After trying time after time again, I’ve found the fluffiest version of quinoa I’ve made thus far!! Hallelujah!
Jump to RecipeI use quinoa quite a bit. It’s high in fiber so you will feel full longer, it’s nutritious, naturally gluten free and high in protein.
Quinoa contains amino acids, making it a complete protein. (The amino acids are compounds your body cannot make on it’s own and therefore you must supplement with food).
So, now that we know its nutritious for us, let’s learn how to cook it!
Instant Pot Quinoa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 1/4 cup water or broth
Directions:
- Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa under the water. (Rinsing the quinoa removes the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which makes it taste bitter. )
- Pour rinsed quinoa into the instant pot.
- Add 1 1/4 cup water or broth. I like using vegetable broth because it adds a lot of flavor to the dish!
- Cover the instant pot and move the valve to the “seal” position.
- High pressure cook for 3 minutes.
- Allow to natural release for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure (carefully!).
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm!
If you make a double batch, just double the ingredients. The cook time will stay the same.
Now that we know HOW to make quinoa, I want to share ideas on what to do with the quinoa!
10 ideas on how to use cooked quinoa:
- Add it to a salad! Quinoa is a great addition to any salad, cold or warm. It adds protein and helps keep you full longer!
- Make quinoa taco meat. Minimalist Baker has a GREAT recipe on how to do this. I’ve made it A TON! https://minimalistbaker.com/quinoa-taco-meat/ If you don’t have time for all the steps, I’ve cut corners by mixing the cooked quinoa with salsa, and then followed the baking instructions. Turns out great!
- Make a burrito bowl and use quinoa instead of rice.
- Make stir fry and use quinoa instead of rice.
- Combine quinoa with your morning oats for extra protein and substance!
- Make Pinch of Yum’s Quinoa and Sweet Potato Salad
- Make quinoa and egg muffin cups for a make-ahead breakfast option
- Make quinoa salad with chickpeas (see photo below)
- Make roasted vegetable and quinoa bowls (see photo below)
- Make cilantro lime quinoa for a side to any dish. I like to add cooked corn and black beans as well. Throw in avocado chunks to add a healthy fat!
Enjoy, friends!
Instant Pot Quinoa
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 1 1/4 cup water (or broth)
Instructions
- Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water
- Dump quinoa and water (or broth) into the instant pot.
- Cover and set the valve to "seal." Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure
- Fluff with a fork and serve
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