So You Got an Instant Pot for Christmas...Now What?

I don’t know how I functioned in the kitchen or in life without an Instant Pot. The Swiss Army knife of cooking gadgets literally does it all—sautes, slow cooks, pressure cooks, steams, makes rice, yogurt, and can even be used as a warmer. The only downside to the stainless steel queen of multi-cookers is knowing where to begin. So you got an Instant Pot for Christmas, now what? Well I’m gonna break it down for you in real detail, one awesome function at a time, with recipes! You’re welcome in advance.

1. Grains: How many times have you been heading towards the finish line when making dinner and thought, oh damn I forgot about the rice! For me it’s been more than a few. Well the IP has your back steaming up all the grains—quinoa, farrow, millet, you name it in 1 minute. No, that is not a typo. It actually takes 1 minute. Simply follow the package directions for the right grain to liquid ratio based on your serving size, seal the lid and the vent, push the pressure cook button and set for 1 minute. Once it comes to temp you are 60 seconds to done.

2. Meats: The Instant Pot can’t be beat when it comes to serving up fork tender meat and meat alternatives. Think pull apart chicken, shredded pork or jackfruit, and super juicy meatballs. I like to get a little fancy here and mix it up using both the saute and pressure cook functions for the perfect finish.

   Simply start in saute mode using EVOO to coat the bottom of the pot. Caramelize some onion, garlic, and s+p and add in your seasoned meat to crisp up the outside. Toss in any veggies and your liquid of choice (stock, marinara, salsa, etc.) and switch the IP to pressure cook to finish. Cooking time depends on the recipe, but expect anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Check out my IP Jackfruit Tacos, and my Real Deal Moroccan Meatballs for some easy to master recipes.

3. Soups and Stews: Soup season has arrived and I’m here for it! There is nothing quite as comforting as a hot bowl of a hearty stew, chili, or a good bowl of ramen on a cold day. Accompany it with the perfect dunking and sopping vehicle like hot, crusty sourdough and that’s what I call a good side piece. So why is the Instant Pot such a “souperhero”? I mean it was right there people..

   The perfect pot can be ready in just minutes with very few steps. Much like the meats, soup prep requires a toggle between saute and pressure cook making any of your favorite family recipes adaptable. Simply use what you have already learned in this post about cook times and preparation techniques for rice, meat, and veggies and your can have a start to finish soup in 10 to 30 minutes.

4. Hard boiled eggs: An absolute staple in my fridge, the egg is quite literally a perfect food. Loaded with vitamins B12, A, and B5, eggs also contain small amounts of almost EVERY vitamin and mineral required by the human body! That includes calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, vitamin E, folate, and all the things. An important note for kids of the 90’s like myself who grew up on Eggbeaters and egg white only omelettes. Eggs also improve your cholesterol profile and do NOT raise your risk of heart disease. So boil ‘em if you got ‘em!

   Using the insert rack that comes with your does-it-all magic pot, pop it into the bottom of the IP. Gently place the eggs on the rack and fill with 1 cup of water for every 4 eggs. Seal the lid and the vent and hit pressure for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your preference soft to hard. When the timer is finished switch the valve to vent to release the steam. Once complete, take the eggs out and run them under cold water or put them in an ice bath for easier peeling.

5. Steamed Veggies: Friends, this one is beyond easy! Add your vegetable of choice be it broccoli, cauliflower, or even brussel sprouts. Season with your desired flavor profile like garlic, lemon, salt + pepper, you get it. Add in 1 cup of your liquid of choice. Water is always free, but bone broth or vegetable stock is my prefered method. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 minutes depending on desired doneness.

6. Popcorn: I absolutely adore movies. There’s something so comforting about curling up to a good one in the comfort of your own home with a puppy, your man, and Netflix. Cue the smell of buttery, salty, popcorn in the air and the perfect afternoon is complete. But, rather than settling for a mediocre microwave version why not take a few minutes and make your own?

   Set your IP to Saute. Wait 2 to 3 minutes until the word “Hot” appears on the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of a high temp oil like extra virgin coconut oil or avocado oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Add in 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and use a wooden spatula or spoon to coat them evenly in the oil. Let the kernels sizzle in for 2 to 3 more minutes while you stir a few more times. Top the pot with a tight fitting glass lid. You can buy an IP official one, but I use one I have from my pots and pans set and it works just fine. Wait a few seconds for the magic to happen. The popcorn will start popping slowly at first and then fast and furious. When it starts to slow down 10 to 15 seconds between pops shake it to release any unpopped corn from the bottom. Season with salt or get creative with your own flavors and enjoy!

7. Bone broth: Rich in vitamins A + K plus nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous, if you have not gotten on the bone broth train add it to your 2020 intentions. Loaded with collagen sourced from the break down of tissue and bone, the broth provides essential amino acids that build protein in the body and protect your joints. These all-star acids have anti-inflammatory benefits to boot and can help heal the gut and provide relief from inflamed joints and arthritis. Basically it’s got all the things you need to keep your body working and moving at its best. And it is great for humans and K-9’s alike. So serving it up over your pooch’s kibble gives a big boost to their overall health too.

   I love using the organic free range rotisserie chicken from my weekly Whole Foods run as the starter from my broth. Simply place what’s left of the bird on the insert rack and add water to the pot an inch below the fill line. Stir in 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and add in salt + pepper and any seasonings and vegetables that you prefer. If making for Fido stop after the ACV. Close the lid, seal the vent and pressure cook on high for 3 hours. Once cooled remove the rack where most of the leftover bird will remain and discard. I ladle my broth into mason jars checking for small bone fragments as I go.

Now that is not all the Instant Pot can do. You can spend the entire day making yogurt if your heart desires, roast an entire chicken, and make oatmeal to feed an army. But, these are the top 7 ways I use mine everyday. So unbox that Instant Pot and get cooking! Let me know your favorite way to use it in the comments below.

Abundantly,

BE.