Rice is an integral part of Indian cuisine, celebrated for its versatility and comforting nature. From the fragrant layers of biryanis to the subtle flavors of pulaos, rice dishes can be a star on their own or a perfect accompaniment to curries.
The Instant Pot simplifies the process, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time without the hassle of stovetop monitoring.
Whether you’re making an elaborate meal for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, these vegan Instant Pot Indian rice recipes have you covered.
Our Top Tips for Cooking Rice in an Instant Pot
Cooking rice in an Instant Pot is easy once you know a few simple tricks. Here’s how to get it just right every time:
- Rinse the rice: Always rinse your rice under cold water before cooking. This removes excess starch and keeps the grains from sticking together. Some recipes might ask you to soak the rice—do it if you have time! Soaking shortens the cooking time and helps the rice cook evenly.
- Follow the right water ratio: The amount of water depends on the type of rice and whether it’s soaked. As a general rule, use 1:1¼ for soaked basmati rice and 1:1½ for unsoaked basmati rice. Adjust based on your preference for softer or firmer grains.
- Pressure release matters: Most rice dishes turn out best with a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). After that, switch to manual release to finish up. Quick pressure releases are great for softer dishes like khichdi but can make delicate rice grains mushy.
- Don’t double the time when doubling the recipe: Even if you’re making a larger batch, the cooking time stays the same. The pot might take a little longer to come to pressure, but the cooking time itself doesn’t change.
With these tips, your rice dishes will be fluffy, flavorful, and perfect every time!
Vegan Indian Rice Recipes We Love
1. Vegetable Pulao (Karnataka Style)
This mildly spiced one-pot dish features a green paste made with coriander, mint, and coconut for a unique and fragrant flavor.
Ingredients: Sona masoori rice, mixed vegetables, coriander, mint, coconut, green chilies, cumin seeds, ginger, and water.
Method: Blend coriander, mint, coconut, and green chilies into a paste. In the Instant Pot, sauté cumin seeds and ginger, then add the paste. Mix in rinsed rice, vegetables, and water. Pressure cook for 6 minutes, allow a 10-minute NPR, and fluff before serving.
2. Vegetable Biryani
This layered rice dish is infused with warm spices, and features spiced vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients: Basmati rice, mixed vegetables, fried onions, garam masala, mint, cilantro, and vegan yogurt.
Method: Sauté spices in the Instant Pot, layer spiced vegetables, fried onions, and basmati rice, and add water. Pressure cook for 6 minutes, allow a 10-minute NPR, and gently fluff the layers before serving.
3. Lemon Rice
A tangy and refreshing South Indian dish flavored with fresh lemon juice, turmeric, and curry leaves.
Ingredients: Cooked basmati rice, lemon juice, turmeric, green chilies, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
Method: Sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies in the Instant Pot. Add turmeric and cooked rice, mix well, and finish with fresh lemon juice before serving.
4. Bisibelebath (Karnataka Style)
A nutritious and flavorful mix of lentils, rice, and vegetables spiced with tamarind and bisibelebath powder.
Ingredients: Sona masoori rice, split pigeon peas (toor dal), tamarind pulp, bisibelebath powder, mixed vegetables, and curry leaves.
Method: Cook rice and dal in the Instant Pot. Separately, sauté tamarind pulp, vegetables, and bisibelebath powder, then combine with the rice-dal mixture. Let it simmer briefly and serve with papad or pickles.
5. Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Aromatic and simple, jeera rice is a perfect pairing for rich curries and dals.
Ingredients: Basmati rice, cumin seeds, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon.
Method: Sauté cumin seeds and whole spices in the Instant Pot. Add rinsed rice and water, pressure cook for 5 minutes, and allow a 10-minute NPR.
6. Coconut Milk Pulao
This creamy pulao combines coconut milk with vegetables and spices for a wholesome, flavorful dish.
Ingredients: Basmati rice, coconut milk, mixed vegetables, green chilies, ginger, and whole spices.
Method: Sauté spices and ginger in the Instant Pot, then add rice, vegetables, and coconut milk. Pressure cook for 6 minutes, allow a 10-minute NPR, and serve warm.
7. South Indian Cabbage Rice
This quick and healthy one-pot rice dish combines shredded cabbage with spices for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients: Basmati rice, cabbage, green chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and turmeric.
Method: Sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric in the Instant Pot. Add cabbage and rice, mix well, and pressure cook for 5 minutes with a 10-minute NPR.
8. Masala Khichdi
A comforting and nutritious dish made with rice, lentils, and mixed vegetables spiced with traditional Indian seasonings.
Ingredients: Moong dal (split yellow lentils), basmati rice, mixed vegetables, ginger, turmeric, green chilies, and garam masala.
Method: Sauté ginger and spices in the Instant Pot. Add rinsed dal, rice, vegetables, and water. Pressure cook for 6 minutes, allow a 10-minute NPR, and serve with vegan yogurt or pickles.
9. Turmeric Yellow Rice
This vibrant dish gets its golden hue and health benefits from turmeric, making it a perfect side for curries or a light main dish.
Ingredients: Basmati rice, turmeric, cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves.
Method: Sauté cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies in the Instant Pot. Add turmeric and rice, mix well, and pressure cook for 5 minutes with a 10-minute NPR.
10. Red Rice with Spices
Red rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, complemented by warm spices for a hearty and nutritious dish.
Ingredients: Red rice, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and green chilies.
Method: Sauté spices in the Instant Pot, then add rinsed red rice and water. Pressure cook for 25 minutes and allow a natural pressure release.
11. Easy Peas Pulao
This simple and flavorful dish combines basmati rice with green peas and warm spices.
Ingredients: Basmati rice, green peas, cumin seeds, bay leaves, and cinnamon.
Method: Sauté cumin seeds and bay leaves in the Instant Pot. Add peas, rice, and water, pressure cook for 5 minutes, and allow a 10-minute NPR.
Final Thoughts
These vegan Instant Pot Indian rice recipes offer something for every occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
With the Instant Pot, you can prepare perfectly cooked rice dishes without the hassle, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with ease.
Whether you’re craving the tanginess of lemon rice, the comforting spices of masala khichdi, or the creamy indulgence of coconut pulao, these recipes will become family favorites in no time. Pair them with dals, curries, or pickles, and let the flavors of India shine on your table.
