Spinach Rice and Chickpeas

5 from 3 votes

Richa says, "This simple one-pot meal is a dump-and-done recipe. Rinse the rice, add vegetables, spices, and any beans you want. Mix it all up and pressure cook, and you get a flavorful rice-and-bean dinner."

Prep Time15

Cook Time13

Total Time28

Course: Main Dishes, Sides

Cuisine: American, Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Jenn Sebestyen

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

1 cup (185 g) uncooked white basmati rice
1 teaspoon safflower or sunflower oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1 hot green chile such as serrano, finely chopped
1 ½ cups (230 g) frozen spinach thawed and squeezed
½ cup (90 g) chopped tomato
½ -1 teaspoon garam masala
1 can (15-ounce [425 g]) chickpeas rinsed and drained (or 1 ¼ cups [213 g] cook chickpeas)
2 bay leaves
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) water

Garnishes

Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Red pepper flakes
Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Rinse the rice, then soak in warm water to cover for at least 15 minutes while you begin the recipe.
Put the oil in the Instant Pot and tilt the pot to coat the bottom. Add the ginger, garlic, green chile, spinach, tomato, garam masala, chickpeas, bay leaves, salt, and water. Drain the rice, add it to the pot, and give it a good stir.
Lock the lid into place, set the Pressure Release Knob to Sealing, select the Pressure Cook/Manual setting at high pressure, and set the cook time to 5 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is done, let the pressure release naturally for 8 minutes, then carefully set the Pressure Release Knob from Sealing to Venting to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and fluff the rice. Remove the inner pot (to keep the rice from continuing to cook) or transfer the rice to a serving bowl.
Garnish with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and cilantro.

Notes

~ Rinse, soak, and drain the rice before adding to the Instant Pot for best texture.

~ Stir all the ingredients well before closing the lid and bringing the Instant Pot up to pressure.

~ Ensure the Pressure Release Knob is set to Sealing.

~ Once the cooking time has ended let the pressure release naturally for 8 minutes. Do not attempt open the pot during this time and do not move the Pressure Release Knob.

~ After all the pressure has been released, remove the inner pot to stop the cooking process as the heating element will still be hot.

~ Fluff the rice with a fork before transferring to a serving dish.

Nutrition