Recipe
Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf Recipe
Published: April 1, 2024
Whipped up a vibrant quinoa pilaf in my trusty Instant Pot today. Packed with veggies and a hint of cumin, it's a hearty, healthy dish that's just bursting with flavor.
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Who can resist a hearty, fiber-packed dish that's as quick as instant pot quinoa pilaf? I'm thrilled to share this recipe with you! One whirl in the instant pot and you'll have a savory pilaf loaded with colorful veggies, wholesome quinoa, and a hint of comforting cumin. It's a fuss-free side dish or stand-alone meal that'll keep your belly satisfied. Let's get started!
Ingredients for Quinoa Pilaf in the Instant Pot
- Quinoa: Nutritious whole grain high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, adding a hearty and healthy base to the pilaf.
- Vegetable broth: Infuses rich flavor into the quinoa while keeping the dish vegetarian and enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables and quinoa, adding richness and depth to the dish.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base to the pilaf, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses a pungent and aromatic flavor to the pilaf, elevating the taste profile with its bold essence.
- Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the pilaf, providing a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.
- Bell pepper: Brings a pop of color, sweetness, and crunch to the pilaf, enhancing the overall texture and visual appeal.
- Cumin: Infuses warm, earthy, and aromatic notes to the pilaf, adding depth of flavor and a hint of spice.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with its fresh and herbaceous flavor, adding a burst of freshness and visual appeal to the pilaf.
One interesting fact about this instant pot quinoa pilaf recipe is that you can add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist to the dish. It's a simple trick that can really elevate the overall taste of the pilaf!
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Quinoa Soup Recipe
Essential Tools for Making This Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the quinoa pilaf quickly and efficiently without constant monitoring.
- Knife: Needed for dicing the onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Common Questions About Preparing Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain well.
- Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add the onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the carrot and bell pepper, cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in the quinoa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and give everything a good stir.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure for 1 minute.
- Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Fluff the quinoa pilaf with a fork and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Read more: Instant Pot Pasta Salad Recipe
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 220 kcal | Carbohydrates: 37 g | Protein: 6 g | Total Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 480 mg | Dietary Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 4 g | Calcium: 50 mg | Potassium: 320 mg | Iron: 3 mg | Vitamin A: 200 µg | Vitamin C: 45 mg
Tips for Making Quinoa Pilaf Ahead of Time or Freezing
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa pilaf as directed.
- Let it cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow the quinoa pilaf to cool completely.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
