I love making basmati rice in the Instant Pot because it comes out perfect every time.
This recipe for perfect instant pot basmati rice is straight from my cookbook, Indian Food Under Pressure.
I wanted to share this recipe for basmati rice on my blog because it seems like a lot of people have trouble making basmati rice in their Instant Pot. I’m basing this off of the posts that I see asked in my Instant Pot for Indian Food Facebook group.
There are a few things you need to know in order to make a good pot of basmati rice in an electric pressure cooker. As a food blogger, it’s kind of funny to me that I’ve had to test this simple recipe so many times – but trust me, this really is the best way to make rice. So please follow my method – there are only a few steps but each step really matters.
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This is my favorite basmati rice to use when making plain rice or for biryani. The grains are exceptionally long and the rice is very fragrant.
Why Make Basmati Rice? And What is Perfect Basmati Rice?
Because it’s delicious! Basmati rice is aromatic long grain rice that has a slightly nutty flavor to it. It’s delicious alongside Indian food – especially North Indian dishes like butter chicken, keema, or dal makhani. But really, you can serve basmati rice with any of my Indian recipes.
How can you tell when basmati rice is cooked properly? You can tell when basmati rice is cooked properly because the grains are separate and don’t stick together. The texture of the rice should be soft and fluffy – not watery or mushy.
Do I need to Soak Basmati Rice before Cooking?
My answer to this is YES. Briefly soaking the rice makes a BIG difference for two reasons.
- Soaking the rice in water allows the fragile grains of rice to absorb a bit of water which in turn helps keep the grains soft and “bendable” if you will.
- Soaking the rice helps reduce some of the starch which can make the rice sticky. When it comes to basmati rice, you do not want it to be sticky or mushy.
To sum it up – by soaking rice you’ll be less likely to have broken grains (thanks to the water absorption) and you’ll be more likely to have separate grains (thanks to reduced starch).
Tips for Making Basmati Rice:
- Don’t forget the cooking fat. You can use whatever fat you’d like – I typically use oil or ghee. It helps to keep the grains separate.
- Don’t mess with the ratio! I know 1 cup water might not seem like enough but cooking rice is different in an Instant Pot versus the stovetop. Over the stovetop, water evaporates but in an Instant Pot it does not.
- When the rice is done make sure to wait 10 minutes, then turn the valve to release any remaining pressure. By waiting 10 minutes, you’ve given the rice enough time to settle down and by releasing any remaining pressure after 10 minutes, you’re allowing a teeny bit of water to escape in the form of steam which I think actually helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy at the bottom.
What Type of Basmati Rice to Use?
There are many different varieties of basmati rice as well as different brands out there and while I have tested several different brands using this method, the fact is that there’s no way to test them all. You may have to adjust the cooking time according to the brand you use. Please leave a comment letting me know what brand of rice you used and how this dish turned out for you!
I have tried and tested several brands and this recipe always works for me. I prefer to make rice using two brands: organic basmati rice from Trader Joe’s (mainly because it’s organic and not necessarily for the flavor) or my family’s all-time favorite rice: Aahu Barah Basmati Rice which I buy either on amazon or at an Indian grocery store if I can find the brand locally. They are not a blog sponsor – I’m just a huge fan of their rice. It is honestly the best basmati rice I’ve had – and it’s kind of weird to say that out loud because who has a favorite brand of basmati rice? But once you try it, you’ll understand why. It’s just different from other varieties of basmati rice.
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The method for cooking rice below works perfectly every time. I can’t wait to hear how this recipe for basmati rice works out for you! Look at those beautiful fragrant grains just waiting to be served alongside a delicious curry.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice soaked for 15-30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon oil of choice
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- Soak the basmati rice in cold water for 15-30 minutes. Drain, rinse and set aside.
- Press the sauté button and allow the pot to heat up for a minute. Then add the oil and swirl it around the pot. This will help ensure that the rice doesn’t stick. Add the rice, water and salt to the pot and mix well.
- Secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook for 6 minutes at high pressure.
- Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
Looking for more delicious Indian Instant Pot recipes? Check out my cookbook Indian Food Under Pressure!
Pan says
I made this twice and it was great! Turns out I did it incorrectly. I reread the recipe and realized the instructions say to heat the pot first. When I followed those instructions I got a burn warning. I’ll make it without preheating from now on.
