This healthy pulao dish makes a great lunchbox for kids or adults. Enjoy as such or serve with a side of plain yogurt or any raita (e.g. boondi raita, cucumber raita). It is also known as Indian cilantro rice or Kothimeera rice.

❤️About This Indian Cilantro Rice

2 Methods: Originally I have shared a stovetop pressure cooker recipe in 2012. I have mentioned that method below. Now I have updated this post to add instant pot coriander rice recipe method. Quick to make: The prep work takes around 20 minutes and cook time will be 15 minutes. So this coriander rice recipe will come together in just 35 minutes. Healthy & Nutritious: Here coriander leaves paste is added while cooking. Plus, lots of veggies like peas, carrots, cauliflower, etc are added to make it more healthy. Taste: This is mild in taste meaning no spice powders are added. Still, it is so flavorful. You can make it spicy by increasing the amount of green chilies. Great for Lunchbox: This Indian cilantro rice or pulao can be packed into kids’ or adults’ lunchboxes with yogurt or raita in a separate container.

🧾Ingredient Notes

Here is the pic of the ingredients used in making this flavorful coriander rice. The detailed amount is mentioned in the recipe card below.

Rice: I mostly use the basmati rice recipe. So the water amount and cooking time mentioned here are for basmati rice only. If you are using other verities of rice then adjust the water amount and cooking time accordingly. Cilantro Or Coriander: To make the paste, I have used leaves and stems both. Green chili: Here I have used serrano pepper. Adjust the amount of chili as per your liking spice level.  Veggies: Onion is a must. You can play around with the rest veggies. Here I have used peas, carrot and cauliflower. You can add other veggies like beans, corn, potato, broccoli, etc.

👩‍🍳How To Make Coriander Rice (Instant Pot)? 

Prep: Take basmati rice in a colander and wash under running cold water until water runs clear. Or rinse them in a bowl 2-3 times or until water is not cloudy anymore. Keep it aside as needed. Make Coriander Paste:

  1. Take coriander, ginger, garlic and green chili in a small grinder jar. 
  2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and grind it into a smooth paste. Make Instant Pot Coriander Rice Recipe:
  3. Turn on the instant pot with saute mode and add oil. Once hot, add whole spices (cloves, green cardamom and bay leaf). Saute for 30-40 seconds or until you get a nice aroma of the spices.
  4. Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to get soft and translucent.
  5. Add veggies (carrot, peas, cauliflower) and salt.
  6. Add prepared paste and mix. If it is sticking to the bottom then turn off the saute mode.
  7. Add rice and water.
  8. Stir well to combine. Scrape the bottom of the instant pot liner if anything is stuck otherwise you’ll get burn notice.
  9. Cover with a lid, keep the valve to sealing.

Cook on manual (high pressure) for 4 minutes. Then do QPR (quick pressure release) by positioning the valve to venting manually. Once the pin drops, open the lid. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes in the liner itself without disturbing.

  1. Then fluff it up and mix gently using a fork or spatula.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:

💭Expert Tips

10 minutes of resting time after opening the lid is a must. During this resting time, rice grain will firm up. So they don’t get break or mushy while fluffing up or mixing. Variations: Try adding a handful of mint leaves along with coriander while making a paste. It adds a nice refreshing flavor. Skip adding veggies and keep it plain. Add your choice of other veggies like broccoli, green beans, sweet corn, baby corn, eggplant, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, bell pepper, etc.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve this Indian coriander rice with any raita or plain yogurt or pickle. Also, have some roasted or fried papadum on the side to complete the meal. As this is mild rice, I prefer to serve with spicy or intense flavored raita like tadka raita, onion tomato raita. Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Click here to leave a review.

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