• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Easy Indian Cookbook
  • Recipes
  • Basics
  • Collections
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Basics
  • Collections
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Basics
    • Collections
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Course

    Coconut Milk Pulao in Instant Pot (Vegan)

    Published: Mar 15, 2022 by Shilpa · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    5 from 55 votes
    Coconut pulao is a healthy, wholesome, and delicious rice-based dish. This vegetable and rice casserole is naturally gluten-free and vegan. Made without onion and garlic, this easy coconut pulao can be customized to add vegetables of your choice.
    coconut milk pulao.

    Coconut milk pulao step-by-step recipe with video and photos.

    Jump to:
    • About this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Useful tips
    • FAQs
    • Bonus
    • Recipe card
    • Comments

    About this recipe

    Coconut pulao is a healthy, wholesome, and delicious rice-based dish. This vegetable and rice casserole is naturally gluten-free and vegan. Made without onion and garlic, this easy coconut pulao can be customized to add vegetables of your choice. This mildly spiced wholesome OPOS pulao made with coconut milk is perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, and gatherings.

    Making this plant-based coconut milk pilaf in your Instant Pot is really easy and it is ready in 20 minutes. It pairs well with dal or any curry of your choice. Try it with mung bean curry or black-eyed peas curry for a delicious meal.

    Coconut milk is an excellent plant-based alternative to regular milk and is loaded with health benefits. It contains lauric acid which is known for providing several health benefits. Coconut milk is rich in manganese, copper, iron, and selenium (an antioxidant that protects cells). It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and supports cardiovascular health.

    I have earlier shared how to make South Indian coconut rice, which uses fresh coconut. Here is my take on making pulao using coconut milk. Read on for ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to make this delicious OPOS coconut milk rice.

    coconut milk pulao in instant pot.

    Ingredients

    coconut milk pulao ingredients with lables

    Rice: I have used Basmati rice. However, any long-grain rice can be used.

    Coconut milk: Store-bought or homemade coconut milk can be used.

    Spices: Whole spices that go into this pulao are cumin seeds, bay leaf, star anise, fennel seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

    Cashew: This is optional and can be skipped.

    Oil: I use coconut oil; however, any regular cooking oil can be used.

    Other ingredients: Green chili, ginger, and coriander leaves (cilantro).

    Step-by-step instructions

    Set the Instant Pot in saute mode (normal) and add oil. Once it heats, add cumin seeds and bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, fennel seeds, and cloves (step 1).

    Add cashew and fry until they are golden, around one minute (steps 2,3).

    Add the vegetables (carrot, peas, green beans, and corn kernels) and salt. Saute for two minutes (steps 4,5).

    Next, add the coconut milk (step 6).

    coconut pulao steps 1-6.

    Mix well and deglaze the pot (step 7). Add the soaked rice and water (steps 8,9).

    Set the Instant Pot on pressure cook mode for 6 minutes. Do a quick release of the pressure (steps 10,11).

    Add chopped coriander leaves (cilantro). Mix gently before serving (step 12).

    vegan coconut pulao steps 7-12.

    Useful tips

    If the store-bought coconut milk is too creamy, thin it out with some water.

    Use Basmati rice or any variety of long-grain rice to make this coconut pilaf. Also, it is important to soak the rice for 20-30 minutes.

    The total amount of liquid in this recipe is 1 to 1¼. For 2 cups of Basmati rice, I have used a total of 2½ cups of liquid (1½ cups of coconut milk and 1 cup of water).

    You can use vegetables of your choice.

    I like to add cashew to this dish, which gives a nice texture. This is optional and can be skipped for a nut-free version.

    This dish is great for meal prep. Wash and soak the rice overnight, cut the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator. This way, they can be quickly prepared in the morning and packed for lunch boxes.

    You can use store-bought or homemade coconut milk. To make coconut milk at home, grind ½ cup grated coconut with one cup of lukewarm water into a smooth paste. Pass it through a muslin cloth or a nut milk bag and extract the milk.

    Serve this pulao with sautéed sweet potatoes as a side dish for a wholesome meal.

    vegan coconut rice in instant pot.

    FAQs

    How to make it in a stovetop cooker?

    You can make this dish in a stovetop pressure cooker. Follow this recipe with a 1 to 1.5 rice to water ratio and cook for two whistles in the cooker. To make this dish in a stovetop pan, follow this recipe with a 1 to 1.5 rice to water ratio and cook covered for 15-18 minutes (or until all the moisture is absorbed).

    How to store leftover pulao?

    Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cool it completely and place it in an air-tight container before storing.

    coconut rice with vegetables.

    Bonus

    This Instant Pot coconut milk pulao is:
    - naturally gluten-free and vegan
    - healthy, nutritious, and delicious
    - very easy to make

    perfectly cooked coconut milk rice.

    Recipe card

    coconut milk rice in instant pot.