Theresa says
disappointing, followed instructions perfectly and got a burn warning, aborted and ended up with rice partly burnt and partly crisp due to undercookedness. Lundberg organic basmati rice
Marci says
If I want to double this recipe how would I tweak it?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Double the ingredients but keep the cook time the same 🙂
Toni Khan says
Are these instructions for Parent boiled basmati rice? Our favorite rice is Tooba basmati rice. It’s par boiled rice. I soak for one hour in cold water and cook on high for 6 minutes. I immediately release the pressure when it’s finished. If I do not have time to soaked for 1 hour, I soak in hot water for 30 minutes and cook on high for 7 min, immediately releasing the pressure. The rice does not turn out as well as it does when soaking in cold water for longer but it works in a pinch.
April says
Is there a reason why you would use the pressure cooker setting instead of the rice setting on the instant pot?
Toni Khan says
I never use the rice setting with my pressure cooker. It never turns out right. The water is never fully absorbed and the ruce is half cooked. I thought at first it was because I was using basmati rice and not regular short grain rice commonly used in America. However, I tried with jasmine rice and regular short grain rice and was met with the same issues.
Amanda says
Hi Ashley. You seem to have done great in both the HCU and March Core Update! Any advice?
Amy R says
I used Walmart basmati rice and it was a tiny bit sticky at the end, but I also forgot to let the pressure out after 10 minutes. It was more like 24 😂
The recipe worked amazingly well though. I have never soaked rice until today!
A says
ugh, yuck! I just tried ghee for the first time and it was disgusting. Is it dairy? Wow, never will I do that again… Maybe I got a bad batch. I don’t know…
Any recommendations on types of oil, or a good quality oil? Can I use less than 1 tbsp? Like 1/2 tbsp? I tend to eat less fatty food and Indian food seems to have a lot of oil in it, no?
Thanks so much!
Toni Khan says
I never use ghee when cooking. I always use regular oil. My mother in law uses ghee to makes parathas when she visits but she makes her own ghee by heating butter on the stove until the milk fat separates then pouring it through muslin cloth into a jar to capture the milk fat. I’ve never tasted it by itself but her parathas are amazing. I’ve also never tasted or cooked with store bought ghee.
AP says
“ugh, yuck! I just tried ghee for the first time and it was disgusting.”
What a nasty comment. Learn to communicate with politeness and tact
Nancy says
Hi. Im having a party and will make 10 cups of rice. How long do you think I should set the pressure cooker for?
Toni Khan says
Will your pressure cooker hold 10 cups????? The most I’ve ever used in mine is 5 cups and that was pushing it. Tge rice was stuck together too much because there was not enough room to expand. I try not to ever use more than 3 cups.
Shan says
Had a great result the first time! Thank you for the great blog and recipe.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Shan, that’s so great to hear! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Noreen says
I absolutely love how simple and delicious it is to make basmati rice now! I use Royal Basmati and the magic number is 7mins to perfection. I’ve doubled the recipe almost every time and still perfect. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
How would you add spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, etc) to enhance flavors?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Noreen, so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how you like this 🙂 To add spices, I would first heat oil, then add the whole spices to bloom them, then add the rice and water – similar to the way I make my cumin rice (highly suggest trying that!):
Gail says
What does natural release mean ? Let it go to warm for 10 min or literally shut it off for 10 min?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Gail, yes let it go to warm for 10 minutes 🙂
Nidhi says
Hi Ashley, Have you tried the Rice program for cooking basmati rice in instant pot instead of pressure cook?
[email protected] says
I get royal basmati rice from Costco. I will try your IP recepie to make rice because I have always cooked in a regular pot with 1:1:5 ratio whether it is plain or a pulaav. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Great! I’ve tried it with that basmati rice so I’m sure it’ll turn out well 🙂
Luanne says
Oh my goodness, I have never been successful with rice until now. I made this as directed and it was perfect!!!! Thank you.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Luanne, I’m so glad it turned out perfect! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Chaka says
Just purchased an Instant Pot. Figured I would start simple with Rice.
I used WHOLE FOODS 365 Indian Basmati rice. Your directions are perfect. Best rice I have ever made.
Can’t wait to dig in to more of you recipes.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
That’s great! Glad to hear that 🙂 Looking forward to hearing what you think of other recipes you try!
