Instant Pot Pudina Rice

Prep work

• Wash the mint and cilantro leaves well.
• Pat them dry.
• Place the 1 cup Basmati rice in a colander.
• Wash under running water and soak the rice in 1 cup water for 10 minutes.
• As soon as the Basmati is done soaking, drain the rice in a colander and set aside.

Making the mint paste

• To a blender jar, add the ginger garlic paste, washed mint and cilantro, green chilis and 2 tbsp chilled water.
• Grind to a smooth paste.
• Cooking the spices and mint paste
• Insert the inner pot into the Instant pot.
• Plug in the Instant Pot and press SAUTE MODE - NORMAL.
• Set the timer for 8 MINS.
• When the display reads HOT, add the whole spices.
• Wait for whole spices to pop.
• When they do, tip in the finely chopped onions along with salt.
• Mix well and saute the onions till they turn pink and soft.
• As soon as the onions are done, add the ground mint paste and mix well.
• Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing and stirring often.
• This will help prevent burning.

Cooking the Pudina Pilaf

• Add the drained rice and 1.25 cups water.
• Stir in the lemon juice and mix well.
• Press CANCEL.
• Ensure that the sealing ring has been fitted correctly into the Instant Pot lid.
• Turn the VALVE to SEALING.
• Now, press PRESSURE COOK - LOW PRESSURE and set the TIMER to 3 MINUTES.
• Wait for the cooking cycle to complete.
• As soon as the cooking cycle is complete, immediately do a quick pressure release by turning the VALVE to VENTING.
• Wait for 2 minutes before opening the lid.
• After opening the lid, fluff the rice with a fork.
• Heat a small pan with 1 tbsp oil or ghee.
• Add the broken cashews and saute till they turn golden.
• Garnish the cooked rice with fried cashews.
• Serve hot with a chilled Raita or Dal.

Pressure cooker Pudina rice

• Heat a pressure pan with oil.
• Add the whole spices and when they pop, tip in the finely chopped onions and salt.
• Mix well and cook till onions become soft and pink.
• Now, add the ground mint paste.
• Stir well and cook till the mint paste becomes thick.
• This will take 3 to 4 minutes on medium flame.
• Drain the soaked rice and add to the cooker.
• Now, add 1.5 cups water and lemon juice.
• Mix well. Close the cooker and put the weight on.
• Cook on high heat for 1 whistle.
• Immediately switch off the flame and remove from heat.
• Wait for pressure to release naturally.
• When done, open the lid, add the fried cashews and fluff the rice before serving.