Easy Quinoa Biryani made with quinoa for a fresh variation! Here’s the interesting twist: quinoa is used in place of rice. This quinoa biryani is therefore great for everyone because it is fiber-rich, protein-rich, gluten-free, and healthful.

What could be better than a huge bowl of nutritious quinoa biryani? A bowl of quinoa-based, protein-rich biryani that just takes 20-25 minutes to prepare. Definitely, that would be preferable.

When you use quinoa in biryani, you automatically add a ton of protein, fiber, and nutrients without significantly changing the flavor or texture, which is what I like about it.

This dish would be ideal to serve to a household member who is hesitant to eat quinoa.

Also see Vegan Quinoa Recipes, Jollof Rice, Vegan Dirty Rice, Vegan Rice Recipes

Why You Love This Recipe?

I love quinoa Biryani. And I know you’ll love this recipe too!

Plus, I’m sure this is going to be the most popular vegetarian recipe on my blog and for good reason:

This is a delicious, aromatic, and healthy dish.
This is a vegan and gluten-free biryani.
This is the simplest, most flavorful recipe to prepare during the week.
It’s so simple to make and only uses easy-to-find ingredients.
If you love vegetables then this is for you! It’s full of vegetables like cauliflower, French beans, peas, and carrots, which make this dish healthy and nutritious as well.
It is a great combination of vegetables with spices which can be enjoyed by everyone.
This quinoa biryani recipe makes a hearty meal that will fill you up for a long!
It’s the perfect recipe to make for any occasion, especially for a family gathering.
At the dinner table, it has traditionally been a much-loved meal.
It’s also a great meal for kids because of the variety of vegetables and flavors it has.
The quinoa biryani is equally as versatile. It can be made with any combination of vegetables and spices you like, and it’s easy to customize it by adding or subtracting certain ingredients depending on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for.
Biryani made with quinoa is healthier than rice, because they soak up all the flavorful aromas and spices.
It cooks more quickly than rice. Regardless of the cooking method (Instant pot, pressure cooker, or open pan), quinoa cooks faster.

Scroll down for the detailed recipe, but I suggest you don’t skip the information included in the blurb.

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a grain-like crop harvested for its seeds, for those unfamiliar with it. It is not an actual grain, although it is related to grains. For vegetarians and vegans, quinoa is the best grain since it contains the most protein of any grain.

It is a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is a complete grain that is virtually always organic and free of gluten and cholesterol.

Almost all rice dishes may be made with quinoa instead of rice. This recipe for Vegetable Quinoa biryani is one of them. Pick up the quinoa rather than the white rice if you want to eat more whole grains and be healthier overall.

Is Quinoa Biryani Healthy?

Yes! As it is made with highly healthy quinoa. It has flavonoid plant antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants, therefore, combat free radicals and stop the harm that they can do. It improves metabolic health in general. Quinoa gains more antioxidants when it is sprouted.

Fiber aids in maintaining the intestinal system healthy and aids in the excretion of extra fat. Thus, this aids in maintaining our heart’s health and keeping harmful fat under control.

Due to quinoa’s low glycemic index, it helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Therefore, this is a fantastic food for diabetics as well. A low glycemic index reduces hunger, resulting in smaller portions and less overeating. The result is a weight that is ultimately balanced.

Because of the high protein content, one feels satiated for longer. Therefore, giving up unneeded eating habits also results in a healthy weight with a high likelihood of weight loss.

If you want to lose some additional weight, you must eat this nutritious low-carb cuisine.

Magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron are abundant in quinoa and are necessary for keeping a healthy body.

Recipe’s Required Ingredients

Quinoa – An amazing source of protein, gluten-free, fiber-rich food, helps with cholesterol and blood sugar levels. See How To Cook Quinoa?
Mixed vegetables – cauliflower, French beans, peas, carrots. You may use any veggies you like corn, mushrooms, etc.
Onions – Yellow or white onions whatever you like.
Tomatoes – You may use canned ones or fresh your choice.
Ginger garlic paste – Optional, but adds a nice fragrant biryani touch to the dish.
Mint – Fresh mint adds the essence and aroma of biryani.
Green chilies – Nice zesty heat to the dish.
Cilantro – One ingredient that is always needed because of the freshness it brings to the dish.
Green cardamom – Aids digestion and adds a beautiful aroma. No biryani is complete without cardamom.
Roasted cumin seeds – Add a nutty texture and aid digestion.
Garam masala/ all spice powder – a unique blend of all the dry spices, easily available at every Indian grocery store.
Salt – As per your taste and choice.
Turmeric – A staple Indian ingredient, adds a nice warmth to the dish.
Oil – you may use any.

How To Make Quinoa Biryani?

