---
title: Quinoa Pulao (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
description: Quinoa Pulao is a quick and satisfying one-pot meal that can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s a flavorful blend of quinoa and mixed vegetables, with Indian spices adding warmth and depth. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and protein-rich, it’s a wholesome twist on traditional pulao.
image: https://pipingpotcurry.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Quinoa-Pulao-Piping-Pot-Curry.jpg
cook time: 15 minutes
time required: 20 minutes
prep time: 5 minutes
source: https://pipingpotcurry.com/instant-pot-quinoa-pilaf
servings: 4
nutrition:
  calories: 184 kcal
  fat: 6 g
  saturated fat: 3 g
  carbohydrates: 31 g
  sugar: 3 g
  protein: 6 g
  fiber: 7 g
  sodium: 681 mg
  serving size: 1 serving
tags: quinoa indian recipes, quinoa pulao
course: Main Course, Side Dish
cuisine: Indian
---

Heat the #instant pot{} in Sauté mode and add @ghee or oil{1%tablespoon}. Add @green chili pepper{1-2}(diced), @onion{1}(diced), @ginger{1 inch}(grated), and @garlic{4%cloves}(minced). Sauté for ~{3-4%minutes} until the onions are lightly golden.

Add @ground turmeric{1/2%teaspoon}, @kashmiri red chili powder{1%teaspoon}, @garam masala{1/2%teaspoon}, and @salt{1%teaspoon} and give a stir. Then add @mixed vegetables{2 cups}.

Add @quinoa{1 cup}, @water{1 1/4 cup}, and mix well. Close the lid with the vent in sealing position.

Change the instant pot setting to pressure cook mode at high pressure for ~{2%minutes}. After the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally.

After you open the instant pot, mix the juice of @?lemon{1/2}(juiced, optional) and garnish with @cilantro{} (to garnish). Serve hot with yogurt or raita.

Follow the same steps as the instant pot method for the stovetop pressure cooker method. Add @water{1 1/2 cup} for this method. Pressure cook for ~{1%whistle} on medium-high flame. Then let the pressure release naturally.

Heat a #pan{} on medium-high heat. Then add @ghee or oil{1%tablespoon}. Add the whole spices and let them sauté for a minute.

Add @green chili pepper{1-2}(diced), @onion{1}(diced), @ginger{1 inch}(grated), and @garlic{4%cloves}(minced). Sauté for ~{3-4%minutes} until the onions are lightly golden. Add @ground turmeric{1/2%teaspoon}, @kashmiri red chili powder{1%teaspoon}, @garam masala{1/2%teaspoon}, and @salt{1%teaspoon} and give a stir.

Then add @mixed vegetables{2 cups}, @quinoa{1 cup}, and @water{1 1/4 cup}. Stir it all well and let it come to a boil. Now reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the quinoa cook for about ~{12-14%minutes} until all the liquid is absorbed.

Let it rest for ~{5%minutes}, then open the lid and add the juice of @?lemon{1/2}(juiced, optional). Garnish with @cilantro{} (to garnish). Serve hot with yogurt or raita.