Discover the enchanting flavors of Southeast Asia right in your kitchen with this delightful Instant Pot Quinoa with Lemongrass recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a fragrant, nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Imagine fluffy quinoa infused with the aromatic essence of lemongrass, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a wholesome base for your favorite meals, this recipe is a must-try that promises to elevate your dining experience. Dive in and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter saponins and ensure a clean, fresh taste.
- Prepare the lemongrass by trimming the tough outer layers and bruising the stalks with the back of a knife to release their aromatic oils. Cut the stalks into 3-inch segments.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the Instant Pot and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance the nutty flavor of the quinoa.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bruised lemongrass stalks. Sprinkle salt to taste.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing" position, and switch to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode.
- Set the cooking time to 1 minute on high pressure. The quinoa will cook quickly and absorb the lemongrass-infused broth.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to ensure perfect texture.
- Carefully release any remaining pressure, then open the lid. Remove and discard the lemongrass stalks.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork, allowing the aromatic lemongrass essence to distribute evenly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or base for other recipes, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove any bitter saponins, ensuring a clean and fresh flavor.
- Bruise the Lemongrass: Don't skip the bruising step! It releases the aromatic oils that are essential for infusing the broth with a vibrant lemongrass flavor.
- Toast the Quinoa: Lightly toasting the quinoa in olive oil before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor, adding depth to your dish.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing a natural pressure release for 10 minutes after cooking helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture, so don’t rush this step!
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider garnishing your quinoa with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of freshness and color when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
