Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious grain that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot not only saves time but also guarantees perfectly fluffy results every time. This method ensures the quinoa absorbs just the right amount of liquid, resulting in a light, fluffy texture. Whether you’re using it as a base for a hearty salad, pairing it with vegetables, or as a healthy side dish, Instant Pot quinoa is simple, convenient, and always delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (white, red, or tri-color)
- 1 ½ cups water or broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds. This step helps remove the natural bitterness.
- Add to the Instant Pot: Transfer the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot. Add water or broth, olive oil (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Set the Instant Pot: Close the lid, and make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 1 minute on high pressure.
- Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the pressure valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and serve: Open the lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and serve as desired. Enjoy as a side dish, in salads, or as part of your favorite meals!
This recipe is flexible and can be easily adapted with additional seasonings or mix-ins depending on your flavor preferences.
