Unleashing the Secret: Mastering Matta Rice in Your Instant Pot – A Step-by-Step Guide

Rice is a staple food for many cultures around the world and there are countless ways to prepare and enjoy it. If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of Matta rice, also known as rosematta rice or Kerala red rice. This unique variety of rice is popular for its nutty flavor and nutritional benefits. Are you interested in learning how to cook Matta rice in an Instant Pot? Look no further, because in this article we will guide you through the steps to perfectly cooked Matta rice. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked rice and hello to a delicious and wholesome meal. So let’s get started on this culinary adventure together!

What is Matta Rice?

Matta rice, also known as Rosematta or Palakkadan matta rice, is a popular staple food in Kerala, India. It is a variety of parboiled red rice that has a distinct earthy flavor and rich nutrient content. This rice has been traditionally grown in the Palakkad region of Kerala using organic methods, making it a healthier option compared to white rice. Matta rice is excellent for making dishes like biryani, idlis, dosas, and other traditional South Indian cuisines.

What are the Benefits of Using an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is essentially a multi-cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer all in one pot. The use of an Instant Pot saves time, energy and produces healthier meals by taking away the need for numerous separate cooking devices. It can cook food up to 70% faster than traditional methods while retaining essential nutrients and flavors.

How to Prepare Matta Rice for Cooking in an Instant Pot

Before we delve into the process of cooking matta rice in an Instant Pot let’s take a look at how to prepare the rice. Start by rinsing the rice under running water until the water runs clear. Then soak it for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking; this step will help soften the grains and make them easier to digest.

Pressure Cooking Method

To cook matta rice using the pressure cooking method in an instant pot follow these simple steps:

1. Add one cup rinsed and soaked matta rice with two cups of water into your instant pot.
2. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing” mode.
3. Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on your instant pot and set it for eight minutes on high pressure.
4. Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for ten minutes before turning the valve to release any remaining pressure.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Rice Setting Method

The rice setting method is another easy way to cook matta rice in an Instant Pot. Here’s how:

1. Add one cup of rinsed and soaked matta rice with one and a half cups of water into your instant pot.
2. Close the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing” mode.
3. Select the “Rice” button on your instant pot, which is typically programmed for 12 minutes on high-pressure mode.
4. Allow natural pressure release for ten minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Tips for Perfectly Cooking Matta Rice in an Instant Pot

• To avoid overcooked or burnt rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking as this will prevent any burnt particles from sticking to the bottom of your instant pot.
• Soaking matta rice beforehand will result in softer grains after cooking; however, you can skip this step if you’re running short on time.
• Matta Rice tends to absorb more water than other varieties; hence, it’s essential to maintain a 1:2 ratio of rice to water when cooking it in an instant pot.
• If using other ingredients like vegetables or meat along with your matta rice, make sure they are cut into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Stir the rice with a fork after cooking to help evenly distribute any excess water and make the grains fluffier.

Why You Should Add Matta Rice to Your Diet Now!

Adding Matta rice to your diet is an excellent way to introduce a healthier alternative to the bright or jasmine white rice. This highly nutritious rice is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. It has a low glycemic index, making it an ideal choice for diabetics as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Matta rice is also gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or those looking to follow a gluten-free lifestyle.

Cooking Matta rice in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process that requires minimal effort while providing numerous health benefits. Its unique flavor profile and versatility in using various cooking methods make it a popular choice among chefs worldwide. So, if you haven’t tried it yet, grab some matta rice on your next trip to the grocery store and give this delicious and nutritious grain a chance to take center stage at your next meal!

What is Matta Rice?

Matta rice, also known as Kerala red rice or palakkadan matta, is a type of short-grained rice that originates from the Palakkad region in the state of Kerala, India. It is typically reddish-brown in color and has a unique nutty flavor.

This variety of rice is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of protein and contains essential amino acids that are vital for our body’s growth and development. Matta rice also has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes to include in their diet.

Due to its health benefits and delicious taste, matta rice has gained popularity not only in India but also around the world. It is widely used in South Indian cuisine for making dishes like idli, dosa, and appam. However, cooking it perfectly can be quite tricky. That’s where an instant pot comes into play.

What is an Instant Pot?

An instant pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that has taken the culinary world by storm. It can be used for cooking a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, curries, rice, and even desserts. The best part? It significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods.

Instant pots operate on the principle of pressure cooking. They use pressure to build up steam inside the pot and cook food at high temperatures quickly. This method allows food to retain its nutrients while tenderizing tough ingredients like meats and grains.

Now that we have an understanding of what matta rice and instant pots are let’s see how we can cook this delicious grain using this modern kitchen appliance.

