Instant Pot Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao)

Peas Pulao or Matar Pulao recipe is a quick, filling, one pot, flavorful rice dish made with green peas, onions and whole spices in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker or Stovetop.

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies slit lengthwise
• 2 tablespoon mint (pudina leaves)
• 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1.5 cups water
• salt to taste

Whole Spices

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 2 cardamom
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon
• 1 star anise optional

Instructions 

Instant Pot Method:

1. Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Heat oil (or ghee), add in the whole spices like cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and cardamom. Saute for a few secs or till aromatic.
2. Next add onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies. Saute till the onions are soft and light brown.
3. Then add in the mint leaves, green peas and saute for few seconds.
4. Then add rinsed basmati rice, water, and salt. Mix everything well.
5. Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to “SEALING”. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
6. When the instant pot beeps, do a quick pressure release before removing the lid.
7. Gently fluff up the rice with a ladle or fork. Instant Pot Peas pulao or Matar Pulao recipe is ready, serve with yogurt, raita, or any curry.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Instructions

1. Heat oil (or ghee), in a pressure cooker, add in the whole spices like cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and cardamom. Saute for a few secs or till aromatic.
2. Next add onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies. Saute till the onions are soft and light brown.
3. Add in the mint leaves, green peas and saute for few seconds.
4. Then add rinsed basmati rice, water, and salt. Mix everything well.
5. Close the lid and put the whistle weight on. Cook for 1 whistle on medium flame and let the pressure release naturally.
6. Open the lid and gently fluff up the rice. Peas pulao is ready, serve with yogurt, or raita.

Stovetop Pot Instructions

• To make peas pulao on a stovetop pot, follow the steps as the instant pot recipe until adding water and then cook covered on low heat until the water is absorbed and then turn off the heat. Allow it to rest for some time, and then open the lid and fluff the rice.