Last updated on June 18th, 2025 at 06:47 am
Instant Pot Kerala Rice with step-by-step instructions. Make this antioxidant-rich and nutrient-rich rice for your lunch using your Instant Pot.
I started to really love this rice when one of my relatives put it in payasam. It was so delicious. Made me think that I like how the rice has a little bite to it. Have you tasted orzo pasta? This rice is like that but obviously not pasta.
It naturally has that al dente style texture we all love in pastas. Traditionally it is supposed to take a long time to cook and it is mostly requires a pre soak before cooking it. But thanks to Instant Pot, cooking kerala matta rice has become a whole lot easier.
It comes together in under 30 minutes and you'll have it ready before your gravy / curry is ready. Just like white rice it goes well with south indian curries especially kerala style curries.
What is Kerala matta rice?
Kerala matta rice is very nutritious and is a hard variety of rice compared to white rice. According to this, Kerala matta rice is grown in the Palakkad region of Kerala. Which is like on the border from the town I live in.
Storing this rice:
Like other rice dishes, this instant pot Kerala rice is also best when it is freshly made. You can of course store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a day; just sprinkle some water over it and microwave before using. You can freeze this as well.
Instant Pot Kerala rice/ How to cook red rice:
Making this red rice is so easy, and you'll have this ready for lunch in a jiffy. Let's see how to make this:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Red Rice / Kerala Rice
- 3 cups Water
Instructions:
- Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot. Add the red rice into the Instant Pot. Pour the water in and close with the lid.
- SEAL the vent. Set it to PRESSURE COOK mode for 15 minutes.
- Quick-release the vent after the cooking time. Finally, mix it with a fork after opening.
- Serve it hot with a choice of curry!
Notes:
- Season with ยฝ teaspoon salt if you prefer but it actually tastes nice without salt too.
- For even softer rice, almost mashable consistency, use 3.5 cups of water, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Cooking time and water may vary from one brand to another brand of rice.
Instant Pot Kerala Rice | How to cook Red Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Red Rice / Kerala Rice
- 3 cups Water
Instructions
- Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot. Add the red rice into the Instant Pot. Pour the water in and close with the lid.
- SEAL the vent. Set it to PRESSURE COOK mode for 15 minutes.
- Quick release the vent after the cooking time. Mix it with a fork after opening.
- Serve it hot with choice of curry!
Notes
- Season with ยฝ teaspoon salt if you prefer.
- For even softer rice, almost mashable consistency, use 3.5 cups of water, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Cooking time and water may vary from one brand to another brand of rice.
Suchita says
Please let me know if I use 2 cups then I just increase water to 6 cups of water? Thank you
admingingerskillet says
Hi Suchita
Yes, doubling both the rice and water will work just fine.
Karthik says
This is too much water. I have mush now. I think 1:1 might work better.
nive says
much better and easy way to cook matta rice!