This Coconut Milk Pulao is a flavorful South Indian rice recipe made with coconut milk, vegetables, and a few spices in the Instant Pot or stovetop pressure cooker. It is vegan and gluten-free.
In many regions of India and other South Asian nations, pulao/pilaf is a ubiquitous rice meal. It is made by combining rice with a variety of vegetables with spices. Pulao is frequently served as a main meal and is usually accompanied by raita, a yogurt-based side dish.
If you look around and explore, you will come across varieties of pulao recipes. For instance, matar pulao, paneer pulao, veg pulao, quinoa pulao, etc. The list is never-ending, leaving us spoilt for choices. Today, I am sharing an easy and delicious coconut milk pulao recipe.
Coconut rice is one of the easy go-to recipes for packing kids school lunch boxes on busy mornings, potlucks, or picnics. It is easier if you already have pre-cut vegetables and coconut milk at home. I usually cut the vegetables the night before. I also make coconut milk at home, but you can use store-bought full-fat coconut milk.
If you are looking for more Coconut Milk Recipes, check out
Jump to:
- What Is Coconut Milk Pulao?
- Ingredients
- How to Make Coconut Milk Pulao in Instant Pot
- Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method
- Stovetop Pot Method
- What to Serve with Coconut Milk Pulav?
- Tips & Variations
- Storage Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Instant Pot Indian Rice Recipes
- Instant Pot Coconut Milk Pulao (Coconut Milk Rice)
What Is Coconut Milk Pulao?
Coconut milk pulao is a fragrant rice dish cooked using coconut milk. To create it, you'll need basmati rice, coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Ingredients
You will require very few simple ingredients to make this easy coconut milk pulao recipe.
- Rice: I used long grain white basmati rice for making this pulao.
- Green Chilies: I have used Indian green chilies for the heat.
- Ginger and garlic: I like to use homemade ginger paste and garlic paste. You can also mince and add them.
- Vegetables: I have used onions, carrots, beans, green peas, and green chilies. You can also swap for other vegetables like broccoli, and bell peppers.
- Coconut Milk: You can use either homemade or store-bought full-fat coconut milk.
- Whole spices: I have used cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom in this recipe. If you don't have whole spices, add garam masala powder at the end.
How to Make Coconut Milk Pulao in Instant Pot
Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot. Heat 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee), and add whole spices such as ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, 1-2 bay leaf, 1 inch cinnamon, 3 cloves, and 2 cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds or until aromatic.
Next, add 3-4 green chilies (slit lengthwise), 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, and 1 stalk curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds.
Add 1 medium sliced onion and saute until onions turn soft and light brown.
Then add 1 cup of mixed vegetables (I used carrot, french beans, green peas) and cook for a minute.
Next, add 1 cup of thick coconut milk, ½ cup water, 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice, and salt to taste. Give a quick stir.
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.
When the instant pot beeps, do a quick pressure release before removing the lid.
Gently fluff up the rice with a ladle or fork.
The coconut milk pulao recipe is ready. Serve with curry, raita, or plain yogurt.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method
If using a regular stovetop pressure cooker, follow the same steps as the Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 2 whistles on medium flame, then let the pressure release naturally.
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 the rice is fluffy.
What to Serve with Coconut Milk Pulav?
Coconut milk pulav pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as veg kurma, dal, vegetable curries, or raita, and salad on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Type of Rice: Coconut milk pilaf tastes best when made with long-grain basmati rice, but you can also use any premium-quality short-grain rice. Other grains like quinoa, millet, or brown rice are also great alternatives.
- Herbs: You can also add mint leaves (pudina) and coriander leaves (cilantro) to enhance flavor.
- Non-Vegan: You can use homemade ghee instead of oil for rich flavor.
- Coconut Milk: You can use store-bought full-fat coconut milk. If you don't get thick (or full-fat) coconut milk, then use 1.5 cups of the thin version and skip the water.
- Nuts: You can also add fried cashews and raisins to this rice to make it rich and delicious.
Storage Suggestions
- Store: Leftover coconut milk pulao will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Cool the rice completely and store it in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to one month.
- Reheat: Sprinkle some water and reheat the coconut milk rice in the microwave or stovetop until it warms through.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 it to poriyal, smoothies, or coconut curries.
Frozen veggies work really well.
I personally like Chaokoh, Thai Kitchen Organic, Aroy-D, and 365 Everyday Value Organic Coconut Milk brands.
Yes, you can definitely skip onions and garlic.
Instant Pot Coconut Milk Pulao (Coconut Milk Rice)
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoon oil (or ghee)
- 1 stalk curry leaves
- 3-4 green chilies
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 medium onion sliced thinly
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, french beans, green peas)
- 1 cup thick coconut milk (canned or homemade)
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- salt to taste
Whole Spices
- ½ teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds
- 1-2 bayleaf
- 2 cardamom
- 3 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Heat oil (or ghee), add in the whole spices like cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Saute for a few secs or till aromatic.
- Next, add green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, and curry leaves. Saute for a few secs.
- Add sliced onion and saute until onions turn soft and light brown.
- Then add the mixed vegetables and cook for a minute.
- Next, add coconut milk, water, rinsed basmati rice, and salt. Give a quick stir.
- 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.
- When the instant pot beeps, do a quick pressure release before removing the lid.Gently fluff up the rice with a ladle or fork.
- The coconut milk pulao recipe is ready. Serve with curry, raita, or plain yogurt.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker on medium flame, add in the whole spices like cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Saute for a few secs or till aromatic.
- Next, add green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, and curry leaves. Saute for a few secs.
- Add sliced onion and saute until onions turn soft and light brown.
- Then add the mixed vegetables and cook for a minute.
- Next, add coconut milk, water, rinsed basmati rice, and salt. Give a quick 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.
Notes
- Type of Rice: Coconut milk pilaf tastes best when made with long-grain basmati rice, but you can also use any premium-quality short-grain rice. Other grains like quinoa, millet, or brown rice are also great alternatives.
- Herbs: You can also add mint leaves (pudina) and coriander leaves (cilantro) to enhance flavor.
- Non-Vegan: You can use homemade ghee instead of oil for rich flavor.
- Coconut Milk: You can use store-bought full-fat coconut milk. If you don't get thick (or full-fat) coconut milk, then use 1.5 cups of the thin version and skip the water.
- Nuts: You can also add fried cashews and raisins to this rice to make it rich and delicious.
- I have prepared this dish in my electric pressure cooker, Instant Pot DUO60 6 QT
Nutrition
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Anonymous
Hi today I tried ur recipe it was so yumm…my family loved it especially my kid.
Bhavana Patil
Hi, I am so happy to know your child liked it, made my day... Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Anonymous
My guests loved this one for the rice was perfectly cooked. I made it in instant pot and the measurements 1cup rice: 1 cup coconut milk: 1/2 water worked very well with 6 minutes pressure cook and natural release worked great.
Bhavana Patil
Thats great to hear, I am glad your guests liked it & thank you for the feedback 🙂 Have a great day 🙂.