Instant Pot Quinoa
I love using my Instant Pot for batch cooking grains, like quinoa. Though it’s considered a whole grain, did you know that quinoa is technically a seed? Quinoa has been around for thousands of years and is indigenous to parts of South America, including Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Today I’ll share with you the health benefits of quinoa, an easy recipe for cooking it in the Instant Pot, and my favorite ways to eat quinoa.
Nutrition and health benefits
There are many benefits to eating quinoa in place of other grains. According to the USDA, 1 cup of cooked quinoa contains:
222 calories
3.5 grams of fat
39 grams of carbohydrate
5 grams of fiber
8 grams of protein
Important minerals, such as phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, folate, and thiamin
Like other grains, quinoa is a high-carb food; however, unlike more refined grains such as white rice or regular pasta, quinoa contains a significant amount of fiber and protein. Additionally, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Many plant-based protein sources are considered incomplete proteins because they are missing one or more essential amino acids. Finally, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, meaning those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance can eat it freely!
Where to buy it
Quinoa can be found at most grocery stores, either packaged or in the bulk section. To be a little more environmentally friendly, I prefer to buy it in bulk using produce bags like these.
Instant Pot Quinoa
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 3 cups water or broth
Instructions
- Add quinoa and water or broth to the Instant Pot and stir together.
- Close the lid and make sure the vent is set to "sealing". Select the "manual" setting for 12 minutes. It will take 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.
- Once the time is up, quick release the pressure.
- Open the lid and serve right away!
Storage and serving
Store cooked and cooled quinoa in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to double the recipe above and store some in the freezer. Quinoa can be eaten plain or jazzed up a bit with spices, herbs, or citrus. You can eat it in place of other grains like rice, pasta, or barley. Some of my favorite ways to eat quinoa are:
In soups
Cold, like this cucumber quinoa salad or this cranberry quinoa salad
In bowls with beans, veggies, and a drizzle of tahini sauce
Served warm with cooked broccoli or zucchini and melted cheese
There are so many ways to incorporate quinoa into your meals. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you may want to invest in one just so you can batch cook grains like quinoa! High in protein and fiber and naturally gluten-free, quinoa is the perfect grain to eat more often. Be sure to check out my other Instant Pot recipes as well!
