Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Instant Pot Sweet Coconut Rice
Instant Pot Sweet Coconut Rice is made with basmati rice, coconut, and saffron.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Original yield
- Serves 6
- Ingredients
- 13 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Desserts
- Cuisine
- Indian · Asian
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 16–30 minutes · Total: 31–60 minutes
A few quick notes
1. Follow the pressure release
Complete the pressure-release sequence before opening the cooker.
2. Prepare the first additions
Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.
3. Stir as directed
Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.
Get to know the ingredients
basmati rice
In the method: Wash, rinse, and soak rice in water for 20 minutes.
saffron
In the method: Soak saffron in milk and set aside for garnishing
warm milk
In the method: Soak saffron in milk and set aside for garnishing
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 6. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 1 cup basmati riceIngredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon saffronIngredient note
Source: 1 tablespoon warm milkIngredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons ghee (divided)Ingredient note
Source: 20 whole cashewsIngredient note
Source: 2 whole green cardamom podsIngredient note
Source: 6 clovesIngredient note
Source: 1½ cups waterIngredient note
Source: ½ teaspoon kosher saltIngredient note
Source: 1 cup fresh coconut (grated frozen works well)Ingredient note
Source: ¾ cup sugarIngredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons raisinsIngredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
How to make it
0 of 6 steps completeMake room for Instant Pot Sweet Coconut Rice
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Enjoy!
A little more help as you go
Prepare the finishing addition
Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Set out the instant pot and pot. Start with this step: Wash, rinse, and soak rice in water for 20 minutes.
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Complete the pressure-release sequence before opening the cooker.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Cook the cashews for a minute or until they turn golden brown, stirring constantly.
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.
Additional recipe notes
Soak rice for at least 20 minutes so the rice looks fluffy and light. If you do not have time to soak the rice, add 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice and cook it on low-pressure mode for 5 minutes followed by a quick release. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork or silicone spatula. This will prevent the grains from breaking. For nut allergies , skip cashews. To make a vegan variation of sweet coconut rice, use neutral cooking oil or coconut oil for the ghee and soak the saffron in warm water instead of milk. Although, I like to use basmati rice for this recipe other short-grain white rice such as Jasmine, Ambe Mor, Surati Kolam, etc can be substituted. Just note that the final dish may have a bit sticky texture but will still have the same delicious taste and delicate aromatic flavors. Jaggery can be substituted for sugar in this recipe, although the color of the final dish will be different.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: ministryofcurry.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
