When it comes to kitchen gadgets, the Instapot, a nickname for the Instant Pot brand, is a pressure cooker that has really taken off over the past two years. Find out why it’s taken off and check out five recipes that will inspire you to finally take it out of the box.
With a variety of dials, buttons, and digital settings, it seems so technologically advanced that you might even expect it to take off! But while it may seem like a thing of the future, this practical kitchen appliance actually got its start in the late 17th century, thanks to French physicist Denis Papin. According to Discover Pressure Cooking, in 1679, Papin developed the Steam Digester, a small cauldron with an airtight lid, which used pressurized steam to speed up cooking times. As cookware and canning methods developed over the next three centuries, so did the pressure cooker. And by the time World War II hit, pressure cookers like Presto were a staple in U.S. kitchens. But Instant Pot’s “smart kitchens” aren’t your grandmother’s cookware. In reality, these modern adaptations are more like slow cookers than traditional pressure cookers. But don’t be fooled! While a traditional slow cooker can take all day, Instant Pot usually takes less than an hour. The reason for such fast cooking, according to the Instant Pot website, is thanks to a heating process called a closed-loop control system. Basically, this means that the pot uses built-in sensors to raise temperatures and pressurize the contents. The hen cools the temperature to release pressure. In an article on the science of pressure cookers, Fine Cooking explains that by having a lid with a locking gasket, pressure cookers inhibit steam escape, allowing “the pot [to work] by raising the temperature of the boiling water, thus speeding up the time it takes to boil, stew or steam.” What sets Instant Pot apart from a traditional pressure cooker and slow cooker is its preset smart cooking programs. This means that the pot can control the heating intensity, temperature, pressure and duration of the cooking process on its own. You just need to add your ingredients, select the right settings and set up the table! By the way, if you’re concerned about security, and you’ve heard something on the news about Instant Pot issuing a recall, know that there’s probably no need to worry. The recall affects some of the company’s multicookers, not the Instant Pot. And if you’ve seen that controversial episode of NBC’s “This Is Us,” it was a slow cooker, not an Instant Pot, and they’re considered safe too. So, if you love slow cooker meals, but need faster cooking times, or if, like me, you’re afraid of the lid flying out of your traditional pressure cooker and through your kitchen window, trying an Instant Pot can be a good way to create some super fast and healthy dishes! A recent press release from Amazon reported that “Amazon.com customers bought enough Instant Pot pressure cookers this holiday to make more than nine million bowls of chili at once.” If you’re one of the lucky recipients of an Instant Pot, but still aren’t sure what to cook, we’ve put together a list of healthy recipes for you to try.
1. Keto Chili Low Carb
Speaking of chili, why not make some of your own? This bean-free chili from Maya at Wholesome Yum is a great choice for anyone on a low-carb diet, and it takes just over 30 minutes using the pressure cooker feature. Moreover, on a cold winter night, this thick chow is just the ticket! Ingredients 2 1/2 pounds ground beef 1/2 large onion, chopped 8 garlic cloves, chopped 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes with liquid 1 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 4-ounce can green chili peppers with liquid 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup chili powder 2 tablespoons cumin 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 medium bay leaf, optional See how to get your yum!
2. Vegan Christmas Roast
There are many meat-filled Instant Pot ideas, but it can be difficult to find recipes that are vegan-friendly. Luckily, JL Fields has created a full-fledged cookbook, Vegan Pressure Cooking, filled with tasty one-pot meals, like this vegan Christmas roast. Ingredients 1 to 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 cup yellow onion, diced 2 cups carrot, diced 2 cups potato, diced 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 vegan stuffed roast (1 pound), thawed) 3/4 to 1 cup vegetable broth 1 tablespoon almond milk 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon vegan butter, Optional See how to prepare and cook your vegan roast.
3. Mediterranean Lentil and Chickpea Stew with Roasted Cauliflower
For a lighter meal full of spices, check out this chickpea and lentil stew from Nicky at Little Family Adventure. Perfect for anyone with a busy evening schedule, this protein-packed stew takes less than an hour to cook and can be easily frozen and stored for leftovers or ready meals. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups lentils 1 medium onion, chopped 1 large sweet potato, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 zucchini, chopped 1 28-ounce can tomatoes, diced 4 cups vegetable broth 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground sumac 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 12 ounces chickpeas (drained) 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin Find out how to put together your own protein-filled stew.
4. Instant Pot Thai
Peanut Chicken Soup
If you love peanuts and Thai-inspired food, this dairy-free recipe from Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean is ideal for an Instant Pot lunch. With about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy, uncomplicated meal in less time than it would take to order takeout. Ingredients 2 strips bacon 1/2 cup onion 1 1/2 cup sweet potato 1 cup red bell pepper 1 cup zucchini 1 cup summer pumpkin 1 cup frozen corn kernels 1-2 tablespoons fresh ginger 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast 1 teaspoon paprika 1 can coconut milk 1/4 cup butter Take a look at the full recipe to make your own Thai-inspired soup.
5. Instant Pot Turkey Stuffed Peppers
While it may be tempting to treat your pressure cooker as a glorified slow cooker, there are actually some fantastic non-soup recipes! This Instant Pot version of Gina Homolka stuffed peppers in Cooking Light is a great way to try pressure cooking with solid foods, and is a perfect appetizer or main course. Ingredients 4 large peppers 1 pound lean ground turkey 3/4 cup cooked brown rice 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 3/4 cup reduced-sodium marinara sauce 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 teaspoons tomato paste 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper to taste 1 large egg 1 garlic clove 1/2 cup water 1 ounce of Mozzarella cheese See the full recipe to try these turkey riffic peppers.
So if you were the lucky recipient of an Instant Pot this year, don’t be afraid to take it for a spin! With many healthy recipes and a wide variety of foods to choose from, you can reduce your cooking time and enjoy meals that are not only good for you, but delicious and easy to prepare.
