Five Essential Instant Pot Recipes for Every Home Cook

Importance of Quick and Nutritious Meals

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to cook nutritious meals can be a challenge. We often find ourselves reaching for convenient but unhealthy options. This is where the Instant Pot comes in. This magical appliance can help you whip up healthy and delicious meals in no time.

The Magic of Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can speed up the cooking process while preserving the nutrients in your food. It is versatile, easy to use, and can make a variety of dishes, from main courses to desserts.

Essential Instant Pot Recipes

Now, let’s get into some essential Instant Pot recipes that every home cook should know.

Classic Chicken Curry

This is a quick and easy chicken curry recipe that is full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Turn on the ‘Saute’ function of the Instant Pot and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the curry powder, salt, and coconut milk. Stir well.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the timer for 10 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure naturally.
7. Open the lid and give it a good stir. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Vegetable Stew

This vegetable stew is hearty, healthy, and perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, peas, etc.)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Turn on the ‘Saute’ function of the Instant Pot and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic. Saute until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the timer for 10 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure naturally.
6. Open the lid and give it a good stir. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This beef and broccoli stir fry is quick, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef strips
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the beef strips with cornstarch.
2. Turn on the ‘Saute’ function of the Instant Pot and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef strips and cook until they are browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Saute until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, and broccoli florets. Stir well.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the timer for 5 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
7. Open the lid and add the cooked beef strips. Stir well.
8. Serve over cooked rice.

Creamy Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is comfort food at its best.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the macaroni, milk, water, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the timer for 4 minutes.
3. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
4. Open the lid and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is creamy.
5. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Chocolate Lava Cake

This chocolate lava cake is the perfect dessert to end your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Butter for greasing

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter. Stir well until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until combined.
3. Grease four ramekins with butter and divide the batter among them.
4. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
5. Place the ramekins on the trivet.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the timer for 9 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
8. Carefully remove the ramekins from the Instant Pot and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

Ingredients Preparation

Make sure all your ingredients are prepared and measured before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process much smoother and quicker.

Using the Right Liquid

Using the right amount of liquid is crucial when cooking in the Instant Pot. Make sure you follow the recipe and add the correct amount of liquid.

Layering Ingredients

When cooking dishes with different ingredients, it’s important to layer them correctly. For example, when making a curry, start by sauteing the onions, garlic, and spices, then add the meat, and finally the liquid.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot is a versatile and handy appliance that can help you make quick and nutritious meals. These essential recipes are a great starting point for any home cook. Remember to prepare your ingredients, use the right amount of liquid, and layer your ingredients correctly. Happy cooking!

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
   • Yes, you can substitute ingredients based on your preference or dietary needs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
2. Do I need to adjust the cooking time for high altitudes?
   • Yes, cooking time needs to be increased by about 5% for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation.
3. Can I make these recipes in a different brand of electric pressure cooker?
   • Yes, these recipes can be made in any brand of electric pressure cooker. Just make sure to adjust the settings and cooking time according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Can I double the recipes?
   • Yes, you can double the recipes, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.
5. Do I need to adjust the seasoning if I change the ingredients?
   • Yes, if you change the ingredients, you may need to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.