Instant Pot® Pudina Pulao (Mint Rice)

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Pudina pulao is a flavorful and spicy Indian mint rice recipe you can make in very little time. It's a hearty and filling vegetarian dish served with plain or Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 1/2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 whole cloves
2 cardamom pod
1 star anise
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 small bay leaf, torn into pieces
1 onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon red chile powder
4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into rounds, then halved (skin on)
1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup basmati rice
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1 Combine green chiles, mint leaves, garlic, 2 1/2 tablespoons water, shredded coconut, cilantro, cumin seeds, and ginger in a mortar; grind with a pestle into a paste.
2 Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add olive oil and heat until warm. Add cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, bay leaf, and cinnamon. Saute until spices are fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Add mint paste, onion, turmeric, and red chile powder and cook for 2 minutes longer.
3 Mix in potatoes, tomatoes, and peas. Stir in basmati rice and saute for 1 minute longer. Pour in 1 1/4 cups water and salt. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot and let warm 1 minute longer.
4 Turn off Saute mode. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
5 Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 40 minutes.