Instant Pot Quinoa is one of the best ways to cook quinoa to a perfect texture. The process is easy, quick, and hand free and the cooked quinoa comes out tender and fluffy. Here is how to make quinoa in Instant pot.
After cooking White Rice, Brown Rice, and Jasmine Rice in an instant pot, I was very keen on trying to cook the quinoa and the method worked like a charm.
Here are some more Instant Pot recipes, that I prepared recently – Instant Pot Chicken Stew, Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup, Instant Pot Black Beans, Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes, Instant Pot Chicken Breast, and Instant Pot Applesauce.
About This Recipe
Cooking Quinoa in Instant Pot is a simple process where Quinoa is cooked along with water and salt, until fluffy.
You can cook quinoa in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker too, but making it an instant pot is way easier and less time-consuming.
Quinoa provides you more nutrition as compared to Rice. A cup of quinoa will provide you more fibre and protein, thus making it a healthier choice.
As it is high in Protein, it also keeps you filling for a longer time. It is also packed with Iron and Potassium.
Quinoa is high in protein and therefore I include it in my everyday meals. But It takes me about 30 minutes to cook it in a pan and I have to constantly see that it is not overcooked or undercooked.
With the Instant Pot, it comes out perfectly, just like I like, separate and fluffy. All you have to keep in mind is the Liquid to Quinoa Ratio and Cook Time.
Liquid to Quinoa Ratio – When cooked in a pan, you have to add 2 cups of liquid per cups of quinoa. But since in instant pot, all the steam is trapped inside, this ration becomes 1:1 that is one cup liquid for 1 cup of quinoa.
Cook Time – After multiple experiments, I have come to realise that 1 minute of cook time plus 10 minutes of natural release results in perfectly fluffy quinoa.
Quinoa goes well with almost all the Indian and Continental curries, so if you have an Instant Pot at home, do give this recipe a try.
This Instant Pot Quinoa is,
- Vegan
- High in Protein
- Easy & Quick
- Great Substitute to rice
- Versatile
Ingredients
Quinoa – Quinoa is considered to be a great substitute for rice, as it is high in protein. It cooks quite quickly, so make sure you do not use extra water and cook it as prescribed. Otherwise, it will turn mushy and won’t taste great.
Salt & Water – For about 1 cup Quinoa, you will need a 1-½ cup of water. Add a little salt, to give a salty taste, just like we add while preparing Steamed Rice.
Step By Step Recipe
Rinse the quinoa well under running water.
Add it in the instant pot.
Add water and salt and close the lid of the pot.
Set the valve to sealing.
Press PRESSURE COOK and set the timer to 1 minutes.
Once the timer goes, let the steam release on its own for 10 minutes. Open the lid the pot and fluff the quinoa using a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
To rinse the quinoa, keep it under running cold water in a fine-mesh strainer for around 2 minutes. Keep rubbing it with your hands while rinsing.
It is important to rinse the quinoa well to remove the natural coating on quinoa, which if not washed properly can make it bitter. If you want to roast your quinoa, wait for it to dry completely, otherwise, it won’t roast well.
Quinoa cooks very quickly and therefore you do not need to soak it. Just add in the Instant Pot and cook for about a minute on high.
To cook quinoa in a pressure cooker, rinse the same under running water and add in the cooker. Add 1-½ cup water, salt to taste, and pressure cook for about 1 whistle.
Take the cooker off the stove and let the pressure release naturally. Open the cooker, fluff the quinoa using a fork and serve.
Quinoa is actually a seed, and therefore it comes with the coating of a substance called saponin which is bitter in taste. If not washed properly before cooking, it might make your cooked Quinoa bitter.
But nowadays, usually, Quinoa comes cleaned without this substance, which just needs rinsing. So just to be safe, wash quinoa well before using it.
Yes, if you like to add a subtle flavor to your Quinoa, you can use Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock instead. It adds a great flavor in your simple Quinoa, I must Say!!
Health Benefits
- There are many health benefits of Quinoa, making it a great option to include in your everyday meals. It is very easy to cook just like Steamed Rice but is a much healthier option.
- Quinoa is Gluten Free, making it apt to serve along with your curries if you are following a gluten-free diet.
- It is high in protein, which keeps you filled for a longer time when eaten for your meals.
- Quinoa is also one of the plant foods that contain an adequate amount of all nine essential amino acids.
- It is also rich in fiber, magnesium, vitamin B, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and various other beneficial antioxidants.
How to use Cooked Quinoa?
Well, there is always a basic Quinoa that you can serve along with your choice of Continental and Indian curries.
Quinoa tastes great with almost everything and just acts as a substitute for rice. You can serve it with Dals, Curries, Stir Fries or even add it in your Buddha Bowls.
It makes for a great salad ingredient. Add them in your Summer or Vegetable Salads for that extra nutrition and taste. One of the most popular salads that you can make using Quinoa is Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
You can also make Continental Mixed Rice using Quinoa such as Mexican Rice, Quinoa Fried Rice.
You can use Quinoa in Gratin, Tacos, Summer Rolls, Burritos, Vegetable Soups, Cutlets, Open Toasts, etc.
These recipes also make a great side dish for your Brunch. Well, you can experiment more and let me know if you get any interesting ideas to use this super healthy Quinoa.
Storage Suggestions
Cooked Quinoa will last in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Only take out the amount you want to eat, for reheating.
It’s a great option for meal prep too. Just divide the cooked quinoa into your meal prep containers along with the other elements and refrigerate them.
Cooked Quinoa also freezes well. Let it cool completely and just store in a freezer-safe container and it stays good for about 6 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat until warm.
Recipe Card
Instant Pot Quinoa Recipe
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa well under running water.
- Add it in the instant pot.
- Add water and salt and close the lid of the pot.
- Set the valve to sealing.
- Press PRESSURE COOK and set the timer to 1 minutes.
- Once the timer goes, let the steam release on it’s own for 10 minutes.
- Open the lid the pot and fluff the quinoa using a fork.
Bharat Bagla
I do this all the time. But run out of ideas for accompaniments
Neha Mathur
Do Try.