    Coconut Milk Pulao (Instant Pot)

    Coconut pulao is a healthy, wholesome, and delicious rice-based dish. This vegetable and rice casserole is naturally gluten-free and vegan. Made without onion and garlic, this easy coconut pulao can be customized to add vegetables of your choice.
    5 from 55 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: Shilpa
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 8
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups Basmati rice
    • 1½ cups coconut milk see notes
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 inch cinnamon
    • 5 cloves
    • 3 green cardamom
    • 1 star anise
    • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
    • ¼ cup cashew
    • 1 inch ginger finely chopped
    • 1-2 green chili finely chopped
    • 1 medium carrot chopped
    • ½ cup peas
    • 8-10 green beans chopped
    • ½ cup corn kernels
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions

    • Wash the rice thoroughly. Soak it in water for 20-30 minutes
    • Set the Instant Pot in saute mode (normal) and add oil
    • Once it heats, add cumin seeds and whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, fennel seeds, and cloves). Saute for a few seconds
    • Add cashew and fry until they are golden (1 minute)
    • Add ginger and green chili.
    • Add the vegetables (carrot, peas, green beans, and corn kernels). Saute for two minute
    • Add the coconut milk and water. Mix well and deglaze the pot.
    • Drain the water from the soaked rice.
    • Add rice and salt, and give it a good mix.
    • Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. Do a quick release of the pressure.
    • Mix the rice gently.
    • Serve with plain yogurt or raita

    Video

    Notes

    See the tips section for useful tips to make this dish.
    Nutrition Facts
    Coconut Milk Pulao (Instant Pot)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    317
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    13
    g
    20
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    56
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Sodium
     
    55
    mg
    2
    %
    Potassium
     
    268
    mg
    8
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    45
    g
    15
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    6
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1391
    IU
    28
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    6
    mg
    7
    %
    Calcium
     
    40
    mg
    4
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    More Main Course

    • Yogurt sandwich.
      Yogurt Sandwich Recipe (Indian-style Curd Sandwich)
    • Chilli chicken.
      Chilli Chicken (Indo-Chinese Style Chili Chicken)
    • Chicken tikka masala.
      Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
    • Chicken masala served with rice and roti.
      Easy and BEST Chicken Masala Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Kalin says

      March 16, 2022 at 7:30 am

      5 stars
      This looks so complex but is actually so simple! Yummy!

    2. Rosanna Stevens says

      March 16, 2022 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Delicious. I can't wait to make this again, it was so aromatic and I loved the crunchy cashews in it. Thank you!

    3. Ashley says

      March 16, 2022 at 8:23 am

      5 stars
      I like the idea of using coconut milk instead of regular milk!

    4. Jean Nie says

      March 16, 2022 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      The coconut milk in rice adds a delicious sweet taste and I like how this can have veggies too and makes a good and hearty meal.

    5. nancy says

      March 16, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      what a fragrant and delish rice recipe

    6. Emily Flint says

      March 16, 2022 at 10:57 pm

      5 stars
      Another great Instant Pot recipe from you! I can't wait to serve this with more veggies on top!

    7. Sue says

      March 17, 2022 at 7:55 am

      5 stars
      I love all the veggies in this, so yummy!

    8. nancy says

      March 20, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      delicious and fragrant coconut rice.

    Primary Sidebar

    Namaste and welcome to Easy Indian Cookbook, where you'll find simple and delicious recipes with an Indian flair! I'm Shilpa, and I'm passionate about bringing the flavors of my culture to your kitchen. Discover the convenience of wholesome and nourishing Indian cuisine with my recipes, crafted to be quick and hassle-free. So join me on this culinary journey, and let's create delicious, homemade meals that celebrate the vibrant and diverse flavors of India! Read More…

    Mango Magic

    • Eggless mango cake.
      BEST Eggless Mango Cake with Mango Glaze
    • mango kulfi.
      BEST Mango Kulfi Recipe (No-cook)
    • indian mango milkshake.
      Mango Mastani Recipe (Indian Mango Milkshake)
    • mango juice.
      Mango Juice Recipe (Homemade Mango Nectar)
    • green mango dal.
      Mango Dal / South Indian Raw Green Mango Dal
    • mango lassi.
      BEST Mango Lassi Recipe
    • mango rice.
      Mango Rice (Mavinakayi Chitranna)
    • Mango rasayana.
      Mango Rasayana (Sweet Mango Pulp)

    Refreshing Beverages

    • Sweet lassi.
      Sweet Lassi Recipe (4 ingredients, 5 minutes)
    • nimbu paani.
      Nimbu Pani / Shikanji (Indian Lemonade)
    • iced chai tea latte.
      Iced Chai Tea Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
    • Salt lassi.
      Salted Lassi Recipe (Namkeen Lassi)
    • South Indian buttermilk.
      South Indian Buttermilk (Majjige / Neer Mor)
    • blackberry lassi.
      Blackberry Lassi

    Sourdough Baking

    • Turmeric sourdough bread.
      Turmeric Sourdough Bread with Caramelized Onions
    • Cheese sourdough bread.
      Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Sourdough Bread
    • Olive sourdough bread.
      Sun-dried Tomato and Olive Sourdough Bread
    • Sourdough sandwich bread.
      BEST Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe
    • Sourdough dinner rolls.
      Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe (Super Soft and Fluffy)
    • Chocolate sourdough bread.
      Chocolate Sourdough Bread Recipe (Most Delicious and BEST)

    Popular Recipes

    • perfectly cooked naan bread.
      Homemade Naan Recipe (Easy No-Knead Recipe + Video)
    • Chicken korma.
      BEST and Authentic Chicken Korma Recipe (+ Video)
    • aloo gobi.
      Aloo Gobi (Potato Cauliflower Curry)
    • lamb palak.
      Lamb Palak / Saag Gosht (Lamb and Spinach Curry)
    • Chicken masala served with rice and roti.
      Easy and BEST Chicken Masala Recipe
    • bombay potatoes.
      Bombay Potatoes
    • Instant Pot saffron rice.
      Instant Pot Saffron Rice
    • butter chicken.
      Butter Chicken (Murg Makhani)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Subscribe to newsletter
    • Contact

    COPYRIGHT © 2023 EASYINDIANCOOKBOOK.COM