Description
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly cooked fluffy quinoa made in the Instant Pot. This method uses pressure cooking to save time and infuses quinoa with flavor using water or broth, making it a healthy and versatile base for many dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup water (or low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth)
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt (optional, omit if cooking quinoa in broth)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa: Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 1 minute. Drain well to remove any bitterness.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the rinsed quinoa, water or broth, and salt (if using) into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine and ensure all quinoa is submerged and not stuck to the sides.
- Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the pressure cook time to 1 minute at high pressure. The pot will take approximately 10 minutes to reach pressure before counting down.
- Release pressure naturally: When the cook time completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure until the pin drops down. Then carefully switch the steam valve to venting to release any remaining steam and open the lid cautiously.
- Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff and separate the quinoa grains before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa removes its natural bitter coating called saponin.
- Using broth instead of water adds extra flavor.
- Natural pressure release is important to prevent quinoa from sticking to the bottom and to allow it to finish cooking gently.
- This quinoa serves as a great base for salads, bowls, or side dishes.
- Store leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Global
