August 17, 2023

Instant Pot Spinach Rice – Palak Rice

Name: Instant Pot Spinach Rice - Palak Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cup Basmati rice (extra-long grain); 3 cup Spinach (chopped); 2 large Carrots (shredded); 1 medium Onion (sliced); 1/2 inch Ginger (crushed); 2 large Garlic cloves (crushed); 1-2 small Green chilies (crushed); 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds; 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick; 7-8 Peppercorns; 2 medium Bay leaves; 1 Star anise; 8-10 Cashew nuts; 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; 1/4 tsp Red chili powder; 1 tsp Coriander powder; 1/4 tsp Cumin powder; 1/2 tsp Garam masala; 1.5 tsp Salt or as required; 2 tbsp Oil; 1 tbsp Ghee

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Spinach rice is flavored with exotic Indian spices and is simply heavenly. This aromatic rice is so easy, comforting, and makes a perfect weeknight dinner. The rice is made with nutritious spinach, carrots, long grain basmati rice, and some spices. It is a perfect gluten free healthy meal and can be made vegan friendly by skipping the ghee.

In Indian cuisine, spinach rice is also known as palak pulao. The rice is so versatile and you can add many other ingredients to make it interesting. You can get creative by adding some green peas, corn, green beans, tomatoes, paneer, coconut milk, or yogurt in the recipe.

Spinach rice can be made in jiffy by using a pressure cooker or instant pot. Serve this delicious rice with some mixed raita and papad for a wholesome meal.

A nutritious, rich spinach rice makes a great choice for a quick lunch box recipe for everyone. The rice is not very spicy, colorful, and is kid-friendly. It is a good way to add some spinach and veggies into your kids’ diet.

Exotic whole spices like cumin, black cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, black pepper, and star anise add so much flavor into the spinach rice. Whole spices infuse the flavors without adding heat. Some ground spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala give a beautiful aroma to the dish.

Extra long grain basmati rice gives the rice a beautiful, fluffy texture. Soaking the rice between 10-30 mins makes it super fluffy and each grain is separated from one another.

Ingredients

Basmati rice
Spinach
Carrots
Onion
Ginger
Garlic
Green chillies
Cumin seeds
Cinnamon stick
Peppercorn
Black cardamom
Bay leaves
Star anise
Cashew nuts
Turmeric powder
Red chili powder
Coriander powder
Cumin powder
Garam masala
Salt
Oil
Ghee

Instant Pot Spinach Rice Step By Step Recipe

Triple wash long grain basmati rice, drain all the water, and set it aside.

In the inner pot of an instant pot, turn on the SAUTE mode (Medium), heat 2 tbsp of oil, 1 tbsp ghee, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.

Next, add peppercorns, a cinnamon stick, black cardamom, bay leaves, onions, crushed ginger, garlic, green chillies, and sauté for 30 seconds.

Add the cashew nuts and sauté for 5 seconds.

Transfer the carrots, spinach, and stir for 10 seconds.

Add all the spice powders, salt, and mix well.

Transfer the drained rice and sauté for 20 seconds. CANCEL the SAUTE mode, add 1 ¾ th cup of water, mix, and adjust the salt at this point.

Close the lid on your Instant pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing.

Turn on the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK button (High Pressure) and set the timer to 6 minutes.

Turn on the DELAY start button and set it for 20 minutes – pressure cooking will start after 20 minutes from now. You can soak the rice for 20 minutes after washing it as well.

After 6-8 minutes, let the pressure release by carefully pressing/opening the top valve.

Once the pressure is released, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.

Spinach Rice In An Indian Pressure Cooker

Triple wash and soak long grain basmati rice for 20 minutes, later drain all the water, and set it aside.

Follow all the steps in the same way but add 2 1/4 cups of water in the rice instead of 1 ¾ cup.

Close the pressure cooker lid and set it to medium-high heat for 1 whistle.

Once all the pressure is released, open the lid and keep it half open for about 5-7 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Tips For Making Spinach Rice

Use extra-long grain basmati rice, which has perfect texture to keep the rice fluffy and separated, rather than clumped together.
Whole spices infuse the flavors without adding heat. So do not skimp on these spices.
Freshly crushed ginger, garlic, and green chillies give an amazing flavor to the rice. Do not use store bought ginger garlic paste.
Fluffing the rice after pressure releasing helps the rice separate.

Variations

You can use long grain basmati rice in this recipe instead of extra-long grain basmati rice.
Skip adding the ghee to make the dish vegan friendly and increase the oil quantity.
Black cumin seeds or shahi jeera can be added instead of regular cumin seeds.
Frozen spinach can be added instead of fresh spinach for this dish.
You can add some veggies like corn, green peas, green beans, potatoes, or mixed vegetables in this recipe.
Adding paneer is another option to make it a protein rich dish.
Add some mint and cilantro for an awesome flavor.
Coconut milk or vegetable stock can be added for an awesome taste to the dish instead of regular water.
If you need to add some tangy flavors in the dish, you can add 1 large tomato or squeeze some lemon juice after the rice is cooked.

How To Store Spinach Rice?

Spinach rice can be stored in a refrigerator for 4 days in an airtight container. Sprinkle 1 tbsp water on it and heat it up in the microwave for a few minutes.

How To Serve Spinach Rice?

Serve the rice with tomato saar (tomato soup in coconut milk) and some roasted papad.

Spinach rice can be served with any raita – especially cucumber raita, mixed veggie raita, or boondi raita, along with some papad.

Serve it along with some masala chaas or plain yogurt.

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