When you first start cooking rice, it’s easier to get confused and think about how many whistles are needed to cook rice in a pressure cooker. But worry no more because we have got you covered.
How Many Whistles For Rice In A Pressure Cooker?
- Basmati Rice: 1 Whistle (Keep it for 5 minutes)
- Brown Rice: 2 Whistles
- Plain White Rice (Boiled Rice/Pakka Chawal): 3 Whistles (Mostly used in West Bengal and Southern India)
- Plain White Rice (Kachcha Chawal): 1 Whistle (Mostly used in North and Central India)
By the way, if you are looking for the best pressure cookers, don’t forget to check out my guide on the best 3 L pressure cookers in India. In that guide, I have shared my top picks and also explained how to choose the best pressure cookers.
1. Basmati Rice In Pressure Cooker
What Is Basmati Rice? Quick Overview
Basmati rice is a type of long-grain rice that is known for its smell and taste. It has long, thin grains that become fluffy when cooked. This makes it a popular choice for a wide range of recipes.
It has a special smell that is both sweet and floral. Adding this scent to a dish makes it taste even better.
Steps To Prepare:
- Rinse the rice well under cold water to start. This helps get rid of any extra starch and dirt. Rinse until the water no longer looks dirty.
- Then, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. This step lets the grains soak up water, which makes the cooking more even.
- Use a fine-mesh sieve to drain the rice after it has been soaked. It’s important to get rid of extra water to ensure cooking goes well.
- Once the water is gone, measure out the amount of basmati rice you need for your recipe. Always use measure-cups to get the right amount.
- Add 1.5 cups of water to each cup of basmati rice. This measure ensures that the rice cooks properly and soaks up the right amount of water.
As for how long it takes to cook, one whistle on the pressure cooker is enough.
Once the whistle goes off, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and let it cook for 5 minutes. This step keeps the water in the rice and lets it finish cooking slowly.
Then, turn off the heat and let the pressure come down on its own before opening the lid of the pressure cooker.
2. Brown Rice In Pressure Cooker
What Is Brown Rice? Quick Overview
Brown rice is a healthy whole grain. Brown rice includes bran and germ, making it healthier than white rice.
It is chewy and nutty. Its earthy flavor enhances foods. Due to its outer layers, brown rice takes longer to cook.
Steps To Prepare:
- Cold-rinse the rice first. Rinsing grains removes dirt, debris, and starch. Rinsing until the water runs clear ensures clean, ready-to-cook rice.
- After washing, soak brown rice.
- Drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer after rinsing and soaking. This removes water before cooking. Proper drainage ensures the right water-to-rice ratio and texture.
- Add 2 cups of water to 1 cup of brown rice. This ratio ensures rice cooks correctly and absorbs enough moisture to become soft.
By the way, if you have a rice cooker and struggle determining water ratios, I highly recommend checking out this guide on how much water is needed in rice cookers.
In a pressure cooker, two whistles are usually enough for brown rice. After adding rice and water to the pressure cooker, shut the lid and bring it to pressure. Let it cook for two whistles when pressure is achieved.
After two whistles, turn off the heat and let the pressure escape naturally. This lets the rice cook slowly in the remaining heat without turning mushy.
Carefully open the pressure cooker cover, fluff the rice with a spatula, and enjoy.
3. Plain White Rice (Pakka Chawal) In A Pressure Cooker
What Is Pakka Chawal? Quick Overview
Plain white rice, also known as boiled rice or Pakka Chawal, is a popular staple in India, particularly in West Bengal and Southern India.
It is a versatile accompaniment to various dishes and forms the foundation of many culinary creations.
Steps To Prepare:
- To prepare the rice for pressure cooking, start by rinsing it under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Swirl the rice in the water and repeat until the water runs clear.
- Next, soak the rice in fresh water for about 30 minutes to hydrate the grains evenly.
- Drain the rice thoroughly after soaking to remove excess water.
- For perfectly cooked rice in a pressure cooker, use a water-to-rice ratio of 1:2. This means adding two cups of water for every cup of rice. This ratio ensures the grains absorb enough moisture for a fluffy and flavorful outcome.
- Once you’ve added the water and rice to the pressure cooker, securely close the lid.
- Set the pressure cooker on normal heat and allow it to reach full pressure.
Let the rice cook for three whistles, which allows enough time for the grains to absorb the water and cook thoroughly, resulting in tender rice.
4. Plain White Rice (Kachcha Chawal) In A Pressure Cooker
What Is Kachcha Chawal? Quick Overview
Plain white rice, also known as “kachcha chawal,” is a popular variety in North and Central India.
Steps To Prepare:
- Rinse the rice to remove excess starch, soak it in fresh water to ensure even hydration, and drain well.
- Use a water-to-rice ratio of 1:1.5, adding one and a half cups of water for every cup of rice.
- After adding water and rice to the pressure cooker, secure the lid and heat on medium until full pressure is reached.
