Instant Pot Fiesta Rice

Why cook this Mexican fiesta rice in the Instant Pot

Because I love one-pot meals and lately, I have been cooking my lentils, soup, rice, and curries with the convenience of the Instant Pot.

It’s a great multi-cooker that offers the comfort of hands-free cooking – a real game-changer in the kitchen. Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice

Making Fiesta rice in an Instant Pot is a breeze. 

• Sauté your ingredients
• Add rice and water Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice
• Set the timer, and
• Lock the lid in place.

Enjoy your free time for something else, and return when the timer BEEPS! No mess, and no extensive cleaning required.

This Mexican fiesta rice is truly a no-fuss recipe. Once you make your rice in an Instant Pot, you will never look back. 

What makes up Instant Pot Fiesta Rice

This Instant Pot fiesta rice is packed with corn, black beans, red bell pepper, rice, and fabulous flavors. 

» Black Beans are mostly associated with Mexican cuisine and are often served in enchiladas, soup, and tacos. They are high in magnesium, iron, folate, and minerals. Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice

These beans do share some nutrients in common with corn. Like corn, it contains healthy vitamins and a wide variety of nutrients.

» Corn, itself is a natural antioxidant and a good source of fiber. Add it to any meal for a delicious, wholesome high-fiber diet.

» For that perfect crunch, I have added red bell pepper to my rice. It’s sweet flavor and crunchy texture adds an instant zing to any dish. Besides texture, it provides a boost of nutrition too! 

All in all, this vegan fiesta rice is a nutritional powerhouse!

How to cook Mexican Fiesta Rice in the Instant Pot?

1. Rinse rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Set it aside.

2. Press the ‘saute’ button on the Instant Pot. Once it displays hot, add oil. To the hot oil, add onion and garlic. Instant Pot chana dal with lauki

3. Saute for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft. Instead of chopped tomatoes, you can add tomato puree too.

5. Stir in the black beans, corn, and spices. I have used a can of store-bought black beans and corn for my recipe. I highly recommend that you always rinse and drain the beans/corn before adding it to any recipe.

6. Pour vegetable stock or water into the insert. 

7. Add rinsed rice and stir to combine. Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice

8. Finally, add red bell peppers. Close the Instant Pot with its lid. Turn the venting knob to the sealing position.

Now press the ‘Manual’ button. Cook on ‘High Pressure’ for 6 minutes. Once the Instant Pot beeps, do the QPR (quick pressure release).

As the safety pin drops down, open the lid.

9. Allow the steam to escape. Then gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Serve hot with Sour Cream, Salsa or guacamole.

This one-pot meal is a must-have on our weeknight dinner rotation. Trust me, you and your family will love everything about this recipe. Because,

Mexican Instant Pot fiesta rice is –

• Fresh
• Colorful Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice
• Healthy
• Packed with goodness, 
• Gluten-free,
• Vegan and 
• A budget-friendly meal.

 Enjoy it as is or pair with your favorite soup for a wholesome dinner tonight.  

Variations while making Mexican Fiesta rice

» Bell peppers come is a wide variety of colors. I have used red bell pepper. But feel free to substitute any colored bell pepper for the red one.

» Store-bought black beans and corn are used in this recipe. I highly recommend that you always rinse and drain the beans/corn before adding it to any recipe.

» This is a versatile recipe. Feel free to add ingredients to suit your taste preferences. To up the spice level, you can add jalapeno peppers. 

» For an extra punch of flavor, add 3 tablespoons of salsa to the uncooked rice. 

What other rice can I use for cooking this Mexican fiesta rice

You can use any rice for this recipe. Swap basmati rice with brown rice or jasmine rice. 

» Cooking time for Brown rice – Pressure cook for 15 minutes at high pressure. Do the natural pressure release for 10 minutes, and then do the quick pressure release (turn the sealing knob to venting position).

» Cooking time for Jasmine rice and long-grain rice– Pressure cook for 6 minutes at high pressure. Do the natural pressure release for 10 minutes, and then do the quick pressure release (turn the sealing knob to venting position).

Use 1:1 water ratio for all rice. Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice

Cooktop method-

If you are cooking Mexican rice on a stovetop –  you have to double up on the water. 

• Follow the recipe directions through step 6. 
• Use 2 : 1 ratio. 2 cups of water added to 1 cup of rinsed rice. 
• Cook rice on medium heat for 18-20 minutes until all the water has evaporated.
• After 20 minutes, take the rice off the flame. 
• Let the rice sit covered for 5-7 minutes. 
• After the desired time is over, fluff rice with a fork and enjoy. 

INSTANT POT FIESTA RICE MAKES A GREAT LEFTOVER TOO!

You can make good use of leftover Instant Pot Fiesta Rice the next day. They go well with anything. Some tested and tried options are –

• Stuff leftover vegan fiesta rice in bell peppers and bake
• Fill your burritos or tacos with fiesta rice
• Make tortilla wraps Instant Pot Mexican  fiesta rice
• Fiesta Rice tastes amazing in fajitas
• Simply enjoy this rice with some refried beans. Endless possibilities.

Be creative and turn these leftover rice into a delicious and yummy family-favorite dinner.

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe. Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries, and I would be happy to answer them.

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