How to Use an Instant Pot: Tips, Tricks and Recipes to Get You Started

I. Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy and time-saving way to cook, an instant pot is an excellent kitchen appliance to invest in. It’s an electric pressure cooker that can be used as a rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and slow cooker. Instant pots come in different models and sizes, but no matter the type you get, learning how to use it can change the way you cook. In this article, we’ll be exploring different recipes and tricks on how to use the instant pot to help spice up your meals.

II. 10 Basic Instant Pot Recipes to Get You Started

Here are ten basic instant pot recipes that you can try out to get started. These easy-to-follow recipes will help you get used to your instant pot and understand how to cook different foods using it.

1. Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
   
   Preparing boiled eggs can be frustrating, but with an instant pot, it’s incredibly easy. Place six eggs into the pot, add one cup of water, and then press the manual button for six minutes. Once the time is up, release the pressure, take your eggs out, and place them in ice-cold water for five minutes. They will come out perfect every time.
2. Instant Pot Rice
   
   Rice is a staple food for most people, and the instant pot can help you prepare it without any hassle. Add one cup of rice to the instant pot and rinse it with water. Then add water to the pot, using the same amount as the rice, and close the lid. Press the rice button and let the instant pot do its job. It will beep once the rice is ready.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Breast
   
   Chicken breasts are a popular protein choice, and with the instant pot, they’re tender and juicy. Season your chicken breasts with your desired spices and place them into the instant pot. Pour some chicken broth into the pot, lock the lid, press the manual button, and cook on high for six minutes. Then, release the pressure and enjoy your fresh chicken breast.
4. Instant Pot Beef Stew
   
   Beef stew is perfect for cold days, and cooking it with the instant pot only takes 35 minutes. Season a pound of beef, coat it with flour, and brown it in the instant pot. Add chopped carrots, onions, potatoes, and beef broth, then close the lid and press manual for 35 minutes. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure, and your stew is ready.
5. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
   
   Lentils are high in protein and perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Saute onions and garlic in the instant pot, then add chopped potatoes, carrots, lentils, vegetable broth, and spices. Close the lid, press manual for 15 minutes, and release the pressure. Your healthy and delicious lentil soup is ready.
6. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
   
   Mac and cheese are kid-friendly and can be prepared in the instant pot. Add macaroni, water, salt, mustard, and butter to the pot, and press manual for four minutes. Once done, release the pressure and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Serve the creamy goodness that is your mac and cheese.
7. Instant Pot Chili
   
   This recipe is perfect for cold days or for when you’re craving something spicy. Brown a pound of ground beef, then add chopped onions, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices. Close the lid, press manual for ten minutes, then release the pressure. Your instant pot chili is ready.
8. Instant Pot Ratatouille
   
   Ratatouille is a popular French dish made with vegetables. Saute eggplants, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers in the pot, add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Press the manual button and let the instant pot do its job. Your ratatouille will be ready in no time.
9. Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
   
   Pork Carnitas are delicious, and cooking them is easy with the instant pot. Season your pork with spices, salt, and pepper, and place it into the pot. Add some orange juice and lime juice and press manual for 60 minutes. Once done, shred your pork with a fork, and it’s ready to eat.
10. Instant Pot Yogurt
    
    Homemade Yogurt is yummy and easy to make using the instant pot. Combine six cups of milk with one cup of plain yogurt in the pot. Press the yogurt button, and let the instant pot do its job. After eight hours, your homemade yogurt is ready.

III. How to Meal Prep with Your Instant Pot

Meal prepping with an instant pot is convenient, and it helps to save time and money. Here are some tips on how to meal prep using your instant pot:

• Choose foods that can be easily prepped, such as meat, vegetables, and grains.
• Ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients before starting cooking.
• Cook large batches of food, and store them in suitable containers in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Reheat your prepped meals using the instant pot’s saute or warm function.

IV. Instant Pot Hacks: Tricks to Make Cooking Even Easier

Cooking with an instant pot is easy, but here are some tricks that can help make your cooking even easier:

• Use the pot-in-pot method to cook different foods at the same time.
• Use the steam function to cook vegetables quickly.
• Clean your instant pot regularly and avoid using abrasive materials.
• Make use of the delay-start function to programmatically start your cooking.
• Use the natural release to help keep your food moist and juicy.

V. How to Use Your Instant Pot for Quick and Easy Desserts

Using your instant pot for desserts is quick and easy. Here are some dessert recipes that you can make:

Instant Pot Cheesecake

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, press them firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, and place it in the pot. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Pour it into the pan and press manual for 30 minutes. Once done, release the pressure and let the cheesecake cool.

Instant Pot Chocolate Fondue

Mix the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl and place it in the pot. Press the saute function for two to three minutes until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Serve it with fruit or cookies.

VI. Instant Pot Meals for Busy Weeknights

Here are some easy instant pot meals that you can make on busy weeknights.

Instant Pot Spaghetti

Brown ground beef or turkey with onions and garlic in the instant pot. Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and spaghetti noodles, breaking them in half. Place the lid on top, cook on high for eight minutes, and release the pressure. Serve spaghetti with grated cheese and fresh basil.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Saute beef in the pot with soy sauce and garlic, remove it from the pot, and set it aside. Add broccoli, water, and cornstarch, and cook on manual for three minutes. Once done, add your beef to the pot and mix well. Serve over rice.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, cooking with an instant pot can be fun, easy, and convenient. With these tips and recipe ideas, you can start using your instant pot in many different ways to make cooking and meal prep less stressful. Don’t hesitate to try out new recipes or techniques to help you get the most out of your instant pot.