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4.50 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Spinach Rice

Easy flavorful and healthy Spinach rice made the desi way in Instant pot with basic spices and veggies.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Resting Time7 minutes
Course: entree
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 3 persons

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For the spinach puree

  • 300 g Cleaned spinach
  • 2 green chilis
  • 6 c Boiling hot water
  • 10 leaves fresh mint

For the pulao

  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 green cardamom
  • 1 small bay leaf
  • 1/4 inch cinnamon stick
  • 3/4 c finely chopped onions
  • 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 c Mixed chopped veggies- Carrots, beans and peas.
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
  • 1 recipe Spinach puree as prepared
  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1 c Basmati rice
  • 1.25 c water
  • 2 tsp Lemon juice

Instructions

  • Wash the basmati rice well under running water until water runs clear.
  • Add 1.5 c water to this and allow it to soak for 15 mins.

Making the spinach puree

  • While the rice soaks, wash and clean the spinach.
  • Add this to the boiling water and let it sit for 1 min
  • Drain and immediately wash in cold water.
  • Place the blanched spinach, mint leaves and green chili in a blender.
  • Grind this to a smooth paste. I did not add any water while grinding.

Making Instant Pot Spinach Pulao

  • Turn on the saute mode in Instant pot and set timer for 9 mins.
  • Add ghee and allow it to heat up.
  • Add all the whole spices .
  • Mix and saute for 30 secs until spices begin to brown and pop.
  • Now add finely chopped onions and ginger and garlic paste.
  • Mix and saute till onions turn pink and soft.
  • Now add the veggies and garam masala and mix well.
  • Next add the prepared spinach puree, garam masala powder and salt.
  • Mix well and let it simmer till the moisture reduces and the mixture becomes thick. This takes 3 to 4 mins roughly. Keep stirring every now and then to avoid burning.
  • Once done, turn off the saute mode.
  • Now drain the soaked rice completely and add it to the pot
  • Add 1.5 c water and mix well.
  • Add the lemon juice and mix gently.
  • Close the IP and set Valve to sealing position
  • Turn on the pressure cook mode or manual mode on the Instant pot.
  • Set low pressure at 3 mins.
  • Allow the IP to finish the cooking cycle. The IP takes about 7 to 8 mins to build pressure and then begins cooking.
  • Once the cooking cycle is complete, wait for 7 mins.
  • After 7 mins, do a quick pressure release manually.
  • When done, open and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  • Instant pot spinach rice is ready.

Notes

Please note-
The Instant Pot timings will vary if you live in a high altitude place or a cold place.
I have used aged basmati rice to make this Pulao. New basmati is not recommended in this recipe because it cooks to a mush.
Allowing the palak puree to simmer and waiting for the moisture to reduce is very important in this recipe. Excess liquid from the palak puree will make the rice mushier.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

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