Prep: Rinse and soak quinoa for 5 minutes, then drain and keep it aside. Cut assorted vegetables of your choice in bite-size pieces. If using tofu, drain excess water by wrapping it in paper towels and weighing it down with a heavy object for 10 min. Cut in ¾-inch pieces.
Turn instant pot on Sauté. Wait 30 seconds and add cumin seeds. When cumin seeds begin to sizzle, add sliced onions and saute for 4-5 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Now add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Add almonds and cashews and sauté another 30 seconds.
Add vegetables and paneer, Biryani masala and quinoa. Then, add water and stir well. Top with saffron strands and chopped cilantro and mint. Close lid. Set valve to Sealing. Press Manual (hi) for 2 minutes.
After natural pressure release, NPR, open lid. Using a fork, gently fluff the biryani. Serve with mint raita or your favorite condiment.
Mint Raita
Add cilantro leaves, mint leaves, garlic clove, salt, cumin, pepper, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of chilled water to a small blender. Blend for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides in between. Blend until it purees to a fine consistency. Add another tablespoon of water if needed.
In a small serving bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add the herb mix and whisk until fully incorporated. Adjust salt as needed.
Video
Notes
Cooking time: Some brands of quinoa have a longer cook time. If your brand takes longer than regular quinoa, adjust the pressure cooking time to 4 minutes.
Vegetables: If increasing the cooking time, skip using vegetables like cauliflower, which turn to mush in that long. use root vegetables like potato, sweet potato, or bell peppers instead.
Substitute for Biryani Masala: 2 teaspoons Garam Masala, 2 teaspoons Coriander Powder, 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder, 1½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder, ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika), 1 teaspoon salt
Add shrimp: Customize this recipe to your liking. You can add shrimp to this dish and make a Quinoa Shrimp Biryani, following the same timing and directions.
Add chicken: If adding chicken to this recipe, add diced chicken and increase the cooking time to 4 minutes.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates and include extra-firm tofu and mint raita. If you follow any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.