If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot has revolutionized cooking by making even the most complex dishes quick and easy to prepare.
If you love the rich, flavorful, and aromatic dishes of Indian cuisine, you’ll be thrilled with the array of Instant Pot Indian recipes that can be made in just a fraction of the time. From curries and stews to biryanis and dals, you can prepare these Indian recipes on Instant Pot in no time while still achieving that authentic taste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of Instant Pot Indian recipes, including tips, tricks, and the best ingredients to use for maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these Indian recipes with Instant Pot are sure to impress.
Why Choose Instant Pot Indian Recipes?
Indian cuisine is known for its bold spices, complex flavors, and diverse cooking techniques. However, traditional Indian cooking can take a long time to prepare, often requiring slow cooking methods to allow the flavors to develop. This is where the Instant Pot comes in!
Instant Pot Indian recipes allow you to enjoy all the rich, deep flavors of Indian dishes without the long wait. Here are a few reasons why Indian recipes on Instant Pot are a must-try:
Time-Saving: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time significantly. What would normally take hours on the stove or in the oven can now be done in under 30 minutes.
One-Pot Cooking: Most Indian recipes with Instant Pot require only one pot, which means less cleanup and more convenience.
Tender and Flavorful: The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot helps lock in flavors and ensures that your meats are tender and your dishes are rich in flavor.
Versatile: Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty curry, a fragrant biryani, or a simple lentil dal, the Instant Pot can handle it all.
Healthy: Instant Pot cooking uses less oil and fat compared to traditional methods, making it a healthier choice while still delivering authentic taste.
Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes to Try
Let’s dive into some of the most delicious Instant Pot Indian recipes that will help you explore the magic of this cooking method.
1. Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. This Indian recipe with Instant Pot is incredibly easy to make and delivers authentic flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- After the cooking time, release the pressure, and stir in the heavy cream.
- Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
This Instant Pot Indian recipe is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves rich and comforting dishes.
2. Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
Biryani is a fragrant, flavorful rice dish that is a staple in Indian cuisine. Cooking it in the Instant Pot simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. This Indian recipe on Instant Pot will make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 onion, sliced thin
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp biryani masala
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the ghee or oil. Add the onions and cook until golden brown.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, biryani masala, garam masala, and salt. Stir well.
- Stir in the yogurt and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice and water, and gently mix.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally, then fluff the rice and serve.
This Instant Pot Indian recipe gives you a flavorful, hearty biryani in a fraction of the time it would take traditionally.
3. Instant Pot Dal Tadka
Dal Tadka is a classic Indian lentil dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s made by cooking lentils in a spiced broth and finishing it with a tempering (tadka) of ghee, garlic, and cumin. With the Instant Pot, this dish becomes incredibly quick and easy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal)
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils and place them in the Instant Pot with water, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- While the dal cooks, heat the ghee in a pan and add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter, then add the garlic, ginger, green chili, and onions.
- Sauté the mixture until the onions turn golden brown, then add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Once the dal is ready, release the pressure, and add the tempering mixture to the cooked dal.
- Stir well and serve with rice or roti.
This Indian recipe with Instant Pot is perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein.
4. Instant Pot Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo Gobi is a popular vegetarian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower cooked in a blend of spices. It’s light, flavorful, and can easily be made in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat some oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onions are soft.
- Add the potatoes, cauliflower, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and water, then close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- After the cooking time, release the pressure, stir, and serve.
This Indian recipe on Instant Pot is a simple yet flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
5. Instant Pot Chana Masala
Chana Masala is a popular chickpea curry that is hearty and full of flavor. It’s made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Using the Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare this dish in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat some oil. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the spices—cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder—and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chickpeas and water, then close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Release the pressure, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice or naan.
This Instant Pot Indian recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for anyone who loves chickpeas.
Tips for Cooking Instant Pot Indian Recipes
While Indian recipes with Instant Pot are incredibly easy, here are some tips to get the best results:
Use Fresh Spices: The flavor of your Indian recipes on Instant Pot will be much better if you use fresh, whole spices. If you can, toast whole spices like cumin seeds or coriander seeds before using them to release their essential oils.
Layer Your Ingredients: When cooking Instant Pot Indian recipes, it’s often best to layer the ingredients—especially when cooking rice or biryani. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Indian cooking is all about adjusting spices to your liking. Feel free to add more chili powder, garam masala, or other seasonings to match your preferred level of heat and flavor.
Use Fresh Aromatics: Ginger, garlic, and onions are the foundation of many Indian recipes with Instant Pot. Be sure to use fresh aromatics to create a flavorful base for your dishes.
Pressure Release: For some dishes, a natural release of pressure is best to avoid overcooking, while for others, a quick release helps prevent splattering. Be sure to follow the recipe’s instructions for releasing pressure.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot is an incredible tool for preparing Instant Pot Indian recipes quickly and easily without compromising on flavor. From hearty curries and stews to fragrant rice dishes and dals, these Indian recipes on Instant Pot will give you a taste of authentic Indian flavors in no time.
So, whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned pro, these Indian recipes with Instant Pot will help you enjoy delicious meals with minimal effort. Happy cooking!
