Looking for the perfect and simple recipe that you can prepare with less than 5 ingredients? Look no further than this Instant Pot Garlic Rice!

I have shared several easy-to-prepare recipes in the past, but this one is a bit more special given the fact that it needs ingredients you already have in your pantry.

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Garlic rice is one of the easiest rice-based recipes you can prepare! I have shared the step-by-step directions along with pictures to help you try this out today.

My family loves garlic rice with a few spices. I have had this since my childhood times and it was also one of the weekend recipes when I am looking for a quick dinner fix.

I had shared the stovetop version a while back, but today I show you how you can make it even easier with the Instant Pot. Furthermore, I have one extra ingredient this time, in this vegan, gluten-free dish….Turmeric powder.

Turmeric and garlic are both known to improve our immune system. With the current situation, I think strengthening our immune system will pay great dividends.

I feel this recipe will help my family and yours in providing nutritious food with very few resources.

Instant Pot method

The procedure is simple and straightforward. It’s another one-pot recipe with the Instant Pot. All the sauteing and cooking is completed in one pot from start to finish.

With just a few ingredient lists you can prepare this authentic and flavorful garlic rice. First, you need to peel the skins of garlic and chop them lengthwise.

Press saute and add 2 teaspoon of oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal and saute them until they turn golden.

Add the chopped garlic and saute until the garlic turns brown. Add rinsed rice, turmeric powder, salt, and water.

A pot filled with spices, rice, and Garlic

Press cancel to stop sauteing and close the instant pot lid and press the ‘pressure cook’ setting with the timer set for 4 mins under high pressure.

Once the timer goes off, do a natural release. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. That is it! Instant Pot Garlic Rice is ready to be served hot!

Why turmeric in garlic rice

Adding turmeric powder is one change I made from the original stovetop version. And that is precisely to increase the nutritional supplement in this recipe. Although garlic has a role in improving the immune system, turmeric powder has always been known to do just that.

Given the health situation in every part of the world, I think we should take all possible safety precautions by improving our immune system. Moreover, adding a pinch of turmeric brings bright yellow color to the table.

Types of rice can be used

I used basmati rice for my recipe, but just about any kind of rice will do for this recipe. Generally speaking, you would need rice that is not too sticky. If your rice is marked as a ‘new crop’, you may want to reduce the amount of water.

That’s because new crops tend to cook a little faster with less water. Too much water can make it mushy. Jasmine rice, Sona Masoori are all good candidates for this recipe.

How can I serve garlic rice?

Garlic rice can be served plain with a side of yogurt or a spicy curry. But I think this is good without any kind of pairing. If you are entertaining a bigger group, try pairing it with a curry-like dal fry, spinach dal or gobi masala.

Be sure to serve the dish hot. Garlic rice tastes their best while they are still hot. Storing them overnight for a day in the refrigerator is good too but not for more than a day.

Cooked garlic loses its potency beyond three days. I hope you try this dish today! Feel free to comment below if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing about your experience!