Here is the ultimate collection of Instant Pot Indian Rice recipes. You will find the basic recipes such as indian basmati rice, to pulao and the most popular instant pot biryani recipes!
Rice is the comfort food not just in Indian cuisine, but in many cuisines across the world. Rice has been and still is the main source of food across many civilizations. Often a bowl of rice along with steaming curry is enough to satisfy our soul.
Moreover, rice also has its nutritional values by being high in carbohydrates, low in sodium and without any fat or cholesterol. If you are following a vegan or a gluten-free diet, then rice is your best friend. Here, we bring you a list of rice recipes that are filled with flavor and are easy to make in the instant pot.
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Why use Instant Pot to make Rice?
In India, we have been using the stovetop pressure cooker to cook rice since a long long time. Instant Pot is the newest innovation in pressure cookers. It is an electric pressure cooker, and hence a great gadget to make perfect rice!
Cooking rice can sometimes be tricky. There are personal and cultural preferences such as the type of rice to use and how soft the rice should be cooked. These tried and tested recipes are a great way to enjoy the numerous ways to cook rice.
I love to cook rice in the instant pot (rather, I love to cook almost everything in the instant pot). The best part of the instant pot for me is that it helps me make all my rice recipes one-pot and reminds me by beeping to look back at it while I do other chores, and it does not burn even if I ignore the beep 🙂
Things to keep in mind to cook Perfect Rice in the Instant Pot
When you are trying different rice recipes, do keep in mind and review the important things to make perfect rice.
Rinse and/or soak the rice
Most indian recipes will call for rinsing rice. This may seem like an unnecessary step to some, rinsing rice helps to remove any debris and also removes excess starch off the rice.
Some recipes suggest to soak rice, while others cook without soaking. I have tested both ways, and they both work. However the cooking time varies for soaked vs unsoaked rice.
Rice to water ratio
Depending on the type of rice used and whether the rice was soaked or not, the rice to water ratio can change.
Pressure cooking time
The pressure cooking time for rice can vary depending on the type of rice, such as white or brown, basmati or sona masoori, and it can vary depending on if the rice was soaked or unsoaked. The pressure cooking time can also be different due to personal preference of al dente rice or soft rice. It also depends on the altitude at which pressure cooking is being done.
Typically the pressure cooking time does NOT vary due to increasing or decreasing the quantity of rice being cooked. So if you double a rice recipe, the pressure cooking time remains the same. The pot might take longer to come to pressure and release pressure.
Get a printable chart for instant pot rice cooking times for various types of rice and grains.
Pressure release method
Do note the suggested method to release pressure in the recipes. Most common method in rice recipes is a 10 minute NPR, which means to let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the pressure by turning the valve to venting. Some recipes call for natural pressure release or quick pressure release.
How much rice can I cook in the Instant Pot?
Instant Pot recommends to cook a minimum of 1 cup of rice when cooking directly in the inner pot. If you’re cooking less, use the pot-in-pot method. Remember to not fill your inner pot past the halfway mark when cooking food that expands, such as rice.
- When cooking just plain rice in the instant pot (basic recipe), my tests suggest a maximum of 6 cups of rice in a 6qt instant pot.
- When cooking a rice pilaf in the instant pot with lots of veggies or meat, my tests suggest a maximum of 4.5 cups of rice in a 6qt instant pot.
Basic Indian Rice Recipes
Let us start off with the basic rice recipes made in the pressure cooker, that go well with a steaming bowl of curry.
In basic rice recipes, pot-in-pot method is a great way to cook rice. This works perfectly when cooking a small amount of rice and has the added advantage of being able to cook in the bowl you want to serve.
Basmati Rice
Being a North-Indian, my preferred rice is basmati. It is a long-grain rice, that is slender in look and aromatic in flavor. It is a popular choice during festive occasions or when entertaining. I cook this rice in two ways - in the inner pot of the instant pot or with the pot-in-pot method.
Brown Basmati Rice
Brown basmati rice is the healthier version of basmati rice. Get the foolproof recipes for brown basmati rice here - in the inner pot of the Instant pot and the pot-in-pot method.