Preparing Matta Rice Before Cooking

Before you start cooking matta rice in your instant pot, there are a few essential steps you need to follow. The first step is to measure the rice accurately. For every cup of rice, you will need two cups of water.

Next, you need to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any impurities or excess starch. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and wash it under cold running water until the water runs clear.

After washing, let the rice soak in water for about 20 minutes. Soaking helps soften the grains and reduces cooking time. Make sure to drain the excess water from the soaked rice before adding it to your instant pot.

Steps for Cooking Matta Rice in an Instant Pot

Step 1: Plug in your instant pot and press the ‘Saute’ button. Let it heat up for a minute, and then add a tablespoon of oil or ghee.

Step 2: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds or mustard seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.

Step 3: Now add any vegetables or spices of your choice, like onions, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, turmeric powder, etc., and saute for a minute or two.

Step 4: Add washed and drained matta rice to the pot and stir well with all other ingredients.

Step 5: Measure and add double the amount of water than the quantity of rice (in this case four cups). You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Step 6: Close the lid of your instant pot and make sure that the venting knob is secured in the ‘sealing’ position.

Step 7: Press ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode on your instant pot and adjust cooking time by using ‘+’ or ‘-‘ buttons; usually takes around 8-10 minutes on high pressure for matta rice.

Step 8: After cooking time has elapsed; let the instant pot release pressure naturally for 10-15 minutes then open the lid using Quick Release method.

Step 9: Fluff the rice with a fork; if you find excess water, turn on ‘Saute’ mode and cook till excess moisture is absorbed.

Voila! Your perfectly cooked, nutritious, and delicious matta rice is ready to be enjoyed.

You can serve it as a side dish with your favorite curry or use it as a base for a variety of dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making sushi or risotto using matta rice in your instant pot.

Tips for Cooking Matta Rice in an Instant Pot

– Be sure to follow the ratio of 1:2 for rice and water/liquid.
– You can add any vegetables or whole spices of your choice to enhance the flavor.
– Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
– Adding a teaspoon of oil or ghee while cooking will help prevent the rice from sticking at the bottom.
– Soaking rice for 20 minutes before cooking helps reduce cooking time and enhance texture.
– Letting the pressure release naturally after cooking ensures that the grains are evenly cooked and avoids sogginess.
– You can also add

1. How do I cook Matta rice in an instant pot?
To cook Matta rice in an instant pot, first rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add 1 cup of Matta rice and 1.5 cups of water to the instant pot. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to ‘Sealing’. Press the ‘Pressure Cook’ button and adjust the time to 15-20 minutes depending on your preference for texture. Once it’s done cooking, allow natural release for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid.

2. Can I use regular rice setting on my instant pot to cook Matta rice?
No, it is not recommended to use the regular rice setting on your instant pot for cooking Matta rice as it has a longer cooking time compared to other types of rice. Instead, use the ‘Pressure Cook’ feature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Why is my Matta rice coming out mushy in the instant pot?
One possible reason for mushy Matta rice could be using too much water or not allowing enough natural release time after cooking. Make sure you are using a ratio of 1:1.5 of rice to water and allow at least 10 minutes natural release before opening the lid.

4. Can I cook other ingredients with Matta rice in my instant pot?
Yes, you can certainly add other ingredients like vegetables or meats along with your Matta rice in the instant pot for a one-pot meal. However, make sure to adjust the amount of liquid needed accordingly and refer to online resources for specific cooking times.

5. Should I rinse Matta rice before cooking it in an instant pot?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse Matta Rice before cooking it in an instant pot as it helps remove any excess starch and results in fluffier rice.

6. Can I use the manual button to cook Matta rice in an instant pot?
Yes, you can use the manual or pressure cook button to cook Matta rice in an instant pot. It is the same function, the only difference being the labeling on different models of instant pots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to your preference for texture.

In conclusion, cooking Matta rice in an Instant Pot is a quick and efficient way to enjoy this nutritious and flavorful rice variety. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked Matta rice in a fraction of the time it would take to cook on the stovetop.

The first step is to properly rinse the rice to remove any excess starch and impurities, which can affect its texture and taste. Then, soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking can help it cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too mushy.

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature allows the Matta rice to be cooked in just 8-10 minutes, providing convenience for busy individuals or families. The natural release method ensures that the grains are not overcooked or stick together.

It’s also important to use the appropriate water-to-rice ratio and add any additional ingredients, such as spices or vegetables, to enhance the flavor of the dish. The versatility of an Instant Pot allows for endless variations of Matta rice recipes that are sure to please anyone’s taste buds.

Furthermore, choosing Matta rice as a staple in your diet has several health benefits. Its high fiber content aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also contains essential nutrients like iron and