30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

We're sharing deliciously healthy Instant Pot Indian recipes with authentic flavors and textures from curries to saag including gluten-free, paleo and vegan options. Homemade is often better than takeout!

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (1)

Everyone loves a simmering curry with its spicy goodness served over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Or perhaps you're in the mood for delicious biryani rice or an Indian-inspired soup. No matter what you craving, these Instant Pot Indian recipes are a treat for the body and soul.

While some of these Indian recipes require a little effort, the extra work is worth it. Many of these recipes use simple, aromatic ingredients to bring home that authentic flavor, plus the pressure cooker cuts back on cooking time. Most of these recipes are probably quicker than picking up the phone and ordering in!

Plus, Indian cuisine is naturally quite nourishing and iseasier to make even healthier at home.

Jump to:
  • Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes (Non-Vegetarian)
  • Instant Pot Butter Chicken
  • Shrimp Curry Goan Style
  • Instant Pot Tandoori Chicken
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Chicken Curry With Potatoes
  • Chicken Rice Biryani
  • Instant Pot Goat Curry In A Hurry
  • Instant Pot Indian Vegetarian Recipes
  • Creamy Black Dal (Dal Makhani)
  • Instant Pot Aloo Gobi
  • Indian Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao)
  • Rice Pilaf With Chickpeas
  • Instant Pot Chana Masala
  • Instant Pot Black-Eyed Pea Curry
  • Instant Pot Quinoa Khichdi
  • Instant Pot Palak Paneer
  • Instant Pot Paneer
  • Instant Pot Saag
  • Madras Lentils
  • Jackfruit Rice (Kathal Biryani)
  • Sweet Indian Recipes
  • Instant Pot Milk Burfi (Milk Fudge)
  • Instant Pot Rasmalai
  • Rice Pudding / Kheer
  • Instant Pot Moong Dal Halwa
  • Semiya Payasam / Vermicelli Kheer
  • Badam Halwa With Almond Flour
  • Instant Pot Indian Recipes: Chana Masala
  • Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes

Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes (Non-Vegetarian)

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

You can't go past the classics. This gluten-free dish is perfect fora warm flavorful meal when you want something different without having to leave your cosy home. Serve with rice and some garlic naan bread. Get the recipe here.

Rich and creamy, this curry will be a hit with the whole family. Indian spices, tomatoes and coconut pair beautifully with nourishing lamb meat and the whole stew can be on the table in 60 minutes, much quicker than cooking it on a stovetop. Get the recipe here.

Shrimp Curry Goan Style

Simple to prepare yet complex in flavors with a little chili spice to keep every bite interesting and exciting. Serve with rice, cauliflower rice or some naan bread. Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Tandoori Chicken

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (5)

Too hot or too cold to grill outside? Try this tender, cooked to perfection chicken with a finger-licking marinade. Recipe from Ministry Of Curry.

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (6)

What's your Indian recipe knowledge without some chicken tikka masala? You need this one in your life! It's flavourful and JUST spicy enough, plus it's inherently dairy-free with that classic creaminess from coconut milk. Recipe from Wholesomelicious.

Chicken Curry With Potatoes

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (7)

There's nothing like getting tender, juicy, shredded chicken and perfectly cooked through potatoes at once, and the Instant Potreally comes in handy for that. If you add some curry sauce to the mix, you end up with this fragrant and comforting meal... in minutes. It's healthy and paleo-friendly to boot. Recipe from Cookin' Canuck.

Chicken Rice Biryani

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (8)

Chicken BiryaniorChicken Dum Biryani isa one-pot Indian classic food dish, where marinated chicken is steam-cooked with aromatic basmati rice and flavored with saffron and cardamom. Recipe from Spice Cravings.

Instant Pot Goat Curry In A Hurry

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (9)

Goat is underused in most cuisines besides Indian cuisine. This stuff tastes slow-cooked, but curry in a hurry holds true with the Instant Pot! It's all about the spices in this tender stew of goat and potatoes. Recipe from Every Nook And Cranny.

Dairy-Free Butter Chicken (Whole30, Paleo, Keto, AIP)

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (10)

For a healthy version of butter chicken, try this nightshade-free, dairy free version. Even the most sensitive folks can enjoy the spicy and warming tastes of it. Recipe from The Castaway Kitchen.

