Instant Pot Beet Rice Pulao
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
239 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Instant Pot Beet Rice Pulao
Description
Instant Pot Beet Rice Pulao uses basmati rice cooked with beets and peas seasoned with a blend of whole spices including cinnamon, bay leaf, star anise, and cloves, along with ground spices like Kashmiri red chili and garam masala. Ginger and garlic pastes add a pungent base, sautéed with cumin seeds and onions before pressure cooking. The result is a vibrantly colored, tender rice dish featuring sweet beet chunks and textured peas.
The pressure cooking method speeds up the cooking process while sealing in the aroma and moisture. The spices provide a fragrant and mildly spicy undertone without overwhelming the natural flavors of the vegetables. Basmati rice's long grains stay separate and fluffy after cooking. Adding lemon juice at the end gives a subtle acidity that enhances the overall brightness of the dish.
This pulao pairs well with cool, creamy accompaniments like homemade yogurt or raita to balance the warm spices. It can stand alone as a vegetarian main or serve as a side dish within a larger meal. The preparation offers flexibility to include other vegetables according to availability.
Optional whole spices improve aroma but can be omitted if unavailable without compromising the dish. Additional vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, or edamame can enrich the flavor and texture profile depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice (1 cup=250ml)
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1/2 onion thinly sliced
- 1 beet cut into small pieces, or beetroot
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whole Spices (optional)
- 1" inch cassia cinnamon aka Dalchini
- 1 bay leaf Tej Patta
- 1 star anise
- 6 black peppercorns
- 3 cloves aka Laung
Spices
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder optional, dhaniya powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
Instructions
- Start the instant pot in sauté mode and heat it. Add ghee, cumin seeds and whole spices and sauté them for 30 seconds until the cumin seeds change color.
- Add the sliced onions, ginger, garlic and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the beets, green peas and spices. Mix well.
- Add the rice and water to the pot. Stir the ingredients in the pot. Close the lid with vent in sealing position.
- Change the instant pot setting to manual or pressure cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- When the instant pot beeps, do a 10 minute NPR. This means let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the pressure manually.
- Add the lemon juice and fluff the rice.
- Beet Pulao is ready. Enjoy with homemade yogurt or raita.
Stovetop Method
- Follow the same steps in a large pot on medium-high flame. Add the rinsed rice and water to the pot. For stovetop method, increase the amount of water to 2 cups for each cup of rice.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer, cover and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed. (If using a stovetop pressure cooker, cook for 1 whistle)
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Add lemon juice and enjoy the pulao!
Notes
- Whole spices are optional and can be skipped if not available without much flavor loss.
- Green peas are included here but feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, or edamame based on availability.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 239kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 9mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 1193mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 184mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 240IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 11.9mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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