Quinoa takes lesser time to cook compared to the other grains. Whenever I decide to prepare a quick meal I make something with quinoa. This quinoa pulao is super quick to make if you have the mixed veggies ready. This is best served with a raita. While it cooks, make the raita with some onions or cucumber. If you are new to using quinoa these tips may help you.

TIPS

Always rub and rinse quinoa very well before using. I rinse even the pre rinsed quinoa as we feel they taste bitter without the extra rinse. This helps to remove any bitter tasting & toxic saponins that are present on the seeds.You can cook this on the stove top or in an instant pot like the way I did. Quinoa doesn’t absorb much of the flavors from spices due to the short cooking time. So I use the whole spices as well but you may skip them if you do not have.Sometimes I feel ginger doesn’t go well with quinoa. So I have used ginger garlic here. You may avoid ginger completely and add only garlic paste.

Preparation

  1. Add quinoa to a large bowl and pour water. Rub them very well for 30 to 50 seconds. Drain the water and repeat the rinse. I use pre rinsed quinoa but still I prefer to rub and rinse them well.Otherwise I feel the bitter taste.
  2. Drain them to a colander and set aside. Then rinse and chop the veggies.

How to make quinoa pulao

  1. Press the saute button on your IP. Pour oil to the steel insert. When the oil turns hot, add a small bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cumin and cardamoms.
  2. When they begin to sizzle, add the onions and green chilli. Saute until they turn golden. This just takes a minute or 2. Add ginger garlic and saute for 30 seconds. You can also skip ginger.
  3. Then add mint, carrots, beans, peas, turmeric, garam masala and salt. Saute just for 30 seconds.
  4. Add quinoa and saute for 30 seconds.
  5. Press the cancel button and pour water. Please ensure you add the correct amount of water. Scrub the bottom on the steel insert with a spatula to release any bits of food stuck. Taste the water and add more salt if desired.
  6. Close the Instant pot with the lid and position the steam release valve or handle to sealing. Press the pressure cook button and set the timer for 1 minute.
  7. When the Instant pot beeps, press cancel and wait for the pressure to release naturally. Quinoa pulao is done. When it cools down slightly sprinkle lemon juice and serve with raita. Serve quinoa pulao with raita.

Vegetable quinoa pulao

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