Easy Delicious Recipes for the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has revolutionized cooking for busy individuals and families alike. This magical appliance combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more, all in one device. It significantly reduces cooking times and simplifies meal preparation, making it a lifesaver for weeknight dinners. If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your Instant Pot, here are some easy and delicious DelishGlobe recipes to get you started:

1. Perfect Pot Roast:

Achieve melt-in-your-mouth pot roast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function tenderizes even the toughest cuts of meat, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal.

• Ingredients: 2-3 lb chuck roast, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

• Instructions: Sear the roast in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened. Add garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the roast back in the pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release.

2. Chicken Tikka Masala:

Enjoy the flavors of your favorite Indian dish at home with this easy Instant Pot recipe. The pressure cooking infuses the chicken with flavor and creates a rich and creamy sauce.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 inch ginger (grated), 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, salt to taste.

• Instructions: Sauté the onion in the Instant Pot. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Serve with rice or naan bread.

3. Mac and Cheese:

This classic comfort food is even easier to make in the Instant Pot. The result is creamy, cheesy goodness that’s ready in minutes.

• Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni, 4 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, 4 tbsp butter, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.

• Instructions: Combine macaroni, chicken broth, milk, butter, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs:

Achieve perfect hard-boiled eggs every time with the Instant Pot. They peel easily and have a creamy yolk.

• Ingredients: Eggs, 1 cup water.

• Instructions: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water. Place eggs on the trivet. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes (depending on desired doneness), followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release and then an ice bath.

5. Lentil Soup:

Lentil soup is a healthy, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for the Instant Pot.

• Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

• Instructions: Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.

6. Rice:

Cooking rice in the Instant Pot is a game-changer. It comes out perfectly cooked every time, no more mushy or burnt rice.

• Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1.5 cups water (for white rice), 2 cups water (for brown rice), salt to taste.

• Instructions: Combine rice, water, and salt in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes (for white rice) or 22 minutes (for brown rice), followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Fluff with a fork.

7. Yogurt:

Making your own yogurt at home is easier than you think with the Instant Pot’s yogurt function.

• Ingredients: 1/2 gallon milk, 2 tbsp plain yogurt with live cultures.

• Instructions: Pour milk into the Instant Pot. Select the “Yogurt” function and set the time for 8 hours. After 8 hours, stir in the plain yogurt. Select the “Yogurt” function again and set the time for 2-4 hours (depending on desired tanginess). Chill for several hours before serving.

These are just a few of the many delicious recipes you can make in your Instant Pot. With a little creativity, you can adapt your favorite recipes to this versatile appliance and enjoy quick, easy, and flavorful meals every day. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own Instant Pot favorites!