Marci bird says
Hi Ashley, I make this rice all the time and it is the best recipe for fluffy rice! And for this reason I need to know how to double it! Do I Just double the ingredients but keep the time the same? I have been making 2 separate batches when I need more and am tired of it. There has to be a better way! Thanks!!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Marci, sorry for the late reply! Yes, you can double this recipe by doubling the ingredients and keeping the cook time the same 🙂
Vijaya Kotur says
Hi Ashley,
I have been following your recipes on Facebook and very new to Instant pot. Still experimenting! Cooking rice – Trial and error experimentation is ongoing! I like my rice very fluffy and grains to be separate than soft and podgy! I’ll try yours using 1:1 ratio – it might help. Does the time vary according to the quantity of rice? Or will 6 mins on high pressure will do?
Thanks
Vijaya
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Vijaya, the time won’t vary according to the quantity of rice – so if you make 2 cups of rice (with 2 cups water), you’ll keep the cook time at 6 minutes. However, I have found that some brands of rice are better with 1 minute less or 1 minute more. You may find that you need to adjust the time to get the rice just as you prefer it. I would start with my recipe though as that seems to work well with a lot of brands.
Maggie says
If you could update the recipe with instructions on doubling or making more, I think that would be helpful for ppl newer to the instant pot (double all ingredients and water and keep time the same). Then ppl don’t have to search tho comments.
Kent says
Thank you for this Ashley – it came out perfectly. Can you help me prepare some aged parboiled basmati rice? I didn’t realize it was parboiled and cooked it like this and it was very undercooked and it tasted like someone’s basement. I asked the Indian store if I could exchange it and they understandably said no but that I just needed to cook it “properly”. I asked for directions and he shrugged. 🙂 I’m pretty sure this is not going to turn out like Green Eggs and Ham but I hate to think of wasting this. The brand is Zebra and it is Super Basmati. I wrote the company to ask for help and no response.
Thank you for the save!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Kent, I’m glad you liked it! Hmm, I’m not sure – perhaps try cooking it for 10 minutes? Hopefully another reader who has tried that brand will be able to chime in to help.
Noor says
Since I’ve started following your recipes.. (more than a year) especially Basmati Rice.. it’s like magic! No watching over, no burnt.. etc.
You’re my go to my Recipe hunt!! Your recipes are easier, very well explained, and it turns out great! Love it! Thank you 🙏🏼
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Noor, thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes 🙂
palu says
Do i need to use a pot inside a pot for to make this rice?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Palu, no – you can make it directly inside the pot. Hope that helps!
Jen Murphy says
Perfect rice every time! Thank you!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Jen, that’s so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Swathi says
Do u have any YouTube channel
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Swathi, yes I do – you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/user/myheartbeets/?sub_confirmation=1
sridatri ghosh says
thanks, I tried and it came out good.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Sridatri, happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how the rice turned out for you 🙂
Sharon says
Perfect!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks, Sharon!
Anuja says
Hey, thanks for the IP recipe. Do you use pressure cook option or rice option to cook basmati rice.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Anuja, I use the “pressure cook” button 🙂
therealdeal says
Hi! How would I change the recipe for 1/2 cup of rice instead? Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
I haven’t tried halving this but I’d probably halve the ingredients and keep the cook time the same. Let us know how it goes if you try!
Amanda says
Great no fail recipe! I used chicken broth, cant wait to toss in some extras!
My Heart Beets says
Amanda, happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how much you like the recipe 🙂
Gore says
Hi Ashley. I’m thinking of adding a cup of frozen peas or frozen mixed veg to the rice when it cooks. Do you think I’d need to add extra water, or will there be enough in there to steam them?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Gore, you can add frozen peas/veggies to the rice – no need to add any additional water (if anything they veggies will release a bit of water).
Shigufta says
Hi just wanted to check when you say 1 cup rice you are using 1 measuring cup for the rice but 1 cup water is the measure cup you get with your IP ? Or the cup you have used to measure the rice ?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Shigufta! I use a standard US measuring cup (not what came with the IP) but as long as you’re using the same cup to measure both, it should be fine.
Diane says
I used Daawat traditional rice & it turned out wonderful.wanted to try the extra long same brand. do I cook it the same?
Ruby Miller says
Heelo, I have just joined this wonderful group…I am keto and only eat cauliflower rice..I am desperate to find someone who can direct me in how to achieve the flavour…Thank you.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Ruby, you can make jeera rice with cauliflower rice. Just heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and any other whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf) and once the cumin seeds turn brown, add the cauli rice and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
Liz says
I have tried making rice in the Instant Pot in the past and it has never turned out well. I think the key is the soaking! I had never done that before. I used Zafrani brand rice and it turned out great!
