Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for something healthy and delicious? Let me introduce you to a game-changer!
Today, I’m sharing my recipe for instant pot quinoa.
It’s quick, fluffy, and packed with protein. Plus, it cooks up in just minutes!
Perfect as a side dish or a base for your favorite meals.
Get ready to love quinoa like never before!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For those looking to vary their grain intake, quinoa can be substituted with other quick-cooking grains like bulgur wheat or millet. These alternatives offer similar cooking times and nutritional profiles, maintaining the dish’s overall balance. Use the same 1:1 ratio of grain to water.
Water can be replaced with vegetable or chicken broth to add more flavor to the quinoa. This substitution enhances the taste without significantly altering the nutritional content. For a non-savory option, coconut milk can be used instead of water, imparting a subtle sweetness and richness to the dish. When using coconut milk, consider reducing the liquid slightly to account for its higher fat content.
While not a direct substitution, adding a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the cooking liquid can enhance the quinoa’s texture and flavor. This addition is particularly useful for those seeking to increase their healthy fat intake.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 220-250
- Protein: 8-10 g
- Fat: 3-5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39-45 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed thoroughly to remove bitterness)
- 1 cup water
Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa
Start by rinsing the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve under running water for at least 30 seconds.
This step is important to remove any bitterness from its outer coating.
Once rinsed, transfer the quinoa to the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Add Water and Prepare the Instant Pot
Add an equal amount of water to the Instant Pot, maintaining a 1:1 ratio (e.g., 1 cup of quinoa to 1 cup of water).
Before securing the lid, check the sealing ring to ensure it is properly placed and has some wiggle room for optimal sealing and pressure buildup.
Step 3: Cook the Quinoa
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and move the steam release valve to the sealing position.
Select the manual or pressure cook button, setting the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for 1 minute.
It will take roughly 8 to 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize and start the cooking cycle.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking cycle concludes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes.
After this time, move the steam release valve to venting, ensuring the steam is completely released.
Check that the floating valve has dropped, indicating that it’s safe to open the lid.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Remove the lid carefully and fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
Serve immediately, or let it cool before storing.
Step 6: Store Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container.
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
This makes it easy to have a quick side ready for future meals.
