Pressure cooker palak pulao

Pressure cooker palak pulao is a fragrant rice dish combining spinach with aromatic spices. This recipe offers a quick and nutritious meal with rich flavours, using a pressure cooker for efficient cooking.

23 Jan 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 30 min

Ingredients:

1 cup white rice
3 cups spinach
1 red hot chili pepper red hot chili peppers
1 tbsp ginger root
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bay leaf
3 tsp cloves powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp cardamom
1 tbsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cumin
1.50 onions
1 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice

Palak Pulao is a delightful and aromatic rice dish that features a medley of spices and vegetables. This Indian-inspired recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal in a short amount of time. Utilizing a pressure cooker, this dish ensures that the ingredients meld together beautifully, offering a rich and savory experience with every bite.

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Rinse the white rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
- Finely chop the red hot chili pepper.
- Grate or finely mince the ginger root.
- Crush or finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Finely chop the onions.
- Roughly chop the spinach.

2. Sautéing:
- Select the "Sauté" setting on your pressure cooker and let it heat up. Add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the bay leaf, finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.

3. Adding Spices:
- Add the red hot chili pepper, cloves powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ground nutmeg, and ground cumin to the onion mixture. Stir and sauté for another minute to let the spices release their aromas.

4. Incorporating Spinach:
- Add the roughly chopped spinach to the pressure cooker. Stir well and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Adding Rice and Water:
- Add the drained white rice, salt, and water to the pressure cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

6. Pressure Cooking:
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position.
- Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting, set the pressure to high, and cook for 6 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure manually.

7. Finishing Touches:
- Open the lid of the pressure cooker, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Add the lemon juice and give it a gentle stir to incorporate.

8. Serving:
- Serve the spinach palak pulao hot. Garnish with additional fresh spinach or a sprinkle of garam masala if desired.

Palak Pulao is not only a dish brimming with vibrant colors and enticing aromas but also packed with essential nutrients from the spinach and spices. Perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch, this pulao is sure to become a favorite in your home. With these tips, you can ensure that every pressure-cooked batch is as perfect as the last, blending flavors seamlessly for an unforgettable meal.

Pressure cooker palak pulao FAQ:

What is the cooking time for palak pulao in a pressure cooker?

Palak Pulao takes 6 minutes to cook on high pressure in a pressure cooker. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

How can I tell if the palak pulao is done cooking?

The palak pulao is done when the rice is fluffy and the spinach is fully wilted and integrated with the spices. If the rice appears undercooked, you may need to add a bit more water and cook on low pressure for an additional couple of minutes.

Can I store leftover palak pulao?

Yes, leftover palak pulao can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to moisture.

What substitutions can I make for ingredients in palak pulao?

You can substitute white rice with basmati or jasmine rice. For spices, use garam masala in place of the individual spices if preferred. If spinach is unavailable, other leafy greens like kale can be used.

What pan size is recommended for making palak pulao in a pressure cooker?

A 6-quart pressure cooker is recommended for making palak pulao. This size allows enough space for the rice to expand and for the ingredients to mix thoroughly.

Tips:

- Rinse the white rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This will help in achieving a fluffier pulao.

- Finely chop the spinach, ginger, garlic, and onions to ensure that they blend well into the dish and cook evenly.

- Adjust the amount of red hot chili pepper according to your spice tolerance. You can deseed the chili for a milder flavor.

- Preheat the pressure cooker by heating the olive oil before adding the spices. This will help to release their aromatic flavors.

- Stir the spices well into the oil before adding the vegetables and rice, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.

- After cooking, let the pressure cooker naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before opening the lid. This helps to set the flavors properly.

- Garnish the Pulao with freshly squeezed lemon juice right before serving to enhance the freshness of the dish.

- Serve the Palak Pulao with a side of yogurt or raita to complement the spices and balance the heat.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 220kcal
Protein 4.89g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 3.87g
Sugar 2.91g
Fat 8g

Pressure cooker palak pulao