Instant pot Indian style rice is a fluffy and delicious dish with a blend of spices that will make your taste buds dance. And the best part is that all you have to do is throw the ingredients into the instant pot and let the magic happen!
Not only is this dish extremely easy to make, but it’s also packed with savory spices like turmeric, cloves, and cumin, giving it that classic Indian flavor that everyone loves.
Plus, it’s super versatile – you can pair it with pretty much any Indian cuisine, from butter chicken to tikka masala. Like classic jasmine rice, this recipe is perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or some good old comfort food.
One of the best things about rice is that it’s naturally gluten free. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease, I’ve been cooking gluten free for quite some time now and rice is now a staple in my kitchen.
Why you’ll love Indian style rice
- It’s a fluffy rice that takes less than 20 minutes to make
- This recipe comes out perfect every single time
- An instant pot cooks faster than a rice cooker
- Pair this rice with an unlimited number of Indian recipes
Can I add vegetables to my Indian-style rice in the Instant Pot?
Yes, feel free to add veggies to your Indian rice. It’s a great way to spice up plain rice! Diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers will cook well alongside the rice. Add them before adding the water.
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The simple ingredients
- Rice – Dry basmati rice or jasmine rice work best for this recipe because they’re long-grain rice. Although, good quality brown rice or white rice will work in a pinch.
- Spices – Turmeric, gloves, and salt are my go-to’s. Feel free to add whole spices like cumin, coriander, and/or a bay leaf.
- Water – Need I say more?
How to make instant pot Indian rice
Step 1: Add ingredients
Combine all of the ingredients into the bottom of the Instant pot.
Making sure to add the water last…
Step 2: Cook
Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes and then do a quick release.
Step 3: Serve
Remove the cloves, fluff the rice and serve warm.
Pro tip: Mix the spices with the rice before cooking to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
FAQS
How much water should I use when making Indian-style rice in an Instant Pot?
The general rule of thumb is a 1:1.25 water ratio of rice to water. For example, if you’re using 1 cup of rice, add 1.25 cups of water. But you can adjust the amount of water depending on how you like your rice. If you add more or less water, the cook time may vary.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?
Make sure you wash your rice before adding it to the pot. This will remove any excess starch and prevent sticking. If you still have problems, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the bottom of the pot.
Tips for best results
- Rinse the rice – To make sure the rice doesn’t end up sticky or clumpy, rinse it well in a fine mesh strainer with cold water to remove any extra starch before cooking.
- Let the rice rest – For perfect rice, let the rice sit for a few minutes after it’s done cooking. This allows the rice to fully absorb any excess moisture and ensures that it’s evenly cooked.
- Customize the spices – Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala are classic Indian spices but you can also add some garlic, ginger, or onions for extra flavor.
Storage
Storing – You can store this fragrant rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the cooked rice is cooled before storing it. To reheat, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl with a little bit of water for extra moisture.
Freezing – Let the rice cool and place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock baggie. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let the rice thaw in the fridge overnight and then microwave.
More easy recipes you’ll love
- My gluten-free orange chicken recipe is a family favorite weeknight dinner.
- If you need a main dish to feed a crowd, try this Chinese noodle casserole.
- Green Chile rice is another gluten-free side dish that everyone loves.
- For an appetizer that never disappoints, try these gluten-free spring rolls.
- This chicken noodle soup is another favorite one of my favorite instant pot recipes.
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Instant Pot Indian Style Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry basmati rice
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 4 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Combine everything in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure (or rice method) for 12 minutes
- Do a quick release, remove the cloves and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for best results
- Rinse the rice – To make sure the rice doesn’t end up sticky or clumpy, rinse it well in a fine mesh strainer with cold water to remove any extra starch before cooking.
- Let the rice rest – For perfect rice, let the rice sit for a few minutes after it’s done cooking. This allows the rice to fully absorb any excess moisture and ensures that it’s evenly cooked.
- Customize the spices – Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala are classic Indian spices but you can also add some garlic, ginger, or onions for extra flavor.
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