Vegetable Rice Pulao Recipe – Instant Pot

Allow us to introduce you to our delicious vegetable rice pulao (pilaf) recipe, which sees a blend of incredible flavors and wholesome ingredients all come together when cooked conveniently in your instant pot. 

If you’re looking for a meal that is going to be fulfilling and tasty, then look no further. This dish is packed with a ton of healthy veggies and spices, and the rice will be sure to help fill you up, too. 

Pulao is also known as Pulav, or Pilaf, and makes for an excellent dish for any number of occasions. Whether it’s large dinners with the family or meal prep for the week ahead, you can add this delicious rice into any lunchbox, and it’s certain to taste great. 

Of course, like any dish with plenty of vegetables, you can always add and remove as you like, so if you need to make adjustments based on what’s in your pantry or on your preferences, then you can do so easily.

So, let’s not waste any time. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible dish and how you can make it for yourself at home! 

Why We Think You’ll Love This Instant Pot Veg Pulao Recipe

This dish is loved by people for so many reasons, probably too many to count here, however, there are a couple of reasons that you love this dish that we think are worth mentioning here. 

• Cooking Time – This dish can be prepared and cooked within 30 minutes, making it an easy dish to cook if you’re looking for something quick during a busy weeknight or if you’re looking to rustle up a delicious side to accompany your main attraction.

• Just One Pot – Cooking something as delicious and flavorsome as this Pulao Rice usually involves multiple pots and pans being used, making washing up difficult. But because this rice only uses one pot, you’ll be able to tidy up much quicker than usual. 

• Veggies – It’s always important to ensure that you’re eating plenty of vegetables, but if you’re not a fan of them, it can be difficult to incorporate them into your diet. However, with this rice dish, you’ll be able to load up on the good stuff while still enjoying your food. 

• Convenience – Whether it’s food in a kid’s lunchbox, potlucks, or house parties, this dish is versatile, making it a great one to learn! 

• Accompaniment – If you need a dish that’s going to pair well with a variety of other Indian dishes, such as dals, curries, or raita, then veg pulao is the way to go. 

• Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten Free – This dish is naturally gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, so everyone will be able to enjoy the incredible flavors. 

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Veg Pulao

Ready to make this for your family? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Basmati Rice – 1 Cup 

• Mixed Vegetables – 1 ½ to 2 Cups. Down to preference, it can include carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, and cauliflower. 

• 1 Medium Onion – Sliced thinly 

• Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 Tablespoon 

• Green Chilies – Finely chopped 

• Mint Leaves – 2 Tablespoons 

• Cilantro – 2 Tablespoons, chopped

• Water – 1 ½ cups, depending on the quality of the rice. Salt to taste. 

• Lime Juice – 1 Tablespoon 

• Cooking Oil- 2 Tablespoons 

• Jeera (Cumin) Seeds – 1 Teaspoon 

• Bay Leaf – 2 

• Cloves – 3 

• Cardamom – 2 

• Cinnamon Stick – 1 inch 

• Star Anise – 1 small-sized. Optional. 

• Stone Flower – 1 small-sized. Optional. 

• Mace – 1 small-sized. Optional. 

Now that you have everything you need to make this dish, it’s time for you to get cooking. 

Next, we’ll talk about the different ways you can make this dish, as well as provide you with instructions on how to do so! 

Different Ways Of Cooking Veg Pulao 

Much like other rice dishes, there are a range of different ways for you to make this rice dish for yourself at home, so even if you don’t have an instant pot, you’ll still be able to make and enjoy all the immense flavors of this dish. 

You will need to make some adjustments depending on the cooking method, but we’ll cover all of that for you in this section! 

Instant Pot 

Instant Pots are one of the most convenient cooking appliances out there, and if you don’t have one already, then you should consider getting one for your kitchen. 

Using this handy appliance, you’ll be able to cook your veg pulao to perfection in just 10 minutes, leaving you with fluffy separated rice grains and veggies that are just right. 

Stovetop Vessel/Kadai 

If you’re planning on cooking your pulao in a stovetop vessel or a traditional Indian Kadai, then you need to make sure that it has a heavy bottom, which will help prevent the rice and vegetables from burning once all the water has been evaporated. 

In addition, you should increase the amount of water you use, and the time it will take to cook will be increased compared to the instant pot. You will also need to have a vessel or Kadai that has a lid, as the dish requires steam to cook properly. 

Stovetop Pressure Cooker

Another great way of cooking your veg pulao is to use a stovetop pressure cooker, which is much easier than cooking it in a stovetop vessel or Kadai and is arguably the best alternative for those who don’t have an instant pot in their home. 

How To Make A Veg Pulao In An Instant Pot 

So, let’s begin by taking you through the steps required to cook your veg pulao using an instant pot! 

Step 1 

On your instant pot, select the “SAUTE MODE” option before adding in your cooking oil, and heat all the spices for just a few seconds. 

Step 2 

You can then add in your onion and chilies before sautéing them for around 2 to 3 minutes. Stir them regularly until they develop a nice light brown color and soft texture. 

Step 3 

You can then add in your ginger-garlic paste and continue to sauté until the smell of the ginger and garlic has disappeared. You can then add in your vegetables and mint leaves and allow everything to cook for an additional minute. 