My Heart Beets says
hey Liz! A good friend of mine just recommended that brand – I have it in my amazon cart to try! Glad to hear it worked well for you 🙂
Renee says
Yes! Finally rice the way it’s supposed to be. Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Renee, happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Lauren C says
Your directions are perfect! I made this twice now, both times I soaked rice about 20 min, added oil in the pot and even sauteed the rice for a quick minute as I coated the grains with oil. Used coconut oil. And I also subbed coconut milk (canned kind) for water and it came out great!! Making this rice every time now
My Heart Beets says
Lauren, thank you! I’m so glad the rice turned out so well for you 🙂
Candice says
Hi, are you using a dry measuring cup for the rice and a liquid measuring cup for the water?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Candice, I’ve done it both ways (used a dry measuring cup for both and also dry for rice and liquid for water). As long as the ratio of rice to water is the same, it’ll be fine. Hope that helps!
Pete Agrawal says
First time IP user. Thank you for the wonderful recipe! Rice turned out perfect following your recipe.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Pete, so great to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how the rice turned out for you 🙂 Hope you love my other instant pot recipes!
Erin says
Just made this for the second time ( made a double batch today) and it is the easiest and best way to make basmati rice! I’ve tried using a rice cooker and it always came out mushy no matter what I did, using this recipe it comes out fluffy and perfect. I added some whole cumin seeds and black mustard seeds to the oil before adding the rice, delicious!
My Heart Beets says
Erin, I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how much you like this!
Jen says
I use variations of this recipe for any rice dish. The end result is absolutely perfect.
For anyone who loves that Chipotle lime\cilantro rice, follow the steps above but add the juice of 1\2 a lime (subtracted from the total liquid amount, so I usually squeeze it into the measurement container before adding the water), 2 tablespoons of veggie oil instead of butter (avocado oil is sooo good) and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh, chopped cilantro. It tastes exactly the same.
Thanks for posting this!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks Jen! That cilantro lime rice sounds awesome – thanks for sharing 🙂
J says
How much water should I use if I want to add cubed potatoes? And how long should you set the timer for?
selvyn says
When I use my IP it says “burn” and stops cooking, tried several times. Anyone have a fix ?
Tried several different recipies to cook rice including this one.
Bea says
Soaked rice for 15 minutes, used olive oil, doubled the ingredients, cooked for 6 minutes, kept in warm for 10 minutes, quick release and served immediately with pinto beans (which I cooked on IP while soaking rice), broiled lemon, butter, basil catfish and a slice of avocado. Absolutely fantastic! I’m from Puerto Rico and white rice is a staple dish. Your recipe is on point. My husband loved it. Thanks so much 👍🏼😁😋
My Heart Beets says
Bea, that’s all sounds delicious! I’m so glad it turned out perfectly for you 🙂
Donna says
This was indeed perfect. Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Donna, I’m so happy to hear that 🙂 Thanks for letting me know how the rice turned out for you!
Beth Basilone says
Really wanted this to be THE rice recipe. Sadly it came out sticky. Yes I soaked, drained, rinsed and drained it. Yes I swished it around. Fortunately I used a nonstick pot so the rice is only sticking to its self. Maybe it sat too long after the soak n drain? But basmati rice tastes wonderful even if it is a little sticky. I’ll try it again and re-rate it if I’m successful.
Tish says
Perfection! Thanks for the recipe!
My Heart Beets says
Tish, I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂
Chris Pulleyn says
Hi Ashley,
In the Chicken Pulao recipe you call for a bay leaf. Do you use Tej Patta or a regular bay leaf?
Thanks!
Chris
My Heart Beets says
Hi Chris! For all of my Indian recipes I use tej patta – you’re right I should start saying Indian bay leaf!
Jamie says
Thank you so much for this. I’ve made it 3 times today as an experiment, gradually increasing the servings. So far I’ve gotten up to 4 cups of rice, 4 cups water and 2 teaspoons salt using your method and it’s come out perfect every time! I’m looking forward to making this for my friends!!
My Heart Beets says
Jamie, that’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing that! 🙂
Martin says
Hi Ashley – Many thanks for posting this! I’ve tried several different methods for making basmati in a multicooker, but they’ve all resulted in mushy, overcooked stodge. I used your method (doubling up all the ingredients) and got absolutely perfect rice first time. Brilliant!
