Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to make delicious and flavorful Matar Rice in a pressure cooker. Matar Rice, also known as Peas Pulao, is a popular Indian dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with aromatic spices and peas. This one-pot dish is not only easy to make, but it is also a perfect option for a quick and tasty meal.
To start making Matar Rice, you will need a pressure cooker, which helps to cook the rice and peas quickly and evenly. The secret to making perfectly cooked rice is the ratio of rice to water, we will be using 1:2 ratio; for every cup of rice, we will add two cups of water. The spices and peas add a burst of flavor and color to the dish, making it both visually appealing and delicious.
This recipe is ideal for those who are new to cooking or those who are looking for a hassle-free meal option. By following our simple instructions, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying plate of Matar Rice in no time. So, let’s get started and learn how to make Matar Rice in a pressure cooker!
How To Prepare Matar Rice
Matar Rice is a delicious and nutritious rice dish that is made with green peas and aromatic spices. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in a pressure cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepare Matar Rice:
- First, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes and then drain.
- Heat some ghee or oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds. Let the cumin seeds crackle.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell goes away.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
- Add green peas, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Add the soaked and drained rice to the pressure cooker and sauté for a minute.
- Add water in a 1:2 ratio with rice. For example, if you are using 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water.
- Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook the rice on medium heat for 2 whistles.
- Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Matar Rice is now ready to be served. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or yogurt.
This simple recipe for Matar Rice is perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish. Enjoy the flavors of the aromatic spices and the sweetness of the green peas in this delicious rice dish!
Ingredients For Matar Rice
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Matar Rice:
1 cup Basmati rice |
1 cup green peas |
1 onion, finely chopped |
2 tomatoes, finely chopped |
2 green chillies, slit |
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste |
1 teaspoon cumin seeds |
1 teaspoon garam masala |
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder |
1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder |
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) |
2 tablespoons oil |
Salt to taste |
Coriander leaves for garnishing |
Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you begin cooking for a smooth and hassle-free preparation process.
Step-by-Step Guide To Cook Matar Rice
Matar rice is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish made with basmati rice and green peas. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Follow these simple steps to make matar rice in a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Step 2: Prepare the rice
Wash the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, and then drain the water.
Step 3: Sauté the ingredients
Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onion and green chilies. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
Step 4: Add spices and tomatoes
Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, and red chili powder to the onion mixture. Sauté for a minute, and then add chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
Step 5: Add rice and peas
Add soaked and drained rice to the pressure cooker. Mix well with the onion and tomato mixture. Then, add green peas and salt. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Cook the rice
Add water to the pressure cooker and cover it with the lid. Cook on medium heat for 2 whistles or until the rice is cooked perfectly. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Step 7: Fluff and garnish
Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your delicious matar rice is now ready to be served. Serve it hot with raita or any side dish of your choice. Enjoy!
Tips To Enhance the Flavor of Matar Rice
While making matar rice in a pressure cooker, there are a few tips you can follow to enhance the flavor of this delicious dish:
1. Toast the spices: Before adding the spices to the pressure cooker, you can toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes. This will help bring out their natural oils and flavors, giving the rice a more aromatic taste.
2. Use homemade ghee: Instead of using store-bought ghee, try making your own at home. Homemade ghee has a rich and distinct flavor that can greatly enhance the taste of the matar rice.
3. Add whole spices: Along with the powdered spices, you can also add whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom to the rice. These spices will infuse their flavors into the dish and make it more fragrant.
4. Sauté the onions: Before adding the rice and vegetables to the pressure cooker, sauté the onions in ghee until they turn translucent. This step will add depth and sweetness to the dish.
5. Marinate the vegetables: To enhance the taste of the vegetables, you can marinate them in a mixture of yogurt and spices before adding them to the rice. This will help the flavors penetrate the vegetables and make them more flavorful.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs: Once the matar rice is cooked, garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves. These herbs will not only add a pop of color but also provide a fresh and aromatic taste to the dish.
7. Squeeze some lemon juice: Just before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the matar rice. The tanginess of the lemon will balance out the flavors and add a refreshing twist to the dish.
By following these tips, you can take your matar rice to the next level and impress your friends and family with its rich and flavorful taste.
FAQ
What is matar rice?
Matar rice is a traditional Indian dish made with rice and green peas. It is a popular and flavorful rice recipe that is commonly prepared in Indian households.
Can I use a regular rice cooker instead of a pressure cooker to make matar rice?
Yes, you can definitely use a regular rice cooker to make matar rice. The cooking process and ingredients remain the same, just adjust the amount of water and cooking time accordingly.