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- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped When making Instant Pot Lemon Herb Quinoa, the right ingredients matter. I always start with high-quality quinoa. Rinsing it helps remove any bitter taste. I use vegetable broth for rich flavor. Olive oil adds a nice touch and keeps the quinoa moist. Next, I enhance the dish with lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Their bright taste lifts the entire meal. Garlic powder and onion powder bring depth to the flavor. Dried oregano and thyme add earthy notes. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to balance everything. For garnish, I love using fresh parsley. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also add lemon slices for extra flair. This simple yet vibrant dish is sure to impress! Start by rinsing the quinoa in cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. Once rinsed, set the strainer aside. Next, add the rinsed quinoa into the Instant Pot. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Then, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. For bright flavor, include 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Now, add the spices: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Remember to stir everything well to mix all the flavors. Close the lid of the Instant Pot tightly. Make sure the steam release valve is set to sealing. Select the “Manual” setting, and cook on high pressure for just 1 minute. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This step is key to getting fluffy quinoa. Then, carefully turn the steam release valve to venting. This releases any remaining pressure safely. Open the Instant Pot and fluff the quinoa with a fork. This helps separate the grains. Taste the quinoa and add salt and pepper as you like. For a lovely presentation, garnish with chopped parsley. You can serve the quinoa in a large bowl, topped with more parsley and a few lemon slices. This adds a fresh and vibrant look to your dish. To ensure perfect texture of quinoa, rinse it well. This removes bitterness. Use a fine mesh strainer under cold water. For a firmer bite, adjust the water. Use 1.75 cups of broth for 1 cup of quinoa. This gives a nice chew. You can add many herbs and spices. Try basil or rosemary for a twist. For a heartier dish, mix in diced veggies. Bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach work great. They add color and nutrients. Using an Instant Pot is simple. Always close the lid tightly. Make sure the steam release valve is sealed. If you notice burnt food, check the liquid level. Always add enough broth to avoid this. If the quinoa is too mushy, reduce the liquid next time. {{image_2}} Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein. It has about 8 grams of protein per cup. This makes it a great choice for vegetarians. It also has dietary fiber, which helps with digestion. Each serving gives you about 5 grams of fiber. Quinoa is rich in vitamins and minerals too. It contains magnesium, iron, and B-vitamins. These nutrients support your energy levels and overall health. Eating quinoa can help you feel full and satisfied. You can enjoy Instant Pot Lemon Herb Quinoa in many ways. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. They make a great lunch the next day. You can add some fresh veggies to the leftover quinoa. This gives you a quick and healthy meal. For a balanced meal, aim for about 1 cup of quinoa per serving. This amount keeps you full without overdoing it. Each serving has about 220 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. This makes quinoa a nutritious choice. It fits well into many diets. Enjoying the right portion helps you stay on track with your nutrition goals. You can switch herbs to change the taste. If you do not have dill or oregano, try thyme or basil. Fresh herbs work well, too. Rosemary can add a strong flavor, while cilantro gives a fresh twist. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Customizing herbs lets you create a unique dish every time. Think about what you enjoy most and go for it! Not all broths are the same. You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for richer taste. If you're vegan, consider using mushroom broth. It adds a deep flavor and pairs well with quinoa. Other stocks can also work, just choose what you like. Each broth brings its own flair to the dish. If you want to make more or less quinoa, adjust the cooking time. For larger servings, increase the liquid slightly. If you add veggies, like bell peppers or peas, they might need more time. Keep an eye on the texture of the quinoa. Aim for a fluffy result, not mushy. Cooking with extras can make the dish heartier and more filling. Cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. The total time is about 20 minutes. Here’s a breakdown: - Preparation: Rinsing quinoa takes about 5 minutes. - Cooking Time: The Instant Pot cooks quinoa on high pressure for just 1 minute. - Pressure Release: Allow 10 minutes for natural pressure release. Yes, you can make this lemon herb quinoa ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge. Here are some tips: - Storage: Keep quinoa in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. - Reheating: Warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth. This keeps it moist. Yes, quinoa is gluten-free. It is a great choice for people with gluten allergies. Here are some benefits: - Nutritional Value: Quinoa is high in protein and fiber. - Vitamins: It contains essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. You can enjoy quinoa as a healthy part of your meals, knowing it fits many diets. In this post, I shared a simple recipe for cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot. We covered essential ingredients and flavor enhancers that boost the taste. I walked you through the preparation, cooking steps, and final touches for a beautiful dish. Using quinoa is a great choice for health. It’s rich in protein and fiber. You can vary flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Experimenting makes cooking more fun and creative. Enjoy your delicious, wholesome quinoa!

Instant Pot Lemon Herb Quinoa

Elevate your meals with this delicious Instant Pot Lemon Herb Quinoa recipe! It's quick, easy, and packed with zesty flavors that will delight your taste buds. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a nutritious dish that's perfect as a side or a main vegetarian delight. Ready to try it? Click through for the full recipe and learn how to whip up this fresh and flavorful quinoa dish effortlessly. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.

    In the Instant Pot, add the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

      Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the steam release valve is in the sealing position.

        Select the “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.

          Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the steam release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

            Open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.

              Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the quinoa in a large bowl, topped with additional parsley and a few lemon slices for a fresh look.