Quinoa Recipe – Easy Instant Pot Indian Quinoa Cooking Guide

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quinoa Recipe – Easy Instant Pot Indian Quinoa Cooking Guide

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to add a little extra nutrition to your meals. And honestly, sometimes “healthy” feels… complicated. But trust me, this Instant Pot quinoa recipe is anything but complicated. It’s a total game-changer, and I’m so excited to share it with you. I first started making quinoa regularly when I was trying to incorporate more plant-based protein into my diet, and the Instant Pot makes it unbelievably easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a quinoa recipe; it’s the easy quinoa recipe. Seriously, the Instant Pot does all the work! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or just when you want a healthy side dish without a ton of fuss. Plus, quinoa is so versatile – it’s a blank canvas for all your favorite Indian flavors. It’s a fantastic base for everything from khichdi-inspired bowls to a light and fluffy side with your dal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup water (240ml)

That’s it! Isn’t that amazing?

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk quinoa for a sec. There are actually a few different types out there!

• White quinoa is the most common and cooks up quickly.
• Red quinoa holds its shape a bit better and has a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Black quinoa is even more earthy and takes a little longer to cook.

You can use any variety you like for this recipe – they all work beautifully.

Now, a little Indian context! While quinoa isn’t traditionally an Indian grain, it’s becoming increasingly popular as a healthy substitute for rice. I’ve seen it used in everything from upma-style breakfasts to a lighter take on biryani. It’s a great way to add a boost of protein and fiber to your favorite dishes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first: rinse your quinoa. Give it a good 2-3 rinses under cold running water, swirling it around with your hands. This gets rid of something called saponin (more on that in the FAQs!), which can make it taste a little bitter. Drain it really well.
2. Now, decide on your method. If you’re cooking more than 1.5 cups of quinoa, just add the rinsed quinoa and water directly to the Instant Pot. If you’re making a smaller batch (under 1.5 cups), place the quinoa and water in a stainless steel bowl, then place that on the trivet inside the Instant Pot, with 1 cup of water in the main pot.
3. Pop the lid on, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and pressure cook on HIGH for 1 minute (main pot method) or 4 minutes (pot-in-pot method).
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to get rid of any remaining pressure. Be careful – steam is hot!
5. Finally, fluff the cooked quinoa gently with a fork. And that’s it! You’re ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the rinsing! It really does make a difference.
• If you’re using a pot-in-pot method, make sure the bowl you use is Instant Pot safe.
• For perfectly fluffy quinoa, avoid stirring it too much while it’s cooking.

Variations

• Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally both vegan and gluten-free!
• Different Grain-to-Water Ratios: Some people prefer a slightly softer quinoa. Try using 1 ¼ cups of water for every 1 cup of quinoa.
• Using Broth: Swap the water for vegetable broth for extra flavor. My friend, Priya, swears by using a good quality vegetable broth – it adds so much depth!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of turmeric or cumin to the water before cooking for a subtle flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

Quinoa is so versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• As a side dish with dal and sabzi.
• In a quinoa salad with chopped vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette.
• As a base for a healthy bowl with roasted chickpeas, avocado, and a tahini dressing.
• Mixed into upma for a protein boost.

Storage Instructions

Leftover quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just spread it out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.

FAQs

• Is quinoa a good source of protein for vegetarians? Absolutely! Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans looking to boost their protein intake.
• Can I cook quinoa on the stovetop instead of in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can! Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio (2 cups water for 1 cup quinoa), bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
• How do I know if my quinoa is cooked properly? The quinoa should be tender and fluffy, with a slight bite. If it’s still crunchy, add a little more water and cook for a few more minutes.
• What is saponin and why is it important to rinse quinoa? Saponin is a natural coating on quinoa that can give it a bitter taste. Rinsing removes the saponin, resulting in a more pleasant flavor.
• Can I use pre-rinsed quinoa and skip the rinsing step? If the package specifically says it’s pre-rinsed, you can usually skip the rinsing step. However, I still recommend giving it a quick rinse just to be sure!