Sona Masoori Rice
Sona Masoori rice is a medium-grain rice popular in southern states of India. Ready in a jiffy, this aromatic Sona Masoori rice pairs well with curries or just a plain bowl of yogurt.
Flavored Indian Rice Recipes
Once you have mastered the skill of cooking rice, then you can start adding flavor to them using different spices and vegetables. There are so many variations to make rice - with whole spices, vegetables, chicken, shrimp, etc.
Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
A perfect accompaniment for any curry or gravy. This Jeera rice is made with basmati rice, cumin seeds (jeera) and whole spices. This cumin rice is perfect to pair with indian curries.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is an enticing aromatic combination of perfectly cooked basmati rice along with coconut milk or flakes. This rice is a vegan and gluten-free side dish for curries of any cuisine especially Indian and Thai.
Lemon Rice
If you are looking for a bowl of tangy and zesty rice, then lemon rice is your choice. Flavored with lemon juice and topped with roasted peanuts, this rice dish will brighten up your meal.
Instant Pot Pilaf / Pulao Recipes
Tracing back its origins to central Asia, Pilaf is a mixture of rice with vegetables or meat, along with a whole variety of spices and garnishing. It is essentially a one-pot dish where all the ingredients are cooked together. Here are some popular Indian pulao recipes you will enjoy!
Vegetable Pulao
Vegetable Rice Pilaf or Pulao is an easy one pot rice dish mixed with a variety of vegetables and mildly flavored with various spices.
Spinach Rice
Spinach rice made with spinach, basmati rice and simple ingredients like onion and garlic along with spices, this dish is a flavorful side to include in your dinner rotation.
Mushroom Brown Rice
A healthy combination of brown rice and mushroom cooked into a delicious pilaf. This can be enjoyed as a side dish or main dish along with some raita!
Beet Rice Pilaf
Beet Rice Pilaf is with beets, basmati rice, and aromatic spices. This is a brilliant and sneaky way to introduce beets in your meals.
Black-Eyed Peas and Spinach Rice
A bowl of nutritious rice pilaf that contains the goodness of both proteins and vegetables. They can be made in just 30 minutes in the instant pot.
Masale Bhaat from Two Sleevers
Masale Bhaat is a delicious Maharashtrian one-pot rice dish filled with vegetable and mildly flavored with spices and garnishing.
Punjabi Wadi Chawal
A flavorful and nutritious Punjabi rice recipe, this Wadi chawal is a delicious wholesome meal made with aromatic whole spices, wadiyan and basmati rice.
Chana Dal Pulao
A delicious protein-rich rice dish made with chana dal (split yellow chickpeas) and basmati rice cooked along with the aroma of whole spices.
Instant Pot Khichdi Recipes
Khichdi is one pot meal consisting of lentils and rice. It is popular comfort food in many parts of India. Split green or yellow lentils are the common lentil used in this recipe. It is light on the stomach and easy to digest, and hence the perfect food to give to babies or when someone is sick. Enjoy it with a side of pickle and yogurt, topped with lots of ghee!
Lentil & Rice Khichdi
Lentil and rice khichdi is simple comfort food that requires minimal prep work. You can top it off with yogurt, pickle or dal. Be sure to add a dollop of ghee to the khichdi to enjoy its real flavor.
Masala Khichdi (Lentil & Vegetable Khichdi)
Made in Instant Pot or a pressure cooker, this Khichdi has the ingredients of lentils, vegetables, and rice. It is a complete meal that is filled with carbs, protein and whole other lot of nutrients.
Turmeric Yellow Rice
This fragrant and flavorful Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice is a healthy alternative to your usual white rice. Try my recipe to know how to easily make this vibrant rice on the stovetop or in the instant pot.
Instant Pot Biryani Recipes
The origins of this world-renowned dish can be traced back to the Indian Subcontinent. It is a scrumptious dish that is filled with seasoned and exotic spices, vegetables, and meat. Basmati rice is the popular choice of rice to make biryani.
Here I have compiled a list of irresistible one-pot biryani recipes that you can make in your instant pot
Vegetable Biryani
Aroma filled basmati rice, saffron, vegetables, and spices come together to make this delicious bowl of authentic Vegetable Biryani. You can get this fluffy biryani made in instant pot in less than 40 minutes.
