If you love spicy food, and convenient cooking, you’ll go nuts for these delicious Instant Pot Indian recipes.
There are plenty of hearty and healthy recipes to choose from on this list.
All of them are enticing examples of India’s rich and diverse cuisine.
Of course, when these recipes were created there was no such thing as an Instant Pot.
But I’m sure the original cooks would highly approve of the convenient pressure cooker.
Using your Instant Pot isn’t just a time-saver, it also gives you beautifully tender meats, rich stews, and moist baked goods.
Locking in the liquids allows your food to soak up all the spicy juices and cook to perfection.
So dust off your Instant Pot and dive into your spice cupboards, let’s take your tastebuds on a trip!
1. Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer is a type of Indian cheese, similar to the mild flavor of cottage cheese but with a firmer texture.
Here, it’s cut into chunks and added to a creamy, tomato-based masala sauce for a mild curry that’s ready in minutes.
Simply toss everything except the paneer into the Instant Pot and cook on high for 8 minutes.
You’ll then blend the cooked ingredients into a spicy paste, and add paneer, cream, and a touch of honey. It’s simple and satisfying!
2. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is an Indian classic that has gained a lot of fans in North America thanks to its mild and creamy taste.
This Instant Pot version is so quick and easy, you’ll never order takeout again.
The chicken is marinated in spiced yogurt then slowly cooked in the rich curry sauce.
It’s so juicy and tender, it’ll fall right off the fork and into your belly.
3. Instant Pot Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian side, made with curried potato and cauliflower.
There’s plenty of anti-inflammatory turmeric in this delicious dish, making it a great healthy choice.
It’s also flavored with cumin, ginger, and chili pepper for a bit of a kick.
Serve this irresistible vegan side with naan bread to turn it into a full meal or keep it light with a fresh green salad.
4. Instant Pot Dal
Dal is a chunky, spicy, lentil stew that’s perfect for cold evenings when you want something satisfying but healthy.
This Instant Pot version cooks the lentils quickly, so there’s no hanging around the kitchen, anxiously watching the pot.
You’ll simply saute your onions and spices, stir in lentils, water, and chopped tomatoes, then set it and walk away.
In less than 30 minutes, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a fragrant feast ready to go!
5. Instant Pot Naan Bread
Indian meals are great on their own, but they’re even better with a side of soft, chewy naan bread.
This traditional flatbread is perfect for soaking up sauces and scooping up that last meaty morsel.
With this easy DIY recipe, you can make your own using the Instant Pot.
Set the pressure cooker to ‘yogurt’ mode and use this to proof the yeast.
Once the dough has risen, you’ll just need to give it a quick fry, turning it golden brown and ready to eat.
6. Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is the Indian version of creamed spinach, but with more of a kick.
Spinach and paneer cheese are cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices.
If your local grocery store doesn’t stock paneer, just use cottage cheese. It may not be as authentic, but it’s just as delicious.
7. Chicken Jalfrezi
According to culinary legend, the ‘jalfrezi’ in chicken jalfrezi means cooking quickly or frying.
This delicious, fuss-free curry was originally created to use up leftover chicken by frying it up with tomatoes, onion, and spices.
You’ll use the saute function on your Instant Pot for this one.
You’ll quickly fry the chicken piece, onions, and spices, before pouring in some stock and tomatoes.
Then all you have to do is hit the button and let the Instant Pot do its thing.
8. Lamb Rogan Josh
Rogan josh is a staple of Kashmiri cuisine.
Made with braised lamb, it’s usually an all-day affair but the Instant Pot saves the day.
Once you’ve marinated your meat, it’s just a matter of throwing it into the cooker.
It takes 10 minutes for tender lamb and 15 minutes for fall-off-the-fork lamb.
Flavored with cinnamon and smoked paprika, lamb rogan josh has a distinctively smoky, sweet taste that’ll linger long after the last bite.
9. Instant Pot Jeera Rice
Jeera rice is a way to fancy up your plain old basmati, without too much work in the kitchen.
The magic ingredient here is cumin seeds. These are toasted to increase their sweet, nutty flavor then added to basmati rice.
Add a sprinkling of cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf then let your Instant Pot do the work.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy fluffy basmati that tastes downright addictive.
10. Mushroom Masala
Make your next masala vegetarian with this amazing recipe for mushroom curry.
Earthy mushrooms are simmered in a tomato-based broth, scented with tongue-tingling spices.
