Instant Pot Quinoa Matar Pulao

Quinoa cooked with whole spices and green peas, this quinoa matar pulao is made in the Instant Pot and makes a great vegan side or pair it with a main dish for a hearty meal!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil (30 ml, I used avocado oil)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4 whole green cardamom
• 3 whole black cardamom
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 medium red onion (sliced)
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• 1 cup quinoa (185 grams, uncooked)
• 1.5 cups green peas (I used frozen peas, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1.25 cups water (10 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Rinse the quinoa under running water using a strainer for 1-2 minutes. Then set this aside. Also, add the frozen green peas to a bowl of warm water while you do the rest of the steps.
2. 2Press the saute button on the Instant Pot. Once it displays hot, add the oil and then add the whole spices- bay leaf, cumin seeds, green cardamom, black cardamom and cloves. Let them sizzle for few seconds.
3. 3Then add the sliced onion and green chili and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened.
4. 4Drain the green peas and then add them to the pot along with cilantro. Also, add the quinoa and toss everything together.
5. 5Add water, salt and stir. Close the pot with it's lid.Press the manual or pressure cook button and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes (with the pressure valve in the sealing position). Let the pressure release naturally, which takes around 15 minutes.
6. 6Open the lid and using a fork fluff the quinoa. Serve quinoa matar pulao with yogurt or as a side with any main dish.
7. 7--- Stove-top Instructions ---
8. 8Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add whole spices and let them sizzle, then add the onions and chilli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until onions are soft. Then Add the peas, cilantro, quinoa and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 cups (16 oz) water and salt and mix. Increase the heat to high and bring it all to a boil.Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat to minimum (lowest) setting, cover the pan and let it cook for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove pan from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Open the pan, fluff the quinoa pulao with a fork and serve.