Vegetable Quinoa biryani is an easy, healthy one pot dish you can make with quinoa, vegetables and biryani masala.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian, South Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups mixed veggies ((carrots, beans, cauliflower and broccoli))
  • 1/2 cup paneer (optional)
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 green chiles (slit into half)
  • 2 tablespoons mint (pudina) leaves
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (coriander leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons biryani masala powder ((I use shaan biryani powder). Adjust based on your spice level; see 'notes' for substitute)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 2 tablespoon oil ((or ghee))
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • salt (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Method

Instant Pot Method:

  1. Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot. Add oil (or ghee), and once it's hot, add cumin (jeera). Let them sizzle and crackle. Then add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds.
  2. Then add sliced onions and green chili, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and light brown, stirring regularly.
  3. Add mixed vegetables, paneer, mint, coriander leaves, and cook for a minute.
  4. Next, add the rinsed quinoa, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and water. Mix everything well, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  5. Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. When the instant pot beeps, Wait for Natural Pressure Release (NPR).
  6. Remove the lid away from you, then squeeze some lime juice. Vegetable Quinoa Biryani is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:

  1. Follow the same steps as the Instant pot, for Stovetop Pressure Cooker.
  2. Add 1.5 cups of water and spices and mix well. Close the lid, place a whistle, and cook for 1 whistle on medium flame.
  3. After pressure has released naturally, fluff up the quinoa gently. Squeeze some lime juice.

Stovetop Pot Method:

  1. Follow the same steps as the Instant pot, for Stovetop Pot Method.
  2. Add 2 cups of water and spices and mix well. Let everything come to a boil. Then, reduce the flame to low and tightly cover the vessel with a lid. Cook on a very low flame until all the water has evaporated. Stir occasionally.
  3. Then, switch off the flame and let it rest covered for at least 10 minutes. Fluff up the quinoa gently. Squeeze some lime juice.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.