My Heart Beets says
Martin, I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how the rice turned out for you 🙂
Bob says
Do you use the same measuring cup for the rice and water, and if so, what kind!? Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
I use a standard US measuring cup – as long as you’re using equal quantities when making plain rice it’ll turn out fine.
Lisa says
The recipe worked perfectly! Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Lisa, I’m so happy to hear that 🙂
Michelle says
This really is the perfect rice when made as written! I’ve tried skipping the soaking step (because I can never leave a recipe alone), and it’s just not as good. I’m not usually a big rice eater, but this recipe has me eating it straight out of the pan!
My Heart Beets says
Michelle, I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how much you like the recipe 🙂
Carole says
Excellent! First time trying to cook basmati in my new IP, and this turned out wonderfully. Thank you! Now to experiment with cardamom, what other commenters have been using.
My Heart Beets says
Carole, I’m so happy to hear that 🙂
Sarika says
Timing for this worked out beautifully. I have tried making basmati rice in instant pot previously using timing from other recipes and the rice was always either undercooked or mushy and overcooked. This recipe turned out beautiful. Nice grains of rice, just like my mom makes. 🙂 I did add some fresh cardamom, whole cumin, and whole black pepper in the beginning to the ghee to add some more flavor.
My Heart Beets says
Sarika, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Ritu says
Hi,quick question…Is the 6 mins timer after building pressure. Is it necessary to add oil ghee in it because when I cook basmati rice in pressure cook over cooking range it doesn’t stick. Maybe because its a heavy bottom. Thanks
My Heart Beets says
I think adding ghee helps prevent it from sticking but you can try without it 🙂
Monte Beebe says
Just bought Duo 60 Instant Pot today. First recipe I tried. Perfect basmati. I used butter instead of oil.
My Heart Beets says
Awesome!! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
Michael Dinwiddie says
Worked great first time I tried it!
My Heart Beets says
Michael, so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for ya 🙂
Sadi says
Ive never made rice in IP. Im in the UK but my roots are from Northern Pakistan so we make good Pulao, Biryanis etc. I use Laila Basmati and Kamran Basmati rice but we also use another rice for special occasions. I was wondering if you are familiar with Sela Rice, its a longer grain and requires more cooking time in order for it to be cooked perfect.
Would you by any chance know if i can use this method and cooking time for Sela rice. Thank U 🙂
PS: will try your method this weekend…..fingers crossed!
My Heart Beets says
I’ll have to check those two brands out – thank you for sharing! I actually use sela rice most of the time – the brand I link to in the post (my favorite) is sela! Let me know what you think if you give this recipe a try!
Jerry says
Used black salt and a pinch of smoked sea salt, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds and was the best tasting “plain” basmati rice I’ve ever made.
My Heart Beets says
Jerry, so happy to hear that! 🙂
Leigh Ann says
Tried it exactly as you advised and my rice came out perfect! thank you for a great recipe!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks Leigh! Glad to hear it worked out well 🙂
Matt says
Our daughter would only eat rice if we got it at an Indian restaurant – and she loved the first batch we made! (Phew) I added a 1/2 teaspoon or so of cumin seeds but otherwise followed the recipe. We all loved it and will definitely be making it again and again! Thanks 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Matt, so happy to hear that! I wonder if she’d like my matar pulao – it’s a bit more flavorful – my son prefers it to plain mainly because of the peas. Anyway, thanks for letting me know how it went!
Kathy Wahl says
I followed the instructions as stated (including using the Aahu Barah rice) except that I needed a bit more rice so I used 1 1/4 cups rice and 1 1/4 cups water. I left the time the same (6 minutes), let the pressure release naturally and the rice turned out perfectly! Soft, fluffy and not sticky at all. After it was cooked I added a bit of ground saffron and it was delicious. i will definitely do this again.
My Heart Beets says
Kathy, so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
JoLynne Monyer says
Just made it and it turned out perfect! Thank you.
My Heart Beets says
JoLynne, so happy to hear that!! thanks for letting me know 🙂
Havs says
Perfect!!
My Heart Beets says
I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
Rosemary says
If I wanted to cook 1 cup rice PIP method, how long should I cook it?
Shawna says
Another question for you! Which spices might you add to this dish? Anise seeds?
