Persian rice, also known as "polow" or "pilaf", is a beloved dish in Iran and many other Middle Eastern countries. It is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, often served as a main course or side dish in traditional meals. While the traditional method of preparing Persian rice takes time and skill, the Instant Pot has revolutionized the process and made it much easier to recreate at home. In this article, we will share with you our favorite Persian rice recipe for the Instant Pot, so you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Start by rinsing the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Then, place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the saffron with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes until the water turns a deep golden color. This will enhance the flavor and give the rice its signature yellow color.
Drain the rice and add it to the Instant Pot. Pour in 3 cups of water and add the salt and butter or ghee. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. Then, pour the saffron mixture over the rice. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" mode for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This will allow the rice to continue cooking and absorb any remaining liquid.
After 10 minutes, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Then, add the pistachios, dried cranberries, and spices. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the toppings into the rice.
Your Persian rice is now ready to be served! This fragrant and flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, lamb, or beef. You can also enjoy it as a vegetarian option, topped with some roasted vegetables. Get creative and make this dish your own, and enjoy the taste of Persia in every bite.
Now that you have the recipe, go ahead and try making Persian rice in your Instant Pot. We guarantee it will become a staple in your household and impress your family and friends with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.
<h2>Ingredients You Will Need</h2>
<h3>Gather all the necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process:</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>Basmati rice: </b>2 cups</li>
<li><b>Water: </b>3 cups</li>
<li><b>Salt: </b>1 teaspoon</li>
<li><b>Butter or ghee: </b>2 tablespoons</li>
<li><b>Saffron: </b>1/4 teaspoon</li>
<li><b>Pistachios: </b>1/4 cup, chopped</li>
<li><b>Dried cranberries: </b>1/4 cup</li>
<li><b>Ground cumin: </b>1/2 teaspoon</li>
<li><b>Ground cinnamon: </b>1/4 teaspoon</li>
<li><b>Ground cardamom: </b>1/4 teaspoon</li>
</ul>
<h2>Step-by-Step Instructions</h2>
<h3>Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Persian rice in your Instant Pot:</h3>
<h3>1. Rinse and Soak the Rice</h3>
<p>Start by rinsing the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Then, place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.</p>
<h3>2. Prepare the Saffron Mixture</h3>
<p>In a small bowl, mix the saffron with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes until the water turns a deep golden color. This will enhance the flavor and give the rice its signature yellow color.</p>
<h3>3. Cook the Rice in the Instant Pot</h3>
<p>Drain the rice and add it to the Instant Pot. Pour in 3 cups of water and add the salt and butter or ghee. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. Then, pour the saffron mixture over the rice. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" mode for 5 minutes.</p>
<h3>4. Let the Pressure Release Naturally</h3>
<p>Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This will allow the rice to continue cooking and absorb any remaining liquid.</p>
<h3>5. Fluff and Add the Toppings</h3>
<p>After 10 minutes, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Then, add the pistachios, dried cranberries, and spices. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the toppings into the rice.</p>
<h2>Enjoy Your Delicious Persian Rice</h2>
<p>Your Persian rice is now ready to be served! This fragrant and flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, lamb, or beef. You can also enjoy it as a vegetarian option, topped with some roasted vegetables. Get creative and make this dish your own, and enjoy the taste of Persia in every bite.</p>
<p>Now that you have the recipe, go ahead and try making Persian rice in your Instant Pot. We guarantee it will become a staple in your household and impress your family and friends with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.</p>
Ingredients
Nutrition
