Zesty Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Quinoa

$- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 fresh lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on preference) - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, finely chopped Quinoa is the star here. It’s high in protein and easy to cook. Rinsing it well helps remove any bitterness. Vegetable broth adds a rich flavor. I love using homemade broth for the best taste. Olive oil gives a nice, smooth texture. Garlic adds a strong aroma and flavor. You’ll want it finely minced. Fresh lemon zest brings brightness, while the juice adds tang. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. Salt and pepper round out the taste. Don't skip these; they bring everything together. If you want a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. It also adds a fresh taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Setting the Instant Pot: First, set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. This heats the pot for cooking. - Sautéing the garlic: Once hot, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Stir often for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful! Burnt garlic tastes bitter. - Adding quinoa to the pot: Next, measure and add the rinsed quinoa to the pot. Stir it in with the garlic and oil. - Sautéing for flavor enhancement: Sauté the quinoa for one more minute. This step brings out its nutty flavor. - Pouring in vegetable broth: Carefully pour in the vegetable broth to the pot. - Mixing in zest, juice, and seasonings: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well so everything is evenly spread. - Securing the lid: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the steam valve is set to 'Sealing.' - Setting the timer: Select 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' and set the timer for 1 minute on high pressure. - Natural pressure release: When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, switch the steam valve to 'Venting' to release any extra steam. - Fluffing the quinoa: Carefully remove the lid. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like. - Adding parsley: Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the quinoa. This adds color and flavor. - Serving suggestions: Serve the quinoa in a big bowl or on plates. Garnish with extra lemon zest and parsley. For fun, add a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze over their dish. - Rinsing to remove bitterness: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking. This step washes away saponins, which can make quinoa taste bitter. Just place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and run it under water for a minute. You will notice a cleaner, fresher flavor in your dish. - Toasting benefits: Toasting quinoa adds a nice nutty flavor. After rinsing, sauté it in the Instant Pot with garlic and olive oil for about a minute. This small step makes a big difference in taste. - Adding more lemon or garlic: If you love bright flavors, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest. You can also increase the minced garlic for a stronger taste. Just remember to balance these flavors with salt and pepper. - Substituting broth types: You can change the vegetable broth to chicken broth for a richer taste. If you want a lighter dish, use water or low-sodium broth. Each option gives a unique flavor profile. - Ensuring proper sealing: Make sure the lid of your Instant Pot is on correctly. The steam valve should be set to ‘Sealing’ before you start cooking. This helps build pressure and cooks the quinoa evenly. - Troubleshooting common issues: If your quinoa is undercooked, try adding a little more broth and pressure cooking for an extra minute. If it’s too mushy, reduce the cooking time next time. Adjusting these small details leads to perfect quinoa every time. Pro Tips Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Make sure to rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer for best results. Customize Your Broth: For enhanced flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine to the broth. This will elevate the overall taste of the quinoa. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will bring a vibrant and zesty flavor to the dish. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the best results. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will allow it to absorb any remaining moisture and enhance its texture. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of your lemon garlic quinoa with protein. Here are two tasty options: - Chickpeas: Add one can of drained and rinsed chickpeas. This will give your dish a hearty feel and a nice texture. - Grilled chicken or shrimp: For a meatier option, top your quinoa with grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options pair well with lemon and garlic. To make your dish more exciting, consider these flavor boosts: - Adding sautéed onions: Start by sautéing some chopped onions with the garlic. They add a sweet and savory depth to the dish. - Incorporating vegetables: You can mix in cooked vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. These add color and extra nutrients. Herbs can change the flavor profile of your quinoa: - Using fresh herbs like basil or cilantro: These fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Add them in right before serving for the best flavor. - Omitting or replacing oregano: If you want a different taste, try leaving out the oregano. You can replace it with thyme or rosemary for a new twist. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the dish your own! To keep your Instant Pot lemon garlic quinoa fresh, cool it quickly. Spread it in a thin layer on a plate. This helps it cool faster. Once cool, place the quinoa in an airtight container. Glass containers work well, as do BPA-free plastic ones. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to store quinoa for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled quinoa in freezer-safe bags. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date for reference. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, simply move the bag to the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts until warm. When you're ready to enjoy your quinoa again, reheating is easy. For the microwave, place the quinoa in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. If you prefer the stovetop, add the quinoa to a pan. Add a splash of water or broth. Warm it over medium heat, stirring often. This method brings back its fluffy texture. Cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is quick. The total cooking time is about 20 minutes. This includes: - Prep Time: 10 minutes to gather and prepare the ingredients. - Cooking Time: 1 minute on high pressure. - Natural Release: 10 minutes to let the pressure drop safely. This quick method saves time and makes cooking easy. Yes, you can use other grains. Some good alternatives are: - Brown rice: Cook for 22-25 minutes. - Farro: Cook for 10-12 minutes. - Barley: Cook for 25-30 minutes. Adjust the liquid based on the grain you choose. Each grain has a different cooking time, so check accordingly. Instant Pot lemon garlic quinoa is quite healthy. It is: - High in protein: Quinoa has all nine essential amino acids. - Rich in fiber: This helps with digestion. - Packed with vitamins: Garlic and lemon are good for your immune system. This dish is a great choice for a balanced meal. Lemon garlic quinoa pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp: Adds protein. - Roasted vegetables: Brings color and nutrients. - A fresh salad: Complements the flavors. These options enhance your meal and make it more filling. This blog post covered how to make lemon garlic quinoa in an Instant Pot. We talked about the main ingredients and seasonings that add great flavor. I offered tips for perfecting your quinoa texture and adjusting flavors. You can even try different variations by adding proteins or herbs. In conclusion, making lemon garlic quinoa is simple and can fit any meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and remember, this tasty dish is both healthy and easy to store. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Quinoa

A flavorful and nutritious quinoa dish infused with lemon and garlic, cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 unit zest of 1 fresh lemon
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
to taste unit fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by setting the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Once heated, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
Measure and add the rinsed quinoa into the Instant Pot, stirring it into the garlic and oil mixture. Continue to sauté for an additional minute to slightly toast the quinoa.
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together well.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and adjust the timer to 1 minute on high pressure.
Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After this time, carefully switch the steam valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
Remove the lid carefully. Using a fork, fluff the quinoa gently to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the quinoa.

Notes

For added brightness, serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Keyword garlic, instant pot, lemon, quinoa, vegetarian