Rinse, soak and pre-cook quinoa. See How To Cook Quinoa?
In a pan add some oil along with onions, ginger garlic, cumin seeds, and green cardamom.
Let them toast a bit until the onions turn golden.
Add in tomatoes and spices.
Let the masala cook until the tomatoes are soft.
Add in the vegetables and let them cook with the masala until they are nice and soft.
Once the veggie masala is ready, sprinkle cilantro leaves, green chilies, and mint, as we do traditionally in biryani.
Top it off with cooked quinoa and let it cook on low flame until the flavors amalgamate for 8-10 minutes.
Open the lid and let the fragrance of quinoa biryani make your neighbors drool!
Give it a nice and serve!

Storing Suggestions

This quinoa biryani can remain fresh for three to four days if refrigerated in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the microwave, but the best way is to put it back on the stove for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions For This Quinoa Biryani Recipe

We like to serve this quinoa veggie biryani with mango chutney, caramelized onions, or cucumber raita (yogurt dip). It is a substantial dish on its own. If you want to add something, I recommend a simple green salad.

Recipe Notes

Of course, you can substitute any type of rice for quinoa.
Quinoa does not need to be soaked. No problem, If you didn’t have time to soak the quinoa for this vegetarian quinoa biryani recipe.
Never forget to watch the clock and avoid overcooking. Quinoa should be thoroughly cooked and divided; it shouldn’t be mushy.
Additionally, vegetables can be added or substituted with broccoli, mushrooms, soy chunks, and other vegetables.
In this dish for vegetable quinoa biryani, I used fresh vegetables. You can, however, alternatively use frozen vegetables.
You can adjust the number of spices to your taste. It is up to you whether or not you want to add more spices to the dish.
To suit your preferences, adjust the red chili flakes and green chilies.
Oil can be substituted with Ghee.
Before cooking quinoa, be sure to thoroughly rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer. This removes the seeds’ bitter saponin coating.

Quinoa Related Recipes:

Simple Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Salad With Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Mexican Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Breakfast Quinoa Bowl With Berries
Artichoke Quinoa Salad
Kale Quinoa And Artichoke Salad
Blackbean And Quinoa Patties
Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Frequently Asked Question

Is Quinoa The Superfood?

One of the most well-liked superfoods of this decade may be quinoa. Since it is a seed and not a grain, it is gluten-free.

It is a fantastic source of minerals and is abundant in protein, fiber, and amino acids. Quinoa is a well-liked and healthful alternative to numerous grains, including rice, wheat, pasta, and others, due to its increased protein and fiber content.

Can You Freeze Quinoa Biryani?

Quinoa biryani does indeed freeze well. Allow it to come to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will remain for about 3 months in the freezer.

What’s Better- Quinoa Or Rice?

If you are looking for an alternative to rice that is fewer in glycemic index and greater in

Nutrition, quinoa is the answer.

Quinoa, on the other hand, has fewer calories and carbohydrates than rice, making it a decent choice for those on a low-carb diet.

Is Quinoa Gluten-Free?

Quinoa does not contain gluten.

Is It Required To Soak Quinoa Before Cooking?

It is not mandatory to soak quinoa, because it cooks very fast. If you have more time, you can reduce the water down to ¼ cup and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Are Quinoa And Couscous The Same?

No, quinoa is not the same as couscous. Quinoa is a seed, whereas couscous is produced from roughly crushed durum wheat (semolina).

Does Quinoa Expire?

Unopened quinoa keeps well for months. And there isn’t much difference when you open the package. Quinoa has a two- to three-year shelf life and can easily last months over the expiration date.

After cooking, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. If you need additional time, cooked quinoa can be frozen and used later.

Can Quinoa Be Eaten Every Day?

Quinoa is a versatile grain that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, it is better to have a healthy meal before bedtime, such as quinoa. Because of its high protein and magnesium content, it works by relaxing the muscles and inducing sleep.

One to two cups of cooked quinoa per day is adequate. Also, if you get a stomach ache, itching, or vomiting after eating quinoa, you should stop eating it. “That person could be allergic to quinoa,” says the expert.

Give this a shot. It’s incredibly delicious and super easy. And as always, I would love to hear from you. So if you like and enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment to let me know your feedback.

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Easy Quinoa Biryani

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Entrée, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: Easy Quinoa Biryani

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 157kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked quinoa
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger grated
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
3 cardamom pods
1 medium tomato chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 cup mixed vegetables
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup Mint leaves

Instructions

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add onions, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, and green cardamom.
Cook until onion is soft, about 3-5 minutes
Add tomato, and remaining spices, turmeric and garam masala.
Let the masala cook until the tomatoes are soft, about 5 minutes.
Add in the vegetables and let them cook with the masala until they are nice and soft.
Once the veggie masala is ready, sprinkle cilantro leaves, green chilies, and mint, as we do traditionally in biryani.
Top it off with cooked quinoa and let it cook on low flame until the flavors amalgamate for 8-10 minutes.
Serve