Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao

 The concept is super simple. 

You want to eat vegetarian food which should...

• Be One-Pot which can then be put in the Dishwasher
• Use frozen vegetables so that I don't have to chop them
• Take very very less time to cook
• Be flavorful with typical Indian flavors
• Not have Gluten because it is not good for me to have gluten at night (causes Migraine)
• Be good for kids & grown-ups equally.

That is when you take out the ever so dependable Instant Pot 6Qt, thaw some frozen organic mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, beans & corn kernel, wash up some basmati rice.... and Lo & Behold... Your One-Pot Light Gluten Free Dinner is READY.

What I used

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups of Frozen vegetables
• 1/2 red tomato chopped
• 2 tsp Neutral oil or Ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds + whole garam masala (Cardamoms + Cinnamon stick etc)
• 2 tsp Pulao masala
• 6 Qt. Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon/spatula

Process

• Wash the rice thoroughly until water runs clear & keep them soaked until they are ready to be used
• Plug in the IP & select Saute' mode
• Add oil & when IP shows the "Hot" sign, splutter some cumin seeds & whole garam masala (whatever you have on hand is fine)
• Next add the thawed veggies + chopped tomatoes & give it a good mix -- Let them fry for 2-3 mins. 
• Add 2tsp pulao masala (If you don't have them just use ANY masala powder that you like the taste of like chicken masala or garam masala or pav-bhaji masala or even just cumin+coriander powder) & give everything a good mix

• Finally add the soaked rice + salt and give everything a real good mix but please be gentle so that the rice grains do not break --> Then add 1.25 Cups Water (For 1 cup Rice)

• Next cancel Saute' mode on the IP --> Close the lid --> Set the vent to Sealing --> Press Pressure cook mode --> Adjust time to 4mins on High

• After 4 mins are over, let the steam naturally vent for 10mins --> Then release the left over steam by manually releasing the vent to Venting mode

• Open the lid --> Give everything a good mix & serve HOT with raita for a simple, flavorful, gluten free, veggie loaded light dinner (or lunch).