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Instant Pot Beet Rice Pulao
5 from 42 votes

Instant Pot Beet Rice Pulao

This Instant Pot Beet Rice Pulao combines fragrant basmati rice with diced beets, green peas, and aromatic spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and garam masala. Cooked under pressure, the dish delivers fluffy rice infused with earthy sweetness from the beets and warmth from whole and ground spices. Lemon juice added after cooking brightens the flavors. It can be served as a side dish or light meal, complementing yogurt or raita.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 239 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Add the sliced onions, ginger, garlic and sauté for 3 minutes.
  3. Add the beets, green peas and spices. Mix well.
  4. Add the rice and water to the pot. Stir the ingredients in the pot. Close the lid with vent in sealing position. 
  5. Change the instant pot setting to manual or pressure cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
  6. 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.  
  7. Add the lemon juice and fluff the rice.
  8. Beet Pulao is ready. Enjoy with homemade yogurt or raita.
Stovetop Method
  1. 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.
  2. 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)
  3. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 239

% 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.