Step 4

Add your rinsed basmati rice, water, and salt, and then mix all the ingredients well inside the pot. This is the perfect time to adjust the seasoning as you see fit. Be sure to deglaze the pot, too, which will prevent anything from sticking to the bottom and burning. 

Step 5 

With everything mixed, you can then close the instant pot with the lid, ensuring that it is fully sealed, before cooking on high pressure for 5 minutes. 

Step 6 

Once the 5 minutes have passed, carefully remove the lid and allow the steam to escape, you can then squeeze in the lime juice and add in the cilantro leaves. 

Step 7 

Your delicious veg pulao is now ready to serve! Enjoy it by itself or with an array of other Indian dishes.  

Stovetop Pressure Cooking Method

When it comes to cooking your veg pulao using a pressure cooker in place of an instant pot, you can generally follow the same instructions. But some adjustments will need to be made. 

To begin, follow the same steps until the rice and water are added. You’ll then want to add your rice, with 2 Cups of water and salt, and then mix the ingredients well. 

You can then close the lid and place a whistle. Cook for 1 Whistle using a medium flame. 

With the pressure released, you can then fluff the rice before adding in your lime and cilantro.  

Stovetop Pot Cooking Method 

For those who are using a stovetop pot or Kardai to prepare their veg pulao, be sure to read through this section, as we’ll provide you with the adjustments that need to be made. 

In the beginning, you’ll be able to follow all the same instructions as used for the instant pot. Then, when adding your rice, you’ll want to increase the amount of water you add to 2 ½ cups before salting and mixing. 

You’ll want to bring the water to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer and covering your pot with a well-fitting lid, allowing it to cook until the water has evaporated. 

Remove your pot from the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before you fluff it up and add your lime and cilantro. 

What Can You Serve With Veg Pulao? 

While some people prefer to eat their vegetable pulao by itself, others often wonder what sort of dishes it can be used to accompany, especially if you’re cooking for a large number of people. 

Thankfully, veg pulao is incredibly versatile, which means that you can pair it up with pretty much any Indian dish you can think of, whether it’s a dal or curry or even some onion tomato raita. 

No matter what you decide to serve alongside your veg pulao, you’ll be sure to enjoy the incredible amalgamation of flavors you find! 

Tips For Making The Best Veg Pulao Possible

Whether it’s your first or thirtieth time making veg pulao, there is always room for adjustment and improvement, and while you’ll slowly settle on the perfect spice quantities over time, there are some other tips that can help make your veg pulao the best it can be. 

The first is to soak your basmati. It’s not a mandatory procedure, but if you have the extra time, it’s worth allowing your rice to soak before using it, which will help to make it extra fluffy. Just remember to reduce the amount of water you add to the mix by a ¼ cup when cooking. 

When adding in all of your delicious vegetables, it’s worth staggering them depending on how fast they cook. Slower cooking vegetables, such as potatoes, can be added first and cooked for longer before adding in your carrots, beans, and peas. Which will help ensure all of your vegetables are evenly cooked. 

Veg Pulao Variations 

One of the best things about veg pulao is just how versatile it is, and while it’s a dish that we certainly never get bored with, there are plenty of variations that you can try to keep fresh and new! 

• Rice – While basmati is the go-to rice for this dish, don’t be afraid to substitute it for any other fragrant rice. Brown rice is also a good idea if you’re looking for a healthy alternative. 

• Vegetables – You can add pretty much any vegetables you like to this dish, including sweet corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers. While fresh is best, frozen vegetables will work just as well! 

• Protein – For those looking to meal prep or just on the hunt for extra protein in their diet, then this dish can be easily adjusted to provide that. Throw in some chunks of soy or some delicious crispy tofu, which will be sure to give you all the protein you need. 

• Nuts – Another way of increasing the flavor of this dish is to add some nuts into the mix. Cashews work particularly well, but you can add whatever nuts you like. 

• Coconut Milk – For an incredible-tasting pulao, add some coconut milk into the mix; just be sure to adjust the water content accordingly. 

How To Store Your Veg Pulao 

Considering how delicious this veg pulao is, we completely understand if you end up eating all the portions in one go! But for those of you who have some leftovers or have made extra quantities for the next few days in advance, here’s how you can store your veg pulao. 

• Fridge – You’ll be able to keep your veg pulao in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Let it cool completely before placing it into an airtight container and the fridge. 

• Freezer – Similarly, with the rice completely cooled, place it into an airtight container and freeze your rice, where it will last for a month! 

When reheating your veg pulao, just be sure to sprinkle it with some water to help rehydrate the grains. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. 

Final Thoughts

Veg pulao is the perfect dish for almost any occasion, and we hope that this recipe for a delicious instant pot veg pulao has made you consider making your own at home, as it’s a dish that is sure to bring out the flavor every time you make it. 

Plus, it’s so versatile you can serve it along with just about anything you can think of, and you can eat it for lunch or dinner. 

So, we hope that you get the chance to make this incredible pulao dish for yourself soon and that you enjoy making and eating it as much as we do. Enjoy! 

Frequently Asked Questions