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5 from 9 votes

Vegetable Pulao Instant Pot

Vegetable Pulao Instant Pot is prepared with basmati rice and aromatic Indian spices. This dish is flavorful, simple, and delicious.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course, Sides
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 5 servings
Author: Nisha Kapur

Equipment

Ingredients

for the Whole Spices

for the Rice & Veggies

  • 1 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 large red onion sliced
  • 1 15 ounce can organic chickpeas drained & rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups organic frozen mixed vegetables carrots, peas, corn, and green beans; rinse under warm water
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice soaked, washed & rinsed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 3/4 water

Instructions

  • Wash rice until the water runs clear. Then soak rice in water for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse and drain rice. Set aside.
  • Heat up an Instant Pot in SAUTE mode. Once hot, add avocado oil or any flavorless oil. Add all the whole spices. Saute for about 45 seconds.
  • Add sliced onions and season with salt.
  • Saute for 3-4 minutes until slightly golden.
  • This is what you should have.
  • Add the washed & drained rice.
  • Saute the rice for 2 minutes and click CANCEL on the Instant Pot.
  • Add the canned chickpeas and frozen mixed vegetables. Make sure you wash and rinse the frozen mixed vegetables under warm water and drain. Also, make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas.
  • Add water and all the powdered spices - salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala.
  • Mix well and scrape the bottom well to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
  • Cover the Instant Pot and set the Vent Valve to Seal. Click HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes. Once 5 minutes is up, let the Instant Pot pressure release on its own for 10 minutes and then manually release. You'll have the best results using this method.
  • This is what you should have. Fluff the rice with a fork and you'll have fluffy rice. To avoid mushy rice, do NOT mix the rice.
  • Serve perfectly cooked Vegetable Pualo with achaar and raita (or plain yogurt). Optional: Garnish with coriander leaves or mint leaves.

Notes

This recipe was first published on October 5, 2022, and has been updated since.
  • Slice the onions, but not too thin.
  • Wash the rice well until the water runs clear. Then soak for 15 minutes. Rinse and drain.
  • Add the exact amount of water mentioned for this recipe - 1 3/4 cups of water.
  • For the BEST Results - Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes and then do a quick pressure release

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 977mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3788IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg