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Home » Recipes » Rice & Grains

25+ Best Instant Pot Indian Rice Recipes

Published December 1, 2020 Updated March 22, 2022 By Meeta Arora 5 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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25+ Instant pot indian rice recipes

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!

25+ Instant pot indian rice 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.

Table of contents

  • Why use Instant Pot to make Rice?
    • Things to keep in mind to cook Perfect Rice in the Instant Pot
      • Rinse and/or soak the rice
      • Rice to water ratio
      • Pressure cooking time
      • Pressure release method
    • How much rice can I cook in the Instant Pot?
  • Basic Indian Rice Recipes
    • Basmati Rice
    • Brown Basmati Rice
      • Sona Masoori Rice
  • Flavored Indian Rice Recipes 
    • Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
    • Coconut Rice
    • Lemon Rice
  • Instant Pot Pilaf / Pulao Recipes
    • Vegetable Pulao
    • Spinach Rice
    • Mushroom Brown Rice
    • Beet Rice Pilaf
    • Black-Eyed Peas and Spinach Rice
    • Masale Bhaat from Two Sleevers
    • Punjabi Wadi Chawal
  • Instant Pot Khichdi Recipes
    • Lentil & Rice Khichdi
    • Masala Khichdi (Lentil & Vegetable Khichdi)
    • Turmeric Yellow Rice
  • Instant Pot Biryani Recipes 
    • Vegetable Biryani
    • Mushroom biryani from Cook with Manali
    • Lamb Biryani from Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Chicken Biryani
    • Shrimp Biryani from Caramel Tinted Life
    • Chettinad chicken biryani from Simmer to Slimmer
  • South Indian Rice Recipes
    • Bisi Bele Bath (Hot Lentil Rice)
    • Ven Pongal
    • Curd Rice (Yogurt Rice) from Ministry of Curry
  • Sweet/Dessert Rice Recipes 
    • Sakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal)
    • Zarda Sweet Rice
    • Kheer (Rice Pudding)

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.

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

Basmati Rice Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Brown Basmati Rice

Brown Rice instant pot pressure cooker

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Sona Masoori Rice

white rice in a bowl

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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)

Jeera Rice with a cardamom in a black bowl

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice made in the pressure cooker served in a black bowl topped with sesame seeds and scallions

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Lemon Rice

Instant Pot 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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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 Pulao Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Vegetable Rice Pilaf or Pulao is an easy one pot rice dish mixed with a variety of vegetables and mildly flavored with various spices.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Spinach Rice

Spinach Rice in a cast-iron pan topped with lemon slices

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Mushroom Brown Rice

Brown Rice & Mushroom Pilaf - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

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!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Beet Rice Pilaf

Beet Pulao Rice Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Beet Rice Pilaf is with beets, basmati rice, and aromatic spices. This is a brilliant and sneaky way to introduce beets in your meals.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Black-Eyed Peas and Spinach Rice

Black eyed peas and Spinach Pulao Pressure Cooker

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Masale Bhaat from Two Sleevers

Masale Bhat, rice with vegetables in a white bowl

Masale Bhaat is a delicious Maharashtrian one-pot rice dish filled with vegetable and mildly flavored with spices and garnishing.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Punjabi Wadi Chawal

Rice with lentil dumplings called wadiyan in a plate

A flavorful and nutritious Punjabi rice recipe, this Wadi chawal is a delicious wholesome meal made with aromatic whole spices, wadiyan and basmati rice.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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

plain khichdi made with moong dal and rice served in a bowl topped with ghee, cilantro and pickle

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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.

Lentil and Vegetable khichdi in a white bowl
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Turmeric Yellow Rice

Indian Yellow Turmeric Rice in a white bowl

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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

Vegetable Biryani Rice garnished with mint leaves

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Mushroom biryani from Cook with Manali

Mushroom Biryani Rice

Made in Instant pot, this Mushroom Biryani comes packed with loads of mushroom, nuts, herbs, and spices. It is also vegan and gluten-free.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Lamb Biryani from Paint the Kitchen Red

Lamb biryani in a bowl

A mouthwatering Lamb Biryani is made with basmati rice and lamb, combined with caramelized onions, raisins, nuts and aromatic spices.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani in a bowl

One-pot Chicken Biryani, with fragrant rice and tender chicken pieces cooked in spices and caramelized onions in less than 30 minutes!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Shrimp Biryani from Caramel Tinted Life

Shrimp Biryani rice

Packed with flavor with fresh herbs and spices, this delicious Instant pot Shrimp biryani is perfect for seafood lovers.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Chettinad chicken biryani from Simmer to Slimmer

Chicken Biryani in a bowl with raita and wine

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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 - How Spicy lentils and rice in a pretty bowl garnished with tempering and cashews.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Ven Pongal

Ven Pongal in a bowl garnished with cashews and curry leaves

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Curd Rice (Yogurt Rice) from Ministry of Curry

Yogurt rice garnished with pomegranate seeds served in two bowls

A popular South Indian comfort meal made with soft cooked rice, mixed yogurt, and tempered with spices.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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)

Sakkarai Pongal (sweet pongal) served in pretty bowls for pongal festival

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Zarda Sweet Rice

Zarda. Meethe Chawal - Instant Pot - Piping Pot Curry

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Kheer Rice Pudding instant pot

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!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

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! 

25+ Instant pot indian rice recipes

You might enjoy this post about 23 Best Instant Pot Indian Food Recipes. Check it out! 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shalgam Gosht says

    April 12, 2021 at 1:09 am

    Thank you very much your blog is very useful. Nice post!

    Reply
  2. Anjali says

    December 18, 2020 at 7:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      December 28, 2020 at 11:38 pm

      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.

      Reply
  3. Carol says

    October 10, 2019 at 7:51 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Meeta Arora says

      October 10, 2019 at 10:01 pm

      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?

      Reply

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I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. Here you will find easy & delicious recipes using Instant Pot & Air Fryer.

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