Easy Instant Pot Quinoa

The easiest way to cook quinoa is in your Instant Pot! Instant Pot quinoa turns out perfectly every time.

Cooking quinoa on the stovetop can be a little tricky. If you add too much water, it's mushy. Not enough, and it will stick to the bottom of the pot. There must be an easier way, right?

Hands down, the easiest way to cook quinoa is in your Instant Pot.

Using this recipe, you can make perfectly cooked Instant Pot quinoa (pronounced: KEEN-wah) every time. It makes fluffy, individual grains that can be turned into all sorts of healthy lunches and dinners.

Instant Pot White Quinoa Cheat Sheet

Liquid to Quinoa Ratio: 1:1
Instant Pot Cooking Time: 1 minute, high pressure & natural release
Amount: 1 cup dry quinoa = 3 cups cooked

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1:1 Ratio of Liquid

In the Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio works best (1 cup liquid for every 1 cup quinoa).

Most often, I use water as the cooking liquid. But if you have stock of any kind on hand, use it to add more flavor.

Using a 1:1 ratio makes quinoa that is tender but still has a slight firmness to it. If you prefer softer grains, try adding 1 ¼ cups water for every 1 cup of quinoa.

Dinner Recipes

Most often, I turn quinoa into healthy side salads by adding ingredients like chopped or roasted vegetables, olives, fresh herbs, feta cheese and a quick olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.

When my kids were little, they liked quinoa with pasta sauce and lots of grated parmesan cheese.

You can also turn this healthy grain into a main course for your family. Try:

• Instant Pot Quinoa Soup with Corn and Potatoes
• Quinoa Fried Rice
• Quinoa Sweet Potato Chili
• Brown Rice and Quinoa

Where is Quinoa From?

Native to South America, it has been cultivated there for thousands of years. These days, it is also being grown in the US and Canada.

Nutrition Facts

One of quinoa's nutritional claims to fame is that its a complete protein. This means it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an especially good choice for vegans and vegetarians.

In addition to being a complete protein, it is high in fiber and a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, iron, thiamine and folate.

Although technically a seed, quinoa is usually referred to as a whole grain. The Whole Grains Council has a visual list of the different types of quinoa.

Is Quinoa Gluten-Free?

Yes, it is gluten-free.

Is Quinoa Healthier than Rice?

Whether or not you consider quinoa to be healthier than rice depends on what you consider "healthy" for your body. When deciding which grain is healthier, below are some nutritional facts to consider

As compared to white and brown rice, quinoa is:

• Higher in protein
• Higher in fiber
• Higher in healthy fats
• Provides all nine essential amino acids
• Good source of magnesium, iron and zinc
• Slightly more calories than rice
• Slightly fewer carbs than rice

More Instant Pot Meal Prep

• Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
• Instant Pot Collard Greens
• Instant Pot Pinto Beans
• Instant Pot White Beans

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