There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of warm rice and lentils. Simple, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying — it’s the kind of meal that feels like home. This Instant Pot Brown Rice with Green Moong, cooked using the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) method, is one of those effortless recipes that delivers both nutrition and flavor with very little effort.
If you are looking for a wholesome meal that is rich in plant protein, fiber, and low-effort, this method will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
I love using the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) method in my Instant Pot because it makes dinner prep incredibly easy. I use my Instant Pot almost every day! As a mom of two kids who constantly need my attention, I rely on simple cooking methods that help me get wholesome meals on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.
With the PIP method, I add everything to a bowl, place it inside the Instant Pot, and let it cook while I take care of the kids or finish other tasks around the house. It’s one of those small kitchen hacks that makes everyday cooking feel effortless.
If you haven’t tried cooking in the Instant Pot using the Pot-in-Pot method, you should definitely give it a try. It’s convenient, reliable, and perfect for busy days when you still want to serve a nourishing homemade meal.
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What is the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) Method?
The Pot-in-Pot method is a technique used in the Instant Pot where food is cooked in a smaller container placed inside the main steel insert, usually on a trivet. Instead of cooking directly in the base pot, the ingredients are placed in a separate bowl with water, while the outer pot contains water that creates steam.
This method has several benefits:
- Prevents burning or sticking
- Allows delicate foods like rice and lentils to cook evenly
- Makes cleanup incredibly easy
- Perfect for cooking multiple dishes at once
For brown rice and lentils, the PIP method works beautifully because it provides gentle, even heat, allowing the grains and lentils to cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
Why Combine Brown Rice and Green Moong?
Brown rice and green moong (whole mung beans) create a powerful nutritional combination.
Brown Rice
- High in fiber
- Rich in magnesium
- Slow-digesting carbohydrates for sustained energy
Green Moong
- Excellent plant protein source
- High in iron and potassium
- Easy to digest compared to many other legumes
Together, they create a complete, balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.
This dish is also naturally:
- Gluten-free
- High-protein
- Family-friendly
Ingredients To Make This Recipe
Brown Rice - Use long-grained organic brown rice for this recipe.
Green Moong - I am using green moong to cook with brown rice using PIP method. They cook perfectly. You can also use other lentils to make with brown rice using PIP method. I make yellow moong dal, toor dal, and masoor dal using the same method and timings to cook using this method.
Water - You will need water to add in each container, and some in the main metal insert. The water in the containers will cook the lentils and rice. While the water in the main insert creates steam for even cooking.
Salt - Add salt to both brown rice and lentils for seasoning.
Oil - You can skip this, but I add 2 drops of oil to the green moong for cooking. The oil weighs the water down, so the rice insert doesn't get messy.
Step - By - Step Instauctions
- Rinse the grains - Wash the brown rice and green moong together under running water 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps the grains cook evenly. You may soak them for 20–30 minutes, which can help with digestion and slightly improve texture, but soaking is optional.
- Prepare the PIP container - Use one metal container to add half a cup of green moong and half a cup of water. Add a pinch of salt and two drops of oil. Adding oil is optional. Now add 1 cup of brown rice to another metal container. Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Set up the Instant Pot - Pour 1½ cups water into the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet inside. Place the bowl with rice and moong on the trivet. Cover it. Close the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to sealing.
- High-Pressure Cook - Press on Pressure Cook. Set the setting to high pressure. Now set the cook time to 15 minutes. Press start. Once the cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, and then do a quick pressure release.
- Fluff the Brown Rice- Carefully remove the bowl using tongs or mitts. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. The grains should be tender, fluffy, and perfectly cooked.
Expert Tips For Perfect Results
1. Use the right bowl
A stainless steel bowl works best for PIP cooking. Glass containers may take longer to heat.
2. Adjust texture
If you prefer softer rice, add an extra 2–3 tablespoons of water.
3. Don’t skip natural release
Natural release allows the grains to finish cooking and absorb moisture properly.
4. Add vegetables
You can add chopped carrots, peas, spinach, or zucchini to make it even more nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
Make the green moong dal, and serve it with brown rice.
This dish pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments:
- Plain yogurt or raita
- Pickle
- Roasted papad
- A drizzle of ghee
- Fresh cilantro and lemon
For a more complete meal, serve it alongside Cabbage and Potato Fry or Potato Fry
More Recipes You Might Like
Instant Pot Brown Rice and Green Moong (Pot In Pot Method)
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Equipment
- 2 Metal Pots Pot In Pot Cooking
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Brown Rice
- ½ Cup Green Moong
- 2.5 Cups Water
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Drops Oil
Instructions
- Wash the brown rice and green moong together under running water 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear.
- This removes excess starch and helps the grains cook evenly. You may soak them for 20–30 minutes, which can help with digestion and slightly improve texture, but soaking is optional.
- Prepare the PIP container - Use one metal container to add half a cup of green moong and half a cup of water. Add a pinch of salt and two drops of oil. Adding oil is optional. Now add 1 cup of brown rice to another metal container. Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Now add 1 cup of brown rice to another metal container. Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Set up the Instant Pot - Pour 1 cups water into the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet inside. Place the bowl with rice and moong on the trivet. Cover it. Close the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to sealing.
- High-Pressure Cook - Press on Pressure Cook. Set the setting to high pressure. Now set the cook time to 15 minutes. Press start. Once the cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, and then do a quick pressure release.
- Fluff the Brown Rice- Carefully remove the bowl using tongs or mitts. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. The grains should be tender, fluffy, and perfectly cooked.
Notes
- Follow the instructions as written in the blog.
- Add more veggies to rice to make it nutrient-dense.
- Temper the moong dal on the stove to add more flavor.
- You can add turmeric and ghee to the rice and dal before cooking for seasoning along with salt.
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