Let it cook for one whistle. These simple steps result in perfectly tender and delicious plain white rice.
How Long Is A Whistle In A Pressure Cooker?
As a general rule, one whistle in a pressure cooker takes about 3-5 minutes. This time can vary depending on the aforementioned conditions, e.g., lower or higher heat will affect cooking time.
The duration of a whistle depends on factors like:
- Heat source
- Size of the pressure cooker
- Amount of water
- Amount of food inside it
It’s also important to understand that for different recipes, there might be different numbers of whistles required based on what you’re cooking and its given recipe instructions.
For instance, if you need 3 whistles in your pressure cooker, then it will take around 9-15 minutes (because each whistle will take 3-5 minutes); similarly, 4 whistles equate to around 12-20 minutes.
It is more important to follow the number of whistles rather than trying to figure out an exact cooking time.
Ultimately, the number of whistles indicates when your food is well-cooked, as it signifies the right amount of pressure building up inside the cooker according to the recipe requirements.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Rice In A Pressure Cooker?
Here’s a table outlining the cooking times for various types of rice in a pressure cooker:
| Type of Rice | Water Ratio | Number of Whistles | Approximate Cooking Time |
| Basmati Rice | 1:1.5 | 1 | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Brown Rice | 1:2 | 2 | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Plain White Rice (Boiled Rice/Pakka Chawal) | 1:2 | 3 | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Plain White Rice (Kachcha Chawal) | 1:1.5 | 1 | 15 to 20 minutes |
When cooking rice in a pressure cooker, several factors come into play that determine the cooking time.
These factors include the type of rice, water ratio, number of whistles, heat source, size of the pressure cooker, and the amount of water and food inside it.
Understanding these factors will help you achieve perfectly cooked rice every time.
Remember that, in general, for any type of rice, it typically takes about 10-15 minutes before you start hearing the whistles. This time allows for the steam and pressure to build up inside the pressure cooker until it reaches a point where the whistle releases the excess steam.
The whistle acts as a vent to remove the accumulated steam from the pressure cooker.
Rice Cooking: Pressure Cooker vs. Rice Cooker
Pressure cookers and rice cookers offer distinct features that set them apart from each other:
- Pressure Cookers: These appliances excel in cooking rice faster at higher temperatures and pressures. However, it’s important to keep track of the number of whistles to prevent overcooking your food.
- Rice Cookers: If you find keeping track of whistles a hassle or prefer a hands-off cooking experience, a rice cooker may be the ideal choice for you. Rice cookers can keep your rice warm and moist for extended periods of time, which is particularly convenient for individuals living alone. Check out this guide to learn more about the best rice cookers in India.
Consider your cooking needs, lifestyle, and preferences when deciding between a pressure cooker and a rice cooker. Each appliance has its own unique advantages that can enhance your rice cooking experience.
In a nutshell, whether you opt for the speed and high temperatures of a pressure cooker or the convenience and simplicity of a rice cooker, both appliances can help you achieve perfectly cooked rice.
Choose the one that suits your cooking style and enjoy delicious rice dishes easily.
How Do You Know When Rice Is Cooked In A Pressure Cooker?
Cooking rice to perfection can be easily achieved by using a pressure cooker with the right knowledge and practice. The following steps will guide you on how to determine if the rice is cooked just right:
1. Use Whistles as an Indicator:
Each type of rice requires a specific number of whistles for optimal cooking. Refer to the recommended number of whistles for the particular type of rice you are cooking. Once the required number of whistles is reached, turn off the heat.
2. Allow Natural Pressure Release:
After turning off the heat, it is important to wait for the pressure to release naturally. This helps in ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and avoids any risk of undercooking.
3. Check for Completion:
Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker. Check for the following signs to determine if the rice is cooked properly:
- Fluffy Grains: The rice grains should be fluffy and separate, indicating that they are cooked thoroughly.
- Moist but Not Dry: The cooked rice should have a slight moisture content, but it should not be overly dry.
- Testing the Texture: Take a small sample of rice and taste it to ensure it is soft and tender without being mushy.
Final Thoughts
In short, cooking rice in a pressure cooker can be a rewarding experience once you understand the whistles and ratios for different types of rice.
Remember to follow the recommended number of whistles for each type of rice and allow for natural pressure release. When checking for doneness, look for fluffy grains that are moist but not dry, and test the texture to ensure it is soft and tender.
Whether you choose a pressure cooker or a rice cooker, consider factors like convenience, speed, energy efficiency, versatility, space availability, budget, and personal preference.
Both appliances have their unique advantages that can enhance your rice cooking experience.
Remember, cooking rice in a pressure cooker is all about finding the right balance of rice, water ratios, and cooking times. Invest in good quality rice and clean water, a quality pressure cooker, and enjoy the journey of preparing delicious rice dishes that will impress everyone. Happy cooking!