In Instant Pot

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup basmati rice soaked 15-30 minutes
  • 3 tablespoons ghee
  • ⅓ cup cashews halved
  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins

Whole Spices

From this great Indian Stainless Steel Spice Container

  • cardamom pods
  • whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaf
  • ½ cinnamon stick
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds

  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • 1 ½ pounds skinless and boneless chicken thighs cut into quarters

Ground Spices

  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves chopped

Instructions 

  • Soak the basmati rice in cold water for 15-30 minutes. Drain, rinse and set aside.
  • Press the sauté button. Add the ghee to the pot. When it melts, add the cashews and raisins. Stir-fry until the cashews begin to turn golden. Remove the cashews and raisins. Set aside.
  • Add the whole spices and stir. Once they begin to sizzle add the onions. Stir-fry for 6-7 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
  • Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  • Add the chicken and stir-fry 6-7 minutes or until the outside of the chicken is no longer pink.
  • Add the ground spices and mix to coat the chicken.
  • Dump the rice on top of the chicken (do not mix). Add water.
  • Sprinkle half the cilantro and mint on top of the rice.
  • Secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook for 6 minutes at high pressure.
  • Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
  • Discard the whole spices. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and mint and garnish with the ghee-coated cashews and raisins.