Simple instant pot pulao recipe using spring vegetables like green peas, spinach, brussels sprouts and green beans.
- 1 cup basmati rice (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
- 2 cups chopped veggies like peas, green beans, brussels sprouts can use any other veggie of your choice.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped mint
- 1/2 cup tightly packed spinach
- 2 garlic pods
- 1/2 inch ginger
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 slit green chilly ( substitute it with seranno pepper or jalepeno as needed)
- 1/4 tsp garam masala (optional)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
- 1 3/4 cups water / vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp oil / ghee
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Soak the basmati rice in water for atleast 15 to 20 minutes.
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Switch on the saute mode in your instant pot and add the oil/ ghee.
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When the oil becomes hot, add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, green chilly and let the cumin sizzle.
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Now add the chopped onions and saute until they turn golden brown.
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Meanwhile, make a puree of the spinach, cilantro, mint, turmeric powder, lemon juice, garam masala and set aside.
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When the onions are done, add the chopped veggies and give it a mix.
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Now add the spinach puree, rice and mix well. Be careful while mixing so you don't break the rice. Switch off the saute mode.
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Now add the water or stock, salt and close the lid. Make sure, the water is salty enough for the rice. (It should be a bit saltier than how your final rice dish should taste) Also the amount of water and the puree together should not exceed 2 cups.
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Pressure cook in manual or pressure cook mode for 6 minutes. Release pressure after 7 minutes.
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When done, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then use a fork or ladle to fluff up the rice. Serve hot.
- Make sure to measure the water and the ground spinach puree together so you get 2 cups in total. Do not add extra liquid.
- Garam masala, ginger garlic are optional. The recipe still tastes great without these. If you need a simpler version for your kids, you can do it without the masalas and spices.
- You can also add vegetables like carrots, corn, potatoes, cauliflower in the recipe.