Mushroom biryani from Cook with Manali
Made in Instant pot, this Mushroom Biryani comes packed with loads of mushroom, nuts, herbs, and spices. It is also vegan and gluten-free.
Lamb Biryani from Paint the Kitchen Red
A mouthwatering Lamb Biryani is made with basmati rice and lamb, combined with caramelized onions, raisins, nuts and aromatic spices.
Chicken Biryani
One-pot Chicken Biryani, with fragrant rice and tender chicken pieces cooked in spices and caramelized onions in less than 30 minutes!
Shrimp Biryani from Caramel Tinted Life
Packed with flavor with fresh herbs and spices, this delicious Instant pot Shrimp biryani is perfect for seafood lovers.
Chettinad chicken biryani from Simmer to Slimmer
The Chettinad cuisine of Southern India is well known for its spicy and sweet twist to the ever-popular chicken biryani. With the addition of a few more spices like Star anise, Marathi Moggu (dried flower pods), this biryani is a lip-smacking meal.
South Indian Rice Recipes
South Indian cuisine is popular for the variety of rice recipes. These rice dishes are quite easy to make, and are delicious and satisfying comfort food. If you love rice, you must try these South Indian rice recipes made in the instant pot
Bisi Bele Bath (Hot Lentil Rice)
Bisi Bele Bath is a flavor and nutrition-filled recipe from Karnataka in Southern India. Cooked with lentils, rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this authentic one-pot meal is hearty and comforting.
Ven Pongal
This South Indian breakfast recipe made from rice and lentils is a great way to start your day. Pair it with sambar and chutney for a complete wholesome meal.
Curd Rice (Yogurt Rice) from Ministry of Curry
A popular South Indian comfort meal made with soft cooked rice, mixed yogurt, and tempered with spices.
Sweet/Dessert Rice Recipes
Rice is a versatile grain that is great in both sweet and savory recipes. Here you will find my recipes of desserts made with rice. These desserts are so much easier with the instant pot, with the same authentic taste.
Sakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal)
Sweet Pongal, also called Sakkarai or Chakkara Pongal, is a popular traditional sweet dish from South Indian. Made with rice, moong dal, milk and jaggery, it is a delicious sweet pudding made during festivals.
Zarda Sweet Rice
A royal dessert prevalent in Northern parts of India, this recipe comes loaded with cashews, almonds, raisin, and saffron. Milk, ghee and long grain basmati rice are used along with the nuts to prepare this delicious Zarda Rice.
Kheer (Rice Pudding)
A favorite Indian dessert/pudding made with rice and milk. This dessert is infused with saffron, cardamom, and topped with dried fruits. This dump-and-go recipe is everyone's favorite and has rave reviews!
We hope you have found one or more rice recipes to make in the Instant Pot. Let us know which one you’re most excited to make, and share this roundup with your friends!
You might enjoy this post about 23 Best Instant Pot Indian Food Recipes. Check it out!
Shalgam Gosht says
Thank you very much your blog is very useful. Nice post!
Anjali says
Hi Meeta, I love your recipes! Just have one question.. What is the taste/ingredients difference between veggie pulav, veggie biryani and masale bhaat? When I make them all three tastes similar, so wanted to know from you, the expert, difference between them.
Meeta Arora says
Hi Anjali - Thank you for your kind words. I will share my understanding of the differences.
In traditional biryani, there is layering of veggies and rice. Also, there yogurt, mint and cilantro are added while cooking biryani, but not for pulao. Biryani also involves a lot of fried onions and the the spice level is a little but higher. I usually skip tomatoes when making biryani. You can check more details in the vegetable biryani recipe.
For pulao, the veggies and rice are just cooked together. Many times people skip adding any whole spice when making a pulao, but I do think it adds so much to the flavor and add them to my pulao recipe.
Masale Bhaat has different spices. Goda masala spice blend is used to make it, which gives a much different taste than regular pulao.
I hope that helps clarify the differences.
Carol says
I was excited to try some more rice recipes in my IP, but all the links for the full recipes just link back to this webpage instead of to the recipe page.
Meeta Arora says
Hi Carol - Sorry to that you are having trouble to get to the recipes. I found that there was an issue after trying all the links, and have now fixed it. Could you please give it another try?