Gina says
For a cup of rice I usually add about 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, a couple of green cardamom pods, 2-3 cloves, 1 bay leaf and about 1/2 of a cinnamon sticks. I add all that to the oil then add the rice.
Shawna Lee says
Hello! I noticed you write to use your ‘oil of choice’ a lot. What are your top 3 oils of choice,please?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Shawna, it depends on the recipe but usually avocado oil or ghee. If you don’t mind the taste of coconut oil then that’s a good fat to use too 🙂
Richal Patel says
How long does it take for the Insta pot to build pressure ?? Seems like my IP takes forever??
My Heart Beets says
Honestly, I’m not sure – I always walk away after starting it! I can’t imagine more than 5 minutes for just 1 cup of rice? Are you making a lot of rice or just 1 cup? The amount in the pot will affect the amount of time it takes to reach pressure.
William says
This is wonderful, thank you so much! After soaking, is there a time limit on how long I can keep the rice set aside before cooking?
My Heart Beets says
Will, I would probably plan to make it right after you soak it – I’m not sure about keeping it set aside after soaking so I can’t say for sure. Let me know how it goes!
Kavitha Bradley says
Question! Can I triple or even quadruple the recipe in an 8 qt IP? Making rice for a crowd…
My Heart Beets says
I haven’t tried but hopefully another reader will chime in! You can also ask this question in my Instant Pot for Indian food facebook group – someone there may be able to reply faster 🙂
Julia says
Question….did you get an answer as to whether you can triple or quadruple this recipe? I too am feeding a crowd….
Laura says
Made this tonight to go with your dal makhani and it was delicious! It was a huge hit with my family, even my 2 year old. Can’t wait to try your other recipes!
My Heart Beets says
Laura, that’s so great to hear! I’m so glad your 2 year old liked it! Can’t wait to hear what you think of other recipes you try 🙂
Indu says
Hello Ashley,
I tried this recipe with Daawat Basmati rice and it turned out great.
You suggested to buy ‘Aahu Barah Basmati Rice’, so bought that. Washed the rice a few times, soaked it per your instructions. However the rice comes out sticky as well as smelly(like parboiled rice smell). Can’t get family to eat this rice.
Is this how the rice is supposed to be?
Thanks
My Heart Beets says
Hi Indu! I will have to look for that brand – glad it turned out great! 🙂 As for aahu barah, it should definitely not be sticky or smelly – I buy aahu barah all the time and it has never been sticky or smelly so it sounds like there is definitely something wrong with it… it is a parboiled rice but again, there shouldn’t be a smell to it…
Sarah says
I haven’t made the redolent yet, but am excited to try it out for dinner. I do have to THANK YOU for such detailed instructions for each step. Being new to cooking, it was nice to hear why I had to soak the rice. I’m looking forward to more of your recipes.
My Heart Beets says
Thanks Sarah! I can’t wait to hear what you think of my recipes 🙂
MJ says
I just tried making this recipe but I don’t know what went wrong. I used 2 cups rice, 2 cups water and 2 tblsp olive oil. I set the instant pot to 6 Mian in high pressure. It went into warm mode after 6 mins and I left it alone in warm mode. After 10 mins the IP started beeping and it had the message “L000” flashing and so I opened the pressure valve. I let the air release for a few mins but when I opened the pot, the rice is sticky and not dry and fluffy. 🙁
Lauren says
If I double or triple the amount rice do I do the same for the oil? Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
To double the recipe, double all the ingredients but keep the cook time the same 🙂 Hope that helps!
Cade says
I struggled with preparing basmati rice for a long time.
From making it the traditional way which is very time consuming and still would not come out right every time to just using my Instant pot to steam it.
But your recipe worked the 1st time and it was great!
Thank you very much.
Cade
My Heart Beets says
Cade, so great to hear that the rice was perfect! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for ya 🙂
Cate says
I have made this three times and it is perfect every time. I did find that the rice stuck to the sides of the instant pot but this was solved with a quick shot of cooking spray on the inside of the pot before I melted the ghee. This is hands down the best basmati rice recipe for the IP. Grains are perfect and so is texture. I have also soaked the rice for longer and it is still amazing. Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Cate, that’s so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how much you like this recipe 🙂 And thanks for sharing the cooking spray tip too!
SUSIE says
IF I WANT TO MAKE RICE FOR 8 PEOPLE IN THE INSTANT POT ACCORDING TO YOUR DIRECTIONS HOW MUCH RICE AND WATER SHOULD I USE AND IT THE TIME THE SAME?
