how to cook rice in a cooker
how to cook rice in a cooker is a easy Indian recipe that serves 3. 1200 calories per serving. Recipe by Sasi Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $23.99 total, $8.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice (regular or aged) (approximately 340 g; use a standard measuring cup (tamlar) for consistency)
- 6 cups Water (1:3 rice‑to‑water ratio for older rice; use 2 cups water per cup rice if the rice is very fresh)
Instructions
Measure Rice
Measure 2 tamlar (≈170 g each) of rice into a bowl.
Time: PT2M
Rinse Rice
Place the rice in a fine‑mesh sieve, rinse under running water, stir, and drain. Repeat the rinse a second time.
Time: PT6M
First Soak
Cover the rinsed rice with fresh water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Drain and Add Measured Water
Drain the soaking water, then add 6 tamlar (≈6 cups) of fresh water to the rice.
Time: PT2M
Second Soak
Let the rice sit in the measured water for another 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Transfer to Pressure Cooker
Pour the rice and water into the pressure cooker. Close the lid without engaging the weight/whistle yet.
Time: PT2M
Bring to High Heat
Place the cooker on high flame. Wait until the first steam (or whistle) appears.
Time: PT3M
Pressure Cook
Once steam appears, place the weight/whistle, reduce heat to medium‑low, and set a timer for 15 minutes (12 minutes for very fresh rice).
Time: PT15M
Release Pressure & Fluff
After the timer ends, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally (about 5 minutes). Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Time: PT5M
Serve or Keep Warm
Serve the rice immediately, or keep the cooker closed and place it in a hot box for up to 30 minutes.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1200
- Protein
- 8 g per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 88 g per serving
- Fat
- 1 g per serving
- Fiber
- 1 g per serving
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rice (regular or aged): Basmati rice, Short‑grain rice, Brown rice (increase water by ¼ cup)
- Instead of Water: Filtered water, Boiled and cooled water
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Measuring Cup (Tamlar)
- Large Bowl
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Stove
- Timer (phone or kitchen timer)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soak the rice for the full 30 minutes each time.
- Maintain the 1:3 rice‑to‑water ratio (adjust for fresh rice).
- Do not open the pressure cooker before the steam has fully escaped.
- Set the correct cooking timer (15 min for aged rice, 12 min for fresh rice).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Older or slightly stale rice gives the fluffiest texture because it absorbs water more evenly.
- After fluffing, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes – this finishes the steam process.
- For extra fragrance, add a few whole cloves or a small piece of cinnamon to the water before cooking.
Troubleshooting
Rice is too hard after cooking.
Add ¼ cup more water and cook an additional 2‑3 minutes under pressure.
Rice is mushy or sticky.
Reduce water by ¼ cup and ensure the rice was well rinsed before soaking.
Rice sticks to the bottom of the cooker.
Make sure the lid is sealed properly and use a non‑stick pressure cooker or lightly oil the bottom before adding rice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned bags for up to 1 month; reheat with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not keep cooked rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours (risk of bacterial growth).
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice a day ahead, cool quickly, and store in the fridge; reheat with a few drops of water in a microwave or steamer.
- Portion the rice into freezer‑safe bags for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of plain rice in South Indian cuisine?
Rice is the staple grain of South India, traditionally grown in the monsoon‑rich paddies of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It forms the base of daily meals, festivals, and rituals, symbolizing prosperity and sustenance.
What are the traditional regional variations of plain rice in Indian cuisine?
In Tamil Nadu, rice is often served as steamed ‘sadam’; in Kerala, it may be cooked with coconut water for ‘cherupayar’. In North India, the same grain is prepared as ‘basmati’ pulao with aromatic spices.
How is perfect pressure‑cooker rice traditionally served in Tamil households?
It is typically served hot in a stainless steel ‘thali’ alongside sambar, rasam, or curried vegetables. The rice is fluffed with a fork and kept covered to retain steam until the family eats together.
What occasions or celebrations is plain rice associated with in Indian culture?
Rice is present at every major Indian celebration – from daily puja offerings to festivals like Pongal, Onam, and Diwali, where it symbolizes abundance and is often prepared as a special ‘sweet rice’ or ‘payasam’.
What makes pressure‑cooker rice special compared to traditional stovetop methods in Indian cooking?
The pressure cooker shortens cooking time dramatically while locking in steam, resulting in uniformly fluffy grains without the need for constant stirring, which is especially helpful for busy households.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pressure‑cooker rice?
Common errors include using too much water, opening the cooker before the steam has fully escaped, and not rinsing the rice enough, all of which can lead to mushy or unevenly cooked rice.
Why does this recipe use a 1:3 rice‑to‑water ratio instead of the usual 1:2 for stovetop rice?
In a pressure cooker the water does not evaporate as quickly, so a slightly higher ratio ensures the grains stay hydrated and achieve the desired fluffy texture without drying out.
Can I make this pressure‑cooker rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cool the rice quickly, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze in portioned bags for up to a month. Reheat with a splash of water to restore steam.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the rice is done?
The grains should be separate, glossy, and slightly firm to the bite (al dente). There should be no excess water at the bottom of the cooker.
How do I know when the pressure‑cooker rice is fully cooked?
When the timer finishes, let the pressure release naturally; open the lid and fluff the rice. If the grains are still hard, replace the lid and cook for another 2‑3 minutes.
What does the YouTube channel Sasi Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sasi Cooks focuses on simple, home‑cooked Indian recipes, especially Tamil‑style dishes, with clear step‑by‑step demonstrations for beginners.
How does the YouTube channel Sasi Cooks' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Sasi Cooks emphasizes practical, everyday cooking techniques, uses minimal equipment, and often explains the why behind each step, making the recipes very accessible for home cooks with limited kitchen tools.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