Stir in creamy coconut milk (or cashew paste if nut-free) right before serving and sprinkle a garnish of fresh cilantro over the top.
This bright bowl isn’t just healthy, it’s also insanely tasty.
11. Instant Pot Mint Pulao
Bright, fresh, and minty, this pulao is an unusual mix of flavors that somehow work beautifully together.
It’s a rice side, flavored with fresh mint and chopped veggies. You can adapt this to taste by choosing your favorite vegetables.
The recipe uses potatoes, but corn, carrots, and peas would also be delicious.
12. Instant Pot Masala Chai
Masala chai is a strong Indian tea, flavored with milk and aromatic spices.
It takes just 30 minutes to make this creamy, savory-sweet beverage in the Instant Pot.
I love it because you can easily make a big batch and put the leftovers in the fridge. There’s nothing like iced masala chai on a hot day!
13. Instant Pot Chana Masala
Chana masala is a tomato-based curry with chickpeas. It’s a simple but hearty vegetarian comfort food.
There’s not too much gravy with this curry, so you can easily serve it as a side. Or add naan bread and rice for a main dish.
14. Mushroom Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice, tender mushrooms, and fresh herbs make this vegetarian biryani one to keep.
This one-pot meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it your next must-try midweek meal.
15. Instant Pot Baingan Bharta
Baingan bharta consists of mashed eggplant heaped with lots of delicious spices.
Tangy and tempting, it’s an easy vegetarian option if you’re catering a potluck or hosting a plant-based gathering.
16. Vegetable Korma
Fun fact – I was obsessed with restaurant korma as a child.
I’m still addicted as an adult but now I can make my own thanks to this easy recipe and my handy Instant Pot.
Creamy, rich, and very mild, this is a curry for people who don’t really like curries.
This version is made with turmeric, coconut milk, and a whole load of fresh veggies.
17. Aloo Matar
Aloo matar is another great vegetable side dish, made with potatoes and peas.
This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, but don’t worry.
It turns out you won’t need meat or grains to make a delicious dish of curried veggies.
18. Instant Pot Macaroni Tikka Masala
Yep, this is a weird one. But it works.
Italian meets Indian in this fusion dish which pairs macaroni with masala.
Creamy, filling, and not too spicy, it’s perfect for kids who don’t like curry. In fact, this could be their gateway food.
Today, they’re having macaroni masala, tomorrow they’ll be clamoring for fiery hot vindaloo.
19. Pav Bhaji
Pav bhaji is what happens when you mash together vegetables with tangy tomatoes and a whole lot of spices.
It takes its name (and its deliciousness) from the pav bhaji spice blend, the foundation of this aromatic dish.
Don’t worry if you can’t find it though, as this easy recipe gives you all the info you need to make your own homemade version.
20. Beetroot Thoran
Shredded beets, coconut, spices, and a dash of zesty lime are all you’ll need to throw together this unique and tasty side dish.
Ready in 20 minutes, it’s an impressive array of flavors, inspired by the tangy tastes of Southern India.
21. Instant Pot Idli
Idli are soft rice cakes that are so deliciously moist, you’ll think you’re eating air.
Steamed in the Instant Pot, they fluff up to perfection.
Serve them with something saucy because these tiny treats are great for soaking up spicy juices.
22. Instant Pot Vegetable Manchurian
This irresistible side dish is a wonderful blend of Indian and Chinese cuisine.
If veggie meatballs simmered in a tangy gravy, sounds like your idea of a good time, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe.
23. Instant Pot Badam Halwa
Indian meals aren’t just about the mains.
This dense pudding, made with almond flour and ghee, proves that the country can do cake just as well as curries.
24. Instant Pot Kheer
Kheer is Indian rice pudding, made with milk and sugar.
If you want an extra kick, add a touch of cardamom and cinnamon. This spicy-sweet pudding is the ultimate winter comfort food.
25. Instant Pot Carrot Halwa
Naturally sweet, carrots are a great veggie to sneak into puddings.
Trick the kids with this delicious Indian-inspired carrot porridge.
Flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts and raisins, it’s a one-of-a-kind dessert that leaves you wanting more.
25 Best Instant Pot Indian Recipe Collection
These Instant Pot Indian recipes make for exotic meals in a flash! From masala to naan bread to jeera rice, it’s easy to whip up a fast Indian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep an Indian recipe in 30 minutes or less!
