Instant Pot Parsi Brown Rice

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by Diana Rattray

The Instant Pot is an excellent way to prepare and cook rice. There’s no stirring required, so you can go about other preparations while the rice cooks to perfection under pressure. This Parsi rice is subtly spiced with a touch of cinnamon and cloves, with caramelized onions adding flavor and color. The Instant Pot is a great modern way to prepare and cook Parsi rice and require very little hands-on time.

I used brown basmati rice (Amazon link) and a 6-quart Smart Wifi Instant Pot (Amazon link) to make this recipe.

The Parsis are descendants of Persian Zoroastrians who emigrated to India. They are a relatively small community with a distinct cuisine that includes a mix of Indian, Iranian, and British flavors.

Some of the staple foods in Zoroastrian cuisine include rice, wheat, lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices such as saffron, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Meat is also a significant part of the cuisine, particularly chicken, lamb, and beef, although some Zoroastrians follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

In addition to the food itself, Zoroastrian cuisine also places emphasis on the way food is prepared and consumed. Zoroastrians believe in the concept of “purity,” and so they take care to prepare their food in clean environments and follow strict dietary guidelines. They also have a tradition of sharing food and hospitality, with large communal meals being a common practice.

How to Serve Parsi Rice

Parsi rice is typically served with a variety of accompaniments, such as raita, a yogurt-based condiment, and pickles. It is also often served with a side of lentil soup, known as dhansak, which is made with vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, and tomatoes, along with lentils and spices.

Related:

This Instant Pot broccoli and cheese rice is another excellent rice dish for the pressure cooker, or try this coconut rice.

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