This Instant Pot Rice Pilaf is a simple, flavorful side dish that combines fluffy rice with sautéed vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for pairing with chicken, fish, or any main course. The Instant Pot makes it a quick, one-pot dish that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Rinse the rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. - Sauté the vegetables:
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil or butter and let it heat up. Add the chopped onion and carrots, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add the rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot and stir it into the vegetables. Sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly. This enhances the flavor. - Add the broth and spices:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the turmeric (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. - Pressure cook:
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to release any remaining pressure. - Add peas and fluff the rice:
After releasing the pressure, open the lid and stir in the peas (if using frozen peas, they’ll warm up from the heat of the rice). Fluff the rice with a fork to distribute the peas and let the steam escape. - Garnish and serve:
Transfer the rice pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley and optional toasted almonds or pine nuts for added texture. Serve warm with your favorite main course!