Instant Pot Quinoa Pongal (Healthy & Comforting)

on

 

🥣 Instant Pot Quinoa Pongal (Healthy & Comforting)

Craving a warm, comforting bowl of traditional pongal with a healthy twist? This Quinoa Pongal is the perfect answer! Made with protein-rich quinoa and moong dal, this dish brings together the classic flavors of cumin, black pepper, curry leaves, and ghee—just like authentic ven pongal, but lighter and more nutritious.

It’s soft, mildly spiced, and incredibly soothing—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick dinner.

🌿 Ingredients

  •  quinoa (rinsed well) - 1 cup
  • moong dal (cooked or lightly mashed) - ¼ to ½ cup 
  • water - 4 cups 
  • ½ tsp black pepper - ½ tsp 
  • cumin seeds- 1 tsp 
  • bay leaf - 1
  • Few cashews
  • Few curry leaves
  • salt (adjust to taste) - ¾ tsp 
  • ghee (adjust as needed) 2 tbsp 
  • oil - 2 tsp 

🍲 Instructions

  1. Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to Sauté mode.
  2. Add oil. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cumin seeds, and black pepper. Let them splutter.
  3. Add cashews and curry leaves. Sauté until the cashews turn light golden.
  4. Add the rinsed quinoa and sauté for a minute to bring out its nutty aroma.
  5. Add the cooked moong dal, salt, and water. Mix everything well.
  6. Close the lid and cancel Sauté mode.
  7. Set to Pressure Cook (High) or Rice mode for 14–19 minutes.
    • 12–14 minutes → slightly grainy texture
    • 15–19 minutes → soft, classic pongal texture
  8. Allow natural pressure release.
  9. Open the lid, add ghee, and gently mix until creamy.

✨ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Coconut chutney 🥥
  • Sambar
  • Pickle

💡 Tips for Perfect Pongal

  • For a more authentic pongal taste, crush the pepper slightly before adding.
  • Add a drizzle of extra ghee on top for that rich, traditional flavor.
  • If it thickens, add a little hot water and mix to adjust consistency.

Healthy, creamy, and comforting Quinoa Pongal is ready to enjoy! 😋





Comments

Post a Comment