Coconut Milk Pulao (Instant Pot & Stovetop)

This Coconut Milk Pulao is a flavorful South Indian rice recipe made with coconut milk and a few vegetables in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Vegan and Gluten-Free.

Coconut Rice is one of the easy go-to recipes on busy mornings for packing lunch boxes. It is easier if you already have pre-cut vegetables and coconut milk at home.

I usually cut the vegetables the previous night. I also make coconut milk at home, but you can use store-bought coconut milk. This Pulao Recipe is also great for potlucks or picnics.

Today's recipe I am sharing is prepared in an Instant Pot Electric Pressure cooker. However, you can make the dish in a stovetop pressure cooker or a Pan.

Coconut Milk has various health benefits, such as stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol.

How to make Coconut Milk at home?

Blend ½ cup of shredded coconut (fresh or frozen) with 1 cup of warm water. Strain the coconut milk in a strainer or nut milk bag. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate.

You can save pulp for baked goods or add to poriyal, smoothies, or coconut curries.

Coconut Milk Pulao Ingredients

• Rice: I have used Long grain white basmati rice for making this pulao.
• Green chilies: I have used Thai green chilies for the heat.
• Curry Leaves: Adds a great flavor to the dish. Its optional.
• Ginger and garlic:  I have used paste made from fresh ginger and garlic. You can also mince and add them.
• Vegetables: I have used onions, carrots, beans, green peas, green chilies. You can also swap for other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers.
• Coconut Milk: You can use either homemade or store-brought full fat coocnut milk.
• Oil: You can use any cooking oil.
• Whole spices: I have used cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom in this recipe. If you don't have whole spices, simply add extra garam masala powder
• Coriander leaves: for garnish.

How to make Coconut Milk Pulao in Instant Pot

Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil. Once it's hot, add Bay leaf, whole spices, cumin, green chilies, curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste. Saute for 30 secs until aromatic.

Add sliced onion and saute until onions turn soft.

Then add the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Next, add coconut milk, water, rinsed Basmati Rice, salt, and stir.

Close the lid on the pot. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 5 minutes.

Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE. Remove lid away from you, mix well and fluff with a fork or spoon.

The coconut milk pulao recipe is ready. Serve with curry, raita, or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method

• Heat a pressure cooker with oil on medium flame and once it’s hot add Bay leaf, whole spices, cumin, green chilies, curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste.
• Saute for 30 secs until aromatic.
• Then add sliced onions, cook until they turn soft and light brown in color - stir regularly.
• Add mix vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Add Coconut milk, water, washed Basmati Rice, salt and give a stir.
• Close the lid place a whistle and cook for 2 whistles on medium flame.
• After 10 mins Fluff up the rice gently.
• Coconut milk Pulao is ready. Serve with Curry, Raita, or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pot Method

For preparing this dish in a stovetop pan. Follow the same steps, close the lid, and cook on low flame until all liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.

What to serve with Coconut Milk Pulav?

Serve Coconut Milk Pulao with dal/lentils, curry, or raita.

Tips & Variations

• You can also add mint/pudina leaves and coriander leaves/cilantro to enhance flavor.
• Replace coconut oil with ghee if you are a vegan.
• You can use store brought coconut milk. If you don't get thick coconut milk, then use 1.5 cups of thin version and skip water.

More Instant Pot Rice Recipes

• Potato/Aloo Biryani
• Vegetable Biryani
• Spinach Rice
• Beetroot Rice
• Peas Pulao
• Vegetable Pulao

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