Basmati rice is a variety of long-grain rice that is aromatic and has a slightly nutty flavor. It is traditionally grown in the Northern part of India and surrounding areas (Pakistan and Nepal). ‘Bas’ means aroma and ‘mati’ means full of. In short, the meaning of basmati rice is full of aroma or fragrance. Basmati rice is a little more expensive side compared to other local rice varieties in India.
❤️ You’ll Love This Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Quick to make: As mentioned earlier, cooking basmati rice in instant pot takes just 20 minutes (from start to finish). Vs the stove top basmati rice recipe takes 25 minutes of cooking time Plus, 20 minutes of soaking time, and 10 minutes of resting time.
Soft & Fluffy (but not mushy-soft) Perfectly tender (meaning soft yet firm enough when bitten without being hard or chalky) Separated rice grains (not clumpy or sticky) Not al dente (al dente rice cooked without enough water will cause gas, bloating, and indigestion. You can eat al dente rice similar to the one you get in Indian restaurants once in a while but not on daily basis).
No soaking required: When we cook rice and lentils, we (Indians) tend to soak them for around 20-30 minutes. But for this quick instant pot basmati rice recipe, you don’t need to soak the rice yet you’ll get perfectly tender rice grains.
🧾 Ingredient Notes
You’ll need 4 ingredients (2 of them are optional) to make this easy basmati rice recipe in instant pot.
Basmati rice: There are many brands available but I prefer to use Royal basmati rice that is aged for at least 12 months. FYI, aged basmati rice gives fluffy, separated, and long grains once cooked. Water: Correct ratio of rice to water is the key to making perfect rice. For the stovetop method, you’ll need a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio but for instant pot method, you’ll need only 1:1.25 rice-to-water. Salt: It is optional. For day-to-day meals at home, we do not add salt to our rice. Oil: It is optional but I like to add it as it helps to make separated grains. Instead, you can use ghee as well.
👩🍳 How To Make Basmati Rice In Instant Pot?
Rinse Basmati Rice:
- The rinsing step is important. Take basmati rice in a bowl and add some water to it and massage the grains lightly by rubbing between fingers and thumb.
- After massaging the water will turn cloudy. Drain this water and again add water and repeat massaging and rinsing process two-three times.
- Continue rinsing until the water is not cloudy anymore and looks almost clear.
- Drain the water using a colander. Cook Basmati Rice In Instant Pot: 1, 2, ,3, 4) Take rinsed, drained basmati rice in instant pot liner. Add salt, oil, and water.
- Stir once.
- Cover the cooker with a lid and keep the valve to a sealing position. Pressure cook on manual (high pressure) for 4 minutes.
- Once the instant pot beeps (cooking time is done), do QPR (quick pressure release) aka manually release the pressure by positioning the valve from sealing to venting.
- Then open the lid and let the rice rest for 5 minutes uncovered. (OR rest the rice covered for 10 minutes).
- After resting time, fluff up the rice using a fork or wooden spoon.
💭 Expert Tips For Instant Pot Basmati Rice
The rinsing step is a must. This step removes dirt, impurities, and polishing material (if it is used). Also, reduces the starch and gives non-sticky rice grains. Resting time after cooking is also a must. During this resting time, rice grains will get a chance to firm up and will not break or mush as you fluff up. While if you fluff up the piping hot rice right after opening the lid, they have a high chance of getting mushy. Total Time Breakdown For Instant Pot Basmati Rice
3 minutes (for prepping and rinsing rice) 8 minutes Pressure building time 4 minutes Pressure cooking time 5 minutes Resting time Total 20 minutes (for 1 cup of raw basmati rice) and your rice is ready.
Scaling: You can double or triple the recipe (in 6-quart and 8-quart instant pots). Cooking time and resting time will be the same. Just the pressure-building time will be more as you’re cooking more quantity.
Rice to water ratio:
1:1 for super al dente rice. Some Indian restaurants served this kind of al dente rice. This texture is not recommended for daily basis consumption as al dente rice will cause gas, bloating, and indigestion. 1:1.25 for a soft yet firm enough texture (as shown in the picture). 1:1.5 for super soft and slightly mushy texture (perfect for small kids and toddlers who are learning to use a spoon. As slightly mushy rice will stick to the spoon and won’t make a mess.)
🥣 Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover rice in an airtight container that stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It is good for meal prep. To reheat the refrigerated rice, sprinkle around 1 tablespoon of water (for approx 1 cup of cooked rice) and microwave at 30-sec intervals, stirring each time until warmed up. Do not overheat otherwise the rice will dry out and becomes chewy.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve basmati rice with any lentils dish (e.g. dal makhani, chana masala, dal fry, lauki chana dal) or curry dishes (e.g. palak paneer, paneer butter masala, mixed veg curry) or any meat-based Indian gravies. Leftover basmati rice can be used to make tawa pulao, carrot rice, beetroot rice, veg fried rice or vagharelo bhaat.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review in the comment section below.
Instant pot chickpeas Instant pot black beans Instant pot boiled potatoes
