Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of India? This Instant Pot Indian Vegetable Rice is not just a meal; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors and colors that will have your family asking for seconds! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a fragrant and satisfying dish that's packed with wholesome vegetables and aromatic spices. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to a deliciously easy and comforting dinner that will impress everyone at the table. Dive in to discover how to create this delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare your vegetables by chopping the onion and mixing the carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Ensure all vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add the 2 tablespoons of oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds to the pot. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant and start to crackle.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in the curry powder and sauté for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pot and stir well to coat them with the spices and onions. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together gently to combine.
- Season with salt to taste, making sure to mix it evenly throughout the rice and vegetables.
- Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to the sealing position. Switch the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and set the timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Be careful not to stir too vigorously to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Garnish the vegetable rice with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Indian Vegetable Rice!
Tips
- Rinse and Soak: Always rinse your basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soaking for 10 minutes helps achieve fluffy rice, so don’t skip this step!
- Uniform Vegetable Cuts: Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. This not only enhances the presentation but also improves the overall texture of the dish.
- Sauté for Flavor: Take the time to sauté the cumin seeds and onions until fragrant and golden. This step is crucial for building the depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder according to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and gradually add more as you sauté.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the rice finish cooking gently and keeps it from becoming mushy.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro! It adds a burst of freshness and color that elevates the dish both visually and in flavor.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Pair your vegetable rice with yogurt, raita, or a simple salad for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
