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One-Pot Spiced Ribs & Rice

4.34 from 3 votes
Fall-off-the-bonelong ribs, fluffy basmati rice and bold Swahili inspired spices…cooked togetherin one pressure cooker. This is your new favorite comfort meal, and theinternet agrees!

Ingredients

For the Ribs

  • 1.5 kg beef or lamb ribs; thick cut
  • 1 bulb garlic peeled and smashed
  • 2 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 4-5 cardamom pods whole
  • ½ tsp chili flakes adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp whole black peppercorns
  • salt to taste Himalayan salt by Al Wali brand recommended
  • 4-5 cloves whole
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium onions sliced
  • 1 small bunch fresh coriander stems and leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp vinegar white or apple cider
  • water enough to cover the meat

For the Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice washed and soaked for 20 minutes

Instructions

How to Make One-Pot Ribs & Rice in a Pressure Cooker

  • Using the sauté mode, heat olive oil in your pressure cooker. Add the meat, garlic, cumin seeds, cumin powder, cinnamon, cardamom,chili flakes, black peppercorns, salt, whole cloves. Brown the ribs on all sides to lock in flavor.
  • Add sliced onions and coriander.
  • Add tomato paste and cook it out. Then pour in enough water to just cover the ribs and add vinegar.
  • Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
  • Once done, release the pressure and stir in the soaked rice.
  • Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes (I find this to be the sweet spot). Let the pressure release naturally for 5–10 minutes before fluffing.
  • Gently fluff the rice and serve hot. Garnish with extra coriander or a wedge of lemon if desired.

Notes

My tips for the best results

  • Use fresh whole spices for maximum aroma and flavor.
  • Don't skip browning the ribs, it creates a deep, meaty flavor.
  • Do NOT add too much water to the meat during the first cook.
  • My go-to ratio for perfect rice every time? 1½ cups of liquid for each cup of uncooked rice.
  • Leftovers can be stored and taste even better the next day.
  • Serve with kachumbari, plain yogurt or a fresh salad.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Arabic, Swahili
Keyword: easy dinner ideas with rice, Instant Pot ribs and rice, lamb ribs with rice, One-pot rib recipe, spiced beef ribs, swahili food, viral