THANKS, SUSIE
Brittany says
How would you make similar basmati rice on the stove? Thanks!
Jess says
Best rice I’ve ever made! My husband and I have often wondered how Indian and Lebanese restaurants make perfect rice that doesn’t clump. I’ve tried many different techniques and this one finally worked!
My Heart Beets says
Jess, so happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Chris says
Made it tonight with 2 broken bits of 1 star anise to perfume the oil during the sauté step, and upped the salt to 3/4 tsp. It paired perfectly with a Thai green curry with chicken.
This recipe is Nirvana. Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Chris, that’s so great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how it worked for you 🙂
Kristi says
This recipe worked PERFECTLY! I’ve never been able to make basmati rice and I was so impressed with this recipe. Thank you for sharing!
My Heart Beets says
Kristi, so happy to hear that!! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you!! 🙂
Nancy White says
Hello, I am serving 8 for dinner. Please let me know how much rice to use and if I should increase the cook time.
Thank you !
My Heart Beets says
Nancy, I’d suggest doubling the recipe – if you do this, keep the cook time the same. It’ll just take longer to reach pressure due to more contents in the pot – the cook time should still be set to 6 minutes with a 10 minute NPR.
Diana Hipsley says
the rice u recommend on Amazon has 1 review that says it smells moldy & tastes the same. Is this an issue or just someone w a super nose? I’ve been using Tilda & Daawah w good results
My Heart Beets says
Hi Diana, if you like those brands I’d say stick with them. The problem with amazon is that you just never know I guess, but if it’s prime, you should be able to return without issues.
Len says
First time using IP with Tilda Basmati rice. Turned out great. It seemed a little sticky right out of the pot but some frisky stirring with a fork and it’s what basmati is supposed to be–fluffy and tasty!
My Heart Beets says
Len, great to hear! 🙂
Tyler says
Hello,
The rice certainly turns out good but it also sticks to the pot. I’m having this problem with all web recipes of basmati rice (And I’m following each one to the letter). I’m wondering, do you let the pot go into keep warm mode for the natural release time or do you cancel it after the pressure cooking is done and then release the steam after 10 min?
My Heart Beets says
Tyler, did you swish around the oil so it covers the entire bottom of the pot? I let it go to keep warm mode while it naturally releases pressure then after 10 minutes, I release any remaining pressure. Keep warm does continue to cook it a bit, so if my method doesn’t work for you then try canceling the keep warm mode or unplugging the machine while you wait 10 minutes.
Elsa says
Hi Ashley, if I use brown basmati rice, would the cook time be the same?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Elsa! Here’s a link to my brown basmati rice recipe: https://myheartbeets.com/instant-pot-brown-basmati-rice/
Emily says
What if I need to double the amount of rice, should I cook longer? Probably a stupid question! Thanks in advance!
My Heart Beets says
You can double the ingredients but keep the cook time the same. It’ll just take a little longer to reach pressure.
Sara says
If you double ingredients does that mean you also need to leave more time for “natural release” also? Or less?
My Heart Beets says
You can leave the cook time (and natural release time) the same 🙂
veronica bellotti says
Thank you my rice turned outperfect, and with the cardomons and and cinnomon stick
My Heart Beets says
Veronica, I’m so happy to hear that, thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you!
veronica bellotti says
My !P has a rice button, but should still onlyuse the High pressure instead of the rice buttn?
My Heart Beets says
Use the manual or pressure cook button and adjust the time yourself – no need to use the rice button.
veronica bellotti says
Would it be all right to add green cardamons, brown cardomons, and a cinnamon stick ? Thanks
My Heart Beets says
Yes, definitely 🙂 Add them when you add the oil.
Becky says
Does this also work for Jasmine rice?
Heather says
She has a recipe for perfect jasmine in the IP that’s perfect.
Dinis says
Hi Ashley!
Quick question (actually, not only about this recipe but the IP in general): for the 10 minute natural release, do you leave the IP in keep warm mode or do you turn it off completely?
Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Dinis, for the natural release, I don’t do anything – I let it go to keep warm mode automatically 🙂 Hope that helps!
Len says
I’ve read tests re: Keep Warm on or off. Results were generally IT DIDN’T MATTER. De-pressurize time was basically the same using either on or off. I like to keep it on as it tells me how long it’s been since cooking “stopped” and was ready.