What should I make first in my new Instant Pot?

When it comes to breaking your Instant Pot in, it's a good idea to start with some basic foods and simple meals you're already familiar with, then slowly expand your Instant Pot repertoire from there. Try making staples like eggs, sweet potatoes, rice, or lentils using just the pressure cooker function.

Which Instant Pot for beginners?

Instant Pot Duo Plus 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker Easy to clean and super straightforward, this appliance is suitable for beginners and pros.

Is there a minimum amount you can cook in Instant Pot?

That depends on what's being cooked, and how much water is in the food/s that gets released quickly when they're heated, and some other things. For the electric pressure cookers called Instant Pots, the minimum amt for most foods is 1/2 cup in a 6 qt unit, and 1 cup in an 8 qt though .

What size Instant Pot do I need for one person?

The mini Instant Pot, with a capacity of 3 quarts , is perfect for individuals, couples or those with limited kitchen space. Despite its smaller size, it packs a punch in terms of versatility.

Are Instapots worth the money?

Yes, the Instant Pot is widely considered an effective and versatile pressure cooker. Many users find it worth the price due to its convenience, time-saving features, and ability to perform various cooking functions in one appliance .

How long do Instapots usually last?

The average lifespan of an Instant Pot ranges from 2-5 years , but it can last longer depending on how often it's used and how well-maintained it is. So it's safe to say Instant Pots aren't commonly being replaced, and may even be a one-time purchase.

Why does Instapot say burn food?

The Instant Pot's burn message simply means that your Instant Pot has detected that its inner pot has gotten too hot . There may be a slight amount of burned food at the bottom of your pot, but not enough to ruin whatever you're cooking.

What happens if you don't put water in a pressure cooker?

It cannot cook your food properly without water, and the pressure will build to such an extent that the lid, pressure valve, plugs, and hot food could be thrown all over the kitchen . This can seriously harm you, your kids, and your pets, not to mention property damage that comes from flying projectiles.

What size pressure cooker for 2 people?

Whole meal recipes for one or two persons can usually be accommodated in a 4-quart pressure cooker. 6-QUART: The most popular size for many families with two or more persons. 8-QUART: Popular for larger families.

What's the smallest amount of rice you can cook?

Yes