Let me start by saying Quinoa doesn't have to be boring especially when you give it a gentle Indian twist. This Curried Quinoa Pilaf with Almonds and Cranberries is hearty, aromatic, slightly spiced, and full of texture. It works as a salad, a side dish, a full meal, a lunch box option, or a make-ahead recipe for busy weeks.
This flavorful Curried Quinoa Pilaf will make you fall in love with Quinoa. It's probably one of the best recipes to have someone try Quinoa. It cannot get easier than this awesome Quinoa Pilaf. It's the kind of dish that tastes great warm right out of the Instant Pot and just as delicious cold the next day. Perfect for a meal-prep option!
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Who doesn't love simple hassle-free cooking, especially when it comes to weeknight dinner? I am leaning towards one pot meals that are fast, healthy and satisfying. This quinoa pilaf is packed with wonderful flavors. The warm spices, the crunch from almonds, and the sweetness from cranberries come together in a way that feels comforting and bright at the same time. It's Quick to assemble and is perfect for taking to work for lunch or enjoying as a versatile side dish.
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Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Wash the quinoa - Rinse the quinoa under cold water until it runs clear. This removes bitterness and helps it cook fluffier.
- Sauté -
- Press SAUTE mode on the Instant Pot.
- Once HOT appears, add oil and diced onion. Sauté for a few minutes until lightly soft.
- Add spices
- Mix in turmeric, cumin, chili flakes, curry powder, and salt.
- Let the spices bloom in the oil and let the flavoring begin.
- Add quinoa and chickpeas
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and chickpeas so they get coated with the spice mixture.
- Add liquid
- Pour in vegetable broth or water. Stir well.
- Pressure cook and Quick release
- Close the lid, set the vent to SEAL.
- Select Manual/Pressure Cook on Regular pressure for 4 minutes.
- You can do a quick release and open the lid once the pin drops.
- Finish
- Add peeled almonds, cranberries, and chopped cilantro.
- Fluff gently with a fork.
- Serve warm OR chill it and serve as a salad.
What if I don't have curry powder?
You can use this quick substitute:
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon coriander powder
- A pinch of cinnamon or paprika
Or try a mild garam masala for a different but delicious vibe.
Can I make curry powder at home
Dry roast the following ingredients for around 2-3 minutes on low heat:
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 6-8 black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (add after grinding)
Let it cool completely and then grind into a fine powder.
You can store in an airtight jar for 3-4 months.
Top Tip
Rinse quinoa well to avoid bitterness and add almonds and cranberries at the end to keep the crunch and texture intact.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Mistake | Result | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Not rinsing quinoa | Bitter aftertaste | Rinse thoroughly under running water |
| Using too much water | Mushy quinoa | Stick to a 1:2 ratio (quinoa:water) and let it rest after cooking. |
| Adding cranberries too early | They swell and lose sweetness | Add them at the end to keep their texture and flavor. |
Why is this recipe so flavorful?
This recipe works because the ingredients balance each other:
- Curry spices add warmth and earthiness
- Cranberries bring a gentle sweetness and chew
- Almonds add crunch and richness
- Chickpeas give protein and heartiness
- Quinoa absorbs everything and stays fluffy
- Cilantro lifts the whole bowl with freshness
It's comforting, colorful, and full of texture in every bite.
Storage
| Can You store It? | How Long? | How to Store |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, in the fridge | 3–4 days | Store in an airtight container. Let it cool fully before refrigerating. |
| Freeze? | Yes | Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bag for quick thawing. |
To reheat: warm in a pan with a splash of water or broth to refresh texture.
How to serve
This dish is incredibly flexible:
- A side dish with grilled veggies or protein
- A satisfying vegetarian main course
- Hot as a cozy dinner
- Cold as a refreshing quinoa salad
- Meal prep for busy weeks
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Curried Quinoa Pilaf Recipe
Servings:
peopleCalories:
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa washed and rinsed
- 1 large onion diced
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup almonds soaked & peeled
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Wash the quinoa - Rinse the quinoa under cold water until it runs clear. This removes bitterness and helps it cook fluffier.
Sauté -
- Press SAUTE mode on the Instant Pot.
- Once HOT appears, add oil and diced onion. Sauté for a few minutes until lightly soft.
Add spices
- Mix in turmeric, cumin, chili flakes, curry powder, and salt.
- Let the spices bloom in the oil and let the flavoring begin.
Add quinoa and chickpeas
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and chickpeas so they get coated with the spice mixture.
Add liquid
- Pour in vegetable broth or water. Stir well.
Pressure cook and Quick release
- Close the lid, set the vent to SEAL.
- Select Manual/Pressure Cook on Regular pressure for 4 minutes.
- You can do a quick release and open the lid once the pin drops.
Finish
- Add peeled almonds, cranberries, and chopped cilantro.
- Fluff gently with a fork.
- Serve warm OR chill it and serve as a salad.
Andrea Metlika says
Looks so flavorful and delicious! Made in instant pot is a bonus.
Tayler Ross says
This is going on my regular recipe rotation! I made it and the entire family loved it!
Pina says
Love a good quinoa dish, especially one that I can make in advance! It sounds delicious 🙂
Elysse Ciccone says
Mmm a little crunch from the almonds and sweetness from the cranberries. Sounds perfect!
Kristina says
Packed full of flavor and deliciousness! And using the IP, even better!
joancajic says
I love pilaf but I do mine totally differently also I like the use of quinoa instead to make it a bit healthier
LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia says
This looks amazing! I love quinoa but I'm not that creative with it. I love the idea of adding cranberries!
Brittany Poulson says
I have been super into curry lately, and this sounds so good to me! I love you can use the pressure cooker for such delicious and easy meals!
geekydaddydave says
Sounds interesting. I am always game to try a new instant pot recipe!
everydaywithmadirae says
What an awesome recipe! I love the addition of the cranberries! Definitely will be trying this one out!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Stephanie Fischer says
I absolutely love my instant pot! This looks delicious! Definitely pinning to try!
biscotti and a ph.d. says
This sounds delicious! My husband has really gotten into curry, and I love quinoa and my Instant Pot, so we'll definitely be giving this recipe a try!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Love this recipe! I'll be making it without an Instant Pot, but still a pretty quick & easy dish!
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Patricia, glad to hear this recipe interests you! You can definitely enjoy this by making on stove top too..do share your feedback with us after to try it?
xoxo
Teresa says
In your instructions you say add chili flakes I don't see it in the list of ingredients?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Teresa, Thanks for letting us know about that..fixed it 🙂
Hope you give this easy ,delicious hearty dish a try❤️
XOXO
Sucheta says
I made it today it was so super easy and my kiddo loved it ❤️
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Sucheta, we are so glad to hear that?❤️ this is one of my family favorite too 🙂 hope you try our other delicious and healthy IP recipe.
XOXO ❤️
Rebecca says
This was delicious! Even my 3 year old and 1.5 year old gobbled it up. We used sunflower seeds in place of almonds (tree nut allergies) and it added the perfect crunch. We will be making this again!
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Rebecca, we are so glad to hear your experience ❤️
xoxo❤️
Linda says
Our favorite quinoa recipe! I like to serve this with sweet potatoes and fresh green beans.
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Linda, we are so glad to hear your feedback! Hope you try our other recipes too ?
Liz says
I love this and make it regularly. In lockdown, could only get a quinoa/bulger wheat mix which worked really well too. x
Soniya Saluja says
Hello liz, We are so glad to hear your feedback ??
Stacy says
If I use a pressure cooker instead how long should I cook the quinoa
Ac says
Can I replace cranberries with something else?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Ac , you can use golden raisens, dried prune, or even skip it.hope this helps
Juliana says
May I use garlic instead of yellow onion?