Rice is a staple food for a large percentage of humanity today in the world with each country having several popular rice dishes to boast. Peas pulao or pilaf is one such famous rice dish in India that complements many Indian meals and is very easy to make in the instant pot.
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What is peas pulao?
Pulao is a versatile rice recipe as it can be made with several vegetables of your choice such as peas, potato, corn, carrots, cauliflower, onions, and french beans to name a few. Peas pulao or matar pulao is an Indian dish made with basmati rice, peas, and a few spices for flavor.
It is one of my go-to recipes especially when there is a get-together. It is easy to make and enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for instant pot peas pulao
Instant pot peas pulao is a simple and easy recipe to make that requires no chopping and uses two main ingredients, rice and peas along with some spices which enhance its flavor and give it a nice aroma.
Which is the best rice for pulao?
Basmati rice works best for making pulao, however, you can also use other types of rice if needed. You can also make this with brown basmati rice, only the overall cooking time will be more.
What are the Indian spices for pulao?
Whole spices like cloves, peppercorns, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, cardamom, whole red chili are added while making pulao to give it an aromatic flavor. Most of the spices are the ones used in daily cooking and are easily available in the pantry.
This Organic Whole Spices Starter Kit comes in handy as it has most of the spices needed for this recipe and other Indian recipes.
You can add some raisins and cashews as it enhances matar pulao's taste. A variety of pulao dishes can be made with different vegetables. Peas pulao made with fresh or frozen peas is one of the easiest ones to make and can please a picky eater.
Rice to water ratio for making pulao in instant pot
Most of the time I do not soak rice while making peas pulao as it is usually my last-minute meal idea. For dry rice, a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water works perfectly in the instant pot. If you prefer to soak rice, a 1:1 ratio of rice and water works well when rice is soaked for at least 30 minutes.
How to make peas pulao in instant pot?
It is very simple to make peas pulao in an instant pot with minimal steps. First, temper all the dry spices in oil (ghee can be used as well) in saute mode.
Add the cashews and raisins and saute for about 15 seconds or until cashews are golden brown. Add rice, water, salt and give it a good mix.
Now cook the pulao on high pressure for 4 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release and remove any remaining pressure manually.
After opening fluff the rice with a fork and add the frozen peas (rinsed in warm water) and mix it well. Cover the instant pot for about a minute and instant pot matar or peas pulao is ready.
How to serve peas pulao?
Pulao is a complement to many Indian dishes and is best served hot. Pulao is served with kadhi (yogurt soup), dal (lentil soup), chana masala, and raita (yogurt condiment).
How do you reheat Pulao?
Peas pulao can also be prepared in advance and any leftovers can be refrigerated. You can reheat pulao in a microwave, cooktop, or in the oven (covered with a lid) for a few minutes.
When rice is refrigerated it can become a little hard, sprinkle some water while reheating to get it back to its original consistency.
Also, check out these recipes that go well with peas pulao
- Panchmel Dal (Mixed lentils) in Instant Pot
- Chana Masala (Garbanzo beans curry) in Instant Pot
- Kala Chana (Black Chickpeas)
- Dal tadka
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📖 Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Peas Pulao
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1 cup Peas (Frozen)
- 1 ¼ cup Water (2 ¼ cup water for cooktop)
Spices
- 2 Whole Red Chili
- 5 Peppercorn
- 5 Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1 Cardamom
- 2 tablespoon Cashews
- 2 tablespoon Raisins
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 1 Bay leaf
Instructions
Make peas pulao in instant pot
- Rinse rice under water until water runs clear
- Turn the instant pot on "Saute" mode, once hot add oil.
- Once oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let it crackle. Add all the dry spices.
- Add rice and salt and give it a mix.
- Add water and mix well, deglaze the bottom of the pot if needed.
- Press cancel to come out of saute mode and put the lid on.
- Turn the instant pot on High pressure for 4 minutes with pressure valve in sealing position. Keep the "Keep warm" setting on.
- Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Fluff the rice with a spoon and add the frozen peas (after rinsing in warm water). Mix it well. Cover the instant pot for a minute and then transfer the pulao to a serving bowl.
Make peas pulao on cooktop
- Rinse rice under water until water runs clear
- Heat a saucepan on medium high flame, once saucepan is hot, add oil.
- Once oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let it crackle. Add all the dry spices.
- Add rice and salt and give it a mix.
- Add 2 ¼ cup water and mix well.
- Cover with a lid (without venting hole) and cook for about 12 minutes on medium flame.
- Check after 12 minutes, rice will be cooked, if there is still water then cover it and allow to cook for a few minutes.
- Turn off the stove and add rinsed frozen peas and mix well and cover it again for 5 minutes.
Notes
You may also like these 20+ Indian instant pot kid-friendly vegetarian recipes.
Lathiya says
I love such easy and simple recipes. I love making rice in Instant pot. Comes out perfect every time.
Sivaranjani says
Completely agree rice is a versatile ingredient to make our healthy and tasty choice. I loved your instant pot preparation method and serving suggestions of pulao.
Jacqueline Debono says
I love the spices and flavours in this peas pulao. Such a great side dish!
Anindya says
I love peas pulo and we Bengalis we also have something called Basanti Pulao which you must try
Beth says
I have not yet tried cooking rice in the Instant pot but this pilaf looks so simple and tasty! I love simple side dishes like this that have so many interesting flavors.
Christy Boston's Kitchen says
I love Instant Pot recipes! This looks so colorful and tasty, and I love the addition of the cashews. I bet it is healthy, too. Can't wait to try it. 🙂
Nart | Cooking with Nart says
This looks very healthy and easy to make. I like green peas so I'll definitely try this!
adriana says
I have never made pulao though I love it now I know the tricks to make it in the Instant Pot, thanks!
Patrice says
I love instant pot recipes and all the spices in this rice dish sound delicious!
Saif says
I love rice dish and this looks very delicious. Thanks for sharing
Felicia says
I’ve had something similar to this recipe except I didn’t put raisins and cashews in it so looking at your recipe I think I want to try it that way!
Rochelle says
We eat a lot of rice in my house. Especially now. I have been looking for new recipes. This is perfect. Thank you for sharing!