Instant Pot Indian Cilantro Rice / Dhaniya Pulao

Ingredients:

For the masala paste:
2 cups cilantro leaves and tender stem
2-3 cloves garlic
½ inch ginger
1-2 green chilies

For the cilantro rice:
2 cup basmati rice
2 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ cup cashew
1 small onion (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon garam masala (use store-bought or homemade garam masala)
1 – 1½ teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
½ lime or lemon
2½ cups water

Directions:

Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20-30 minutes.

Grind together cilantro, ginger, garlic, and green chili using 1-2 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.

Set the Instant Pot in saute mode and add oil. Once it heats, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add cashews and onions. Saute until the onions are translucent.

Add the ground cilantro paste, garam masala, and salt. Saute for 2-3 minutes.

Drain all the water from the soaked rice and add it to the inner pot. Also, add 2½ cups of water.

Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. Do a quick release of the pressure.

Open the lid and add the lime/lemon juice. Gently mix the rice before serving.