Instant Pot Indian Vegetarian Recipes

Creamy Black Dal (Dal Makhani)

Inspired by the famous signature dish from London’s Indian restaurant chain Dishoom, this Instant Pot dal makhani s made in a fraction of the time compared to the original (which is cooked for 24 hours in the restaurant), this incredible lentil dish will delight with its complex flavors and heavenly texture. Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Aloo Gobi

A delicious classic vegetarian Indian dish also known as cauliflower and potato curry iscooked with onions, tomatoes and spices. Serve over rice or with a side of naan bread. Get the recipe here.

Indian Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao)

Known in Indian cuisine as Palak Pulao, this nutritious and healthy dish can be served as a side dish with your favorite curry or a main dish with some vegetables or salad on the side. This rice recipe is super simple and is gluten-free, vegetarian and can be made vegan-friendly. Get the recipe here.

ThisInstant Pot mushroom curry is made with sliced white mushrooms that pair perfectly with the sweetness of green peas in a tomato-cashew–based sauce. Ge the recipe here.

Rice Pilaf With Chickpeas

This healthy and delicious rice pilaf is made with protein-rich chickpeas (garbanzo beans), warm spices and cilantro for a perfect vegetarian and gluten-free main or side.Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Chana Masala

This dish is vegan and gluten-free with a hearty base of perfectly cooked and textured chickpeas, rich with plant protein. It has a rich and tasty tomato base plus all of your classic spices - just make sure to use the freshest ingredients possible! Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Black-Eyed Pea Curry

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (17)

This Punjabi Lobia Masalais warm and comforting with rich, buttery beans to enjoy in every bite! A great source of calcium that takes less time to cook than the average legume. Recipe from My Heart Beets.

Lentil & Spinach Dal

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (18)

If you want nutrient-dense food with Indian taste fast, get this spinach dal on the table tonight. Heck - we won't even tell if you pick up some naan at the store on your way home. This is cooking with economy and grace at its finest. Recipe from Cooking With Mali.

This curry is gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly, loaded with vegetables and warm spices. Blended cashew cream is used to thicken this tikka masala and give it a creamy, rich texture. Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Quinoa Khichdi

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (20)

One-pot wholesome meal is a healthier spin on traditional Indian khichdi. Made with quinoa and lentils, this khichdi is lightly spiced and packed with nutrition. Recipe from Cook With Manali.

Instant Pot Palak Paneer

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (21)

For a greener, even healthier version of Instant Pot paneer dish, try this saag paneer curry made with fresh spinach leaves, warm spices and cubed firm cottage cheese in the pressure cooker. Recipe from Yellow Thyme.

Instant Pot Paneer

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (22)

Paneer is basically Indian-style cottage cheese. It sounds intimidating to make at home, but the Instant Pot makes it quite a bit easier. Besides, it's a rewarding endeavour when you get to dig into the stuff with those satisfying grill marks on the side after a yoghurt marinade. Are you drooling yet? Recipe from Every Nook and Cranny.

Instant Pot Saag

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (23)

Saag is a creamed spinach dish that is oh so dreamy. Greens and ghee are all you need - no cream required in this lightened up, good-for-you recipe. You can use any greens you like in this, or a variety, but traditional opts for spinach and mustard greens - the more you know! Recipe from My Heart Beets.

Madras Lentils

This dish is a toned-down version that is very comforting and nourishing. It captures the essence of a rich Indian dal but with a lighter, more tomato-based sauce and the addition of potatoes and carrots (sometimes beans can be added). Get the recipe here.

Jackfruit Rice (Kathal Biryani)

Kathal Biryani is a tasty Indian, vegetarian rice recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can use mushrooms, paneer, asparagus, or artichoke hearts instead of jackfruit in this recipe. It’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly.Get the recipe here.

Sweet Indian Recipes

Instant Pot Milk Burfi (Milk Fudge)

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (26)

Milk burfi, or milk powder burfi, is a dense milk fudge made with dry milk powder, sugar, ghee, and cardamom. You can then garnish with pistachio. Recipe from My Heart Beets.

Instant Pot Rasmalai

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (27)

Rasmalai or roshomalai is a milk-based sweet dish originated in East Bengal of India. This dish consists of steamed paneer patties dunked in “rosh” or saffron milk. A famous Indian sweet dish often made during the festive season. Recipe from My Dainty Soul Curry.

