Instant Pot® Pudina Pulao (Mint Rice)

This is probably one of the most flavorful rice recipes you can make in just a few minutes. It's a spicy mint rice recipe that is hearty and filling as a vegetarian dish. Serve this as a side dish, or you can also take it in a lunch box and have a delicious midday meal! It is also lovely with plain or Greek yogurt.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 353 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ tablespoons water
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 star anise
• ¼ teaspoon red chile powder
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 cardamom pod
• 1 small bay leaf, torn into pieces
• 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into rounds, then halved (skin on)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 40 minutes.

Step 2

Combine green chiles, mint leaves, garlic, 2 1/2 tablespoons water, shredded coconut, cilantro, cumin seeds, and ginger in a mortar; grind with a pestle into a paste.

Step 3

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add olive oil and heat until warm. Add cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, bay leaf, and cinnamon. Saute until spices are fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Add mint paste, onion, turmeric, and red chile powder and cook for 2 minutes longer.

Step 4

Mix in potatoes, tomatoes, and peas. Stir in basmati rice and saute for 1 minute longer. Pour in 1 1/4 cups water and salt. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot and let warm 1 minute longer.

Step 5

Turn off Saute mode. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.