Quinoa is a perfect bowl base. I served this Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa with Black Beans topped with Orange Lime Chile Jackfruit, and garnished with avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Of course it’s fantastic in tacos for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
How Much Protein Does Quinoa Have?
Quinoa is an official “superfood” and it’s naturally gluten-free and full of protein. Just 1 cup of quinoa has 8g of protein, 5g of fiber, and just over 200 calories.
Is Quinoa a Grain?
Even though we use quinoa the same way we use other grains, it’s actually a seed. That’s why it’s so important to rinse quinoa to scrub off the bitter coating that surround the seed.
I Heart Keenwah is my favorite brand of quinoa. It’s already washed and toasted. That means it’s ready to go once you open the bag!
But really it’s a best practice to always wash your quinoa unless it says that it’s been washed on the package.
How Do I Cook Quinoa in My Electric Pressure Cooker?
It’s so easy to cook quinoa in your Instant Pot. I use 1 1/4 cup water for every cup of quinoa. Then cook on high pressure using the manual or pressure cook setting for 6 minutes.
Carefully do a manual or quick-release and store any leftovers in the fridge.
I like to cook up a couple of cups on Sunday and use it for quick meals all week long.
Bean & Veggie Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa Recipe Variations
- Substitute pinto or kidney beans for the black beans
- Add in some cauliflower rice with the other veggies
- For fall or winter leave out the zucchini and replace with shredded sweet potato
What Should I Serve this With?
I think you should make a batch of Instant Pot Cauliflower Queso to snack on with your guests while you make this quinoa.
Instant Pot Vegan Tortilla Soup with Jackfruit is a great option to complete this meal. I like to eat the leftover quinoa straight from the fridge!
This would also be great with Plant Based Instant Pot White Beans with Tomatillos and Poblanos. Also, you could make a batch of burritos for the freezer with the leftovers.
Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa with Black Beans and Veggies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup corn kernals
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 15.5 oz can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano , or use marjoram
- 1 cup quinoa , rinsed
- 1 1/4 cup water , or vegetable broth
- salt to taste, optional
Instructions
- Add the zucchini, carrots, and corn kernels to your Instant Pot liner.
- Saute until most of the liquid is out of the shredded zucchini, then add the chili powder, cumin, and chile powder.
- Saute for another minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Turn the Instant Pot off, then add the Mexican oregano, black beans, I Heart Keenwah Toasted Quinoa, water or broth.
- Press the manual or pressure cook button and set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Use a quick or manual release.
Lois says
I was watching your video on Mexican Quinoa with Black Beans and Veggies and I was wondering what kind of soft tacos you were using and where you get them. I try to do oil free but sometimes it is difficult to find them.
Kathy Hester says
The tortillas I used were not oil-free, but most corn tortillas are oil-free.
Shari says
The recipe says to cook for 6 minutes but the blog says 10 minutes. Which is correct? Thank you.
Kathy Hester says
The recipe is correct. I’ll update the post now.
Kathy Ghezzi says
What do we do if we want to use black , kidney, Lima beans or lentils in this recipe? Do we pre cook them before ? If so can we do in insta pot and how? Thank you
Kathy Hester says
I am using pre-cooked beans in this recipe. I’m working on a cooking dry beans in your Instant Pot post now.
Shellie says
Making this tonight, and prepping now. Ingredients chili powder and cumin ready, but in the instructions I see add chili powder, cumin, and chile powder. Is there a third dry ingredient that I should be adding maybe ancho or chipotle that isn’t listed? Thanks.
Kathy Hester says
It is Guajillo – there should be a link to it, but I will check the recipe later.