Rice Pudding / Kheer

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (28)

Kheer or Payasam is an Indian dessert for special occasions. It is rice pudding made with rice and milk infused with saffron, cardamom and assorted dried fruits.The best thing about this, no stirring and it is ready in less than 40 mins! Recipe from Piping Pot Curry.

Instant Pot Moong Dal Halwa

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (29)

A rich and decadent dessert made with split mung beans (moong dal), ghee, saffron, cardamom, and lots of love. Recipe from Spice Cravings.

Semiya Payasam / Vermicelli Kheer

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (30)

A perfect treat for any occasion, infused with the richness of whole milk, the sweetness of sugar, and the aroma of cardamom. It is a dump-and-go recipe, ready in just 20 minutes. Recipe from Easy Indian Cookbook.

Badam Halwa With Almond Flour

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (31)

Badam Halwa or Badam ka halwa is a rich classic Indian Dessert recipe made with almonds flour, milk and sugar with generous amount of ghee. Recipe from Indian Veggie Delight.

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (32)

Rate This Recipe

4 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Indian Recipes: Chana Masala

Easy, one-pot Instant Pot chickpeas in a spicy sauce with brown rice (also known as chana masala) are perfect for a vegetarian or vegan dinner. Pressuring cooking garbanzo beans and brown rice at the same time make this a little-effort meal for the whole family. Gluten-free friendly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Calories: 206kcal

Author: Ann Fabrizio

Ingredients

For the Rice

  • 1 cup brown rice rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 teaspoon salt kosher
  • 1 cup water

For the Chickpeas

  • 1 cup onion coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato coarsely chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper small, minced
  • 2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoon chana masala spice blend (like this)
  • 2 teaspoon salt kosher
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric ground
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup chickpeas dried, soaked and drained (see notes)
  • cups water
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind extract /paste(see notes for swaps)
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped fresh (optional)

Instructions

  • For the rice:In a 6 × 3 inch round baking pan, combine the rice, oil, salt, and water. Stir well to combine; set aside. (You do not need to cover.)

  • For the chickpeas:In a food processor, combine the onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger. Process until finely chopped. You could also do this by hand.

  • In the Instant Pot, combine the onion mixture, jalapeño, garam masala, chana masala spice blend, salt, turmeric, cayenne, chickpeas, and water. Stir to combine. Place a tall trivet in the pot over the chickpeas. Place the pot with the rice on the trivet.

  • Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure release valve or point to Sealing (depending on the model). Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 30 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure by pointing the pressure release handle to Venting (known as a quick release).

  • Carefully remove the rice. Use the back of a spoon to mash half the chickpeas until thickened. Stir in the tamarind extract (or the substitute).

  • Serve the chickpeas with the rice. Garnish with cilantro, if using.

Notes

Soaking chickpeas for Instant Pot:Soak 1 cup dry chickpeas/garbanzo beans in 3 to 4 cups very hot water (preferably boiling water) for an hour. The beans will have plumped and absorbed almost all the water in this time. Drain and use as directed. This is what the author did for all the bean recipes in her book. The beans cook consistently with very little breaking. This is a great last-minute method.

Tamarin extract substitute:Combinelemonor limejuicewithbrown sugarto replace ⅙ of the amount of tamarind concentrate called for in your recipe. For instance, use 2 tablespoons oflemon juicewith 1 tablespoon ofbrown sugarto replace 1 teaspoon of tamarind concentrate.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1175mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 329IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

CourseMain

CuisineIndian

KeywordIndian Recipes, Spicy, Vegan, Vegetable Sides, Vegeterian

Made this recipe?Mention @instantpoteats or tag #instantpoteats!

Hopefully, you've found a recipe for your favourite Indian dish here to make in the Instant Pot! Let us know which dish you're most excited to make, andshare this roundup with your pressure cooking pals!

SAVE THESE INSTANT POT RECIPES TO PINTEREST

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (33)

You Might Also Like These Recipes

  • 43 Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes of 2024
  • Are Instant Pots Toxic?
  • Can Instant Pot Explode?
  • Best Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes of 2024

If you tried any of the recipes on the website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (38)

Rate This Recipe

No ratings yet

Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Author: Ann Fabrizio

Made this recipe?Mention @instantpoteats or tag #instantpoteats!

30 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipes of 2024 (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6093

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.