Quinoa Biryani Recipe – Healthy, Protein-Rich & Gluten-Free

Quinoa Biryani is a wholesome and nutritious twist to traditional biryani, made using protein-rich quinoa instead of rice. Packed with vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs, this gluten-free biryani is perfect for those looking for a low-calorie, high-protein, and diabetic-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor. It combines the richness of Indian spices with the health benefits of quinoa, making it a superfood biryani loved by health-conscious foodies.

🛒 Ingredients for Quinoa Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For Cooking Quinoa

• Quinoa – 2 cups (rinsed well)

• Water – 4 cups

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Bay leaf – 1

• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch

• Green cardamom – 3

• Cloves – 3

For Biryani Masala (Vegetarian)

• Ghee – 2 tbsp (or olive oil for vegan version)

• Onions – 2 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

• Green chilies – 2 (slit)

• Carrots – ½ cup (cubed)

• Green beans – ½ cup (chopped)

• Cauliflower florets – ½ cup

• Green peas – ½ cup

• Mint leaves – ½ cup

• Coriander leaves – ½ cup

• Yogurt – ½ cup (or coconut yogurt for vegan option)

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – ½ tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Biryani masala – 1 tsp

For Garnish

• Saffron – a pinch (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)

• Fried onions – ¼ cup

• Cashews – 2 tbsp (fried in ghee)

• Raisins – 1 tbsp (optional)

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under running water to remove its natural bitterness (saponin).

2. In a pot, boil water with salt, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms, and cloves.

3. Add quinoa and cook on medium heat for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.

4. Drain excess water (if any) and set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Biryani Masala

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottom pan.

2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown; remove a portion for garnish.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté until aromatic.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

5. Add carrots, beans, cauliflower, and peas; sauté for 3–4 minutes.

6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and biryani masala; mix well.

7. Stir in yogurt and cook until masala thickens.

8. Add mint and coriander leaves, mix well.

Step 3 – Layer the Quinoa Biryani

1. In a large biryani pot, spread half the quinoa.

2. Add half the vegetable masala, saffron milk, fried onions, cashews, and raisins.

3. Layer remaining quinoa and masala, followed by garnish.

Step 4 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover the pot with a tight lid (seal with dough for authentic dum style).

2. Cook on very low heat for 15–20 minutes.

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with onion raita, cucumber salad, or mint chutney.

• For non-vegetarian quinoa biryani, replace vegetables with marinated chicken or prawns.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Quinoa Biryani

• Always rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove bitterness.

• Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.

• Do not overcook vegetables to retain crunch and nutrients.

• For vegan quinoa biryani, use coconut yogurt and olive oil instead of ghee.

• Adjust spice levels as per your preference.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Indian (Modern Fusion)

• Place of Origin: India – Inspired by Mughlai biryani traditions but adapted for a healthy lifestyle.

• Cultural Significance:
  While biryani has its roots in royal kitchens, quinoa biryani is a contemporary recipe that aligns with healthy eating trends. Popular in metro cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, it is favored among fitness enthusiasts, diabetics, and weight-watchers who want to enjoy biryani guilt-free.

Interesting Facts :-
This Healthy Quinoa Biryani Recipe is a superfood version of traditional biryani, ideal for weight loss, diabetic-friendly diets, and gluten-free lifestyles. It’s light on the stomach yet rich in flavor, proving that healthy food can be delicious too. Whether you make it vegetarian or with chicken, it’s a nutrient-dense one-pot meal perfect for lunch or dinner.