Cauliflower Pulao (Gobi Pulao) recipe is an easy and flavorful pulao/pilaf prepared using cauliflower, green peas and spices in the Instant Pot Pressure cooker.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For Cauliflower Marination:

  • 3 cups cauliflower florets ((about 1 inch 15 florets))
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • teaspoon salt (to taste)

Whole Spices:

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds

Other Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 large tomato (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
  • 1.5 cups water
  • salt (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves

Method

Instant Pot Method:

  1. Take cauliflower florets, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This step is optional. If you don't have time you can directly add to the pot.
  2. Press SAUTE mode on Instant Pot. Add oil and once it's hot add all the whole spices. Saute for 30 seconds till aromatic.
  3. Add sliced onions, ginger garlic paste, and saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and light brown in color – stir regularly.
  4. Next add chopped tomatoes, dry spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and cook for another 2 minutes till tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
  5. Then add the marinated cauliflower, green peas, salt, and water. Make sure to Deglaze the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits and avoid BURN Alert.
  6. Next add rinsed Basmati Rice, salt and mix everything well.
  7. Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
  8. Wait for Natural Pressure Release (NPR). If you don't have time then do a Quick Release (QR). Remove lid away from you, Squeeze some lime juice and sprinkle coriander leaves.
  9. Cauliflower Pulao (Gobi Pulao) is ready. Serve with raita or plain yogurt.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:

  1. Follow the same steps and close the lid place a whistle and cook for 1 whistle on medium flame.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.