Quinoa & Peas recipe with you. It’s become a weeknight staple in my house – quick to make, comforting, and packed with goodness. Honestly, I first made this when I was craving something light but satisfying, and it’s been a hit ever since! Plus, the Instant Pot makes it so easy. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra protein and nutrients. And the best part? The warm, aromatic spices give it that classic Indian comfort food vibe we all crave. It’s a little hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Quinoa & Peas:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4 whole green cardamom
• 3 whole black cardamom
• 3 cloves
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1.5 cups green peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1.25 cups water (approx. 300ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure everything turns out perfectly:

• Quinoa: This little grain is a powerhouse of nutrition! It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Make sure to rinse it well to remove any bitterness.
• Bay Leaf: Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the dish. I always use fresh bay leaves if I have them, but dried work just fine too.
• Cardamom & Clove: These are key Indian spices. Green cardamom offers a sweet, floral note, while black cardamom brings a smoky depth. Cloves add warmth and a touch of spice.
• Peas: Traditionally, this dish is made with fresh green peas, but frozen work wonderfully and are super convenient. In some regions of India, people also use snow peas or even broad beans for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this Quinoa & Peas in your Instant Pot:

1. First, give the quinoa a good rinse under running water for 1-2 minutes. This gets rid of any bitterness. While that’s happening, soak the frozen peas in warm water to help them thaw a bit.
2. Now, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the oil, bay leaf, cumin seeds, green cardamom, black cardamom, and cloves. Let those spices sizzle for about 30 seconds – you’ll smell the magic happening!
3. Add the sliced onion and chopped green chili to the pot. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Drain the peas and add them to the pot along with the cilantro, quinoa, water, and salt. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for just 2 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully open the lid.
7. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. And that’s it! Serve it up with a dollop of yogurt or as a side dish.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the quinoa! 2 minutes is usually perfect in the Instant Pot.
• If you want a more intense flavor, you can lightly toast the quinoa in the pot before adding the water.
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Absolutely gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: My family prefers a mild spice level, but feel free to add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder for a spicier kick.
• Festival Adaptation: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the onion and garlic to make this dish fasting-friendly. My grandmother always made it this way!

Serving Suggestions

This Quinoa & Peas is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Serve it with a side of creamy yogurt for a cooling contrast.
• Pair it with a simple dal (lentil soup) for a complete meal.
• Use it as a side dish with your favorite Indian curries.
• My friend loves adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a little extra brightness.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Store any leftover Quinoa & Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is quinoa a good source of protein? Absolutely! Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
• Can I use frozen quinoa instead of rinsing and cooking? While you can use pre-cooked quinoa, I highly recommend cooking it from scratch for the best flavor and texture.
• What type of oil is best for this recipe? I usually use vegetable oil or sunflower oil, but you can also use ghee for a richer flavor.
• Can I adjust the amount of green chili? Definitely! Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
• How can I make this dish more flavorful? A pinch of garam masala at the end can really elevate the flavors.
• Can this be made on the stovetop? Yes! Sauté the spices and onions as directed, then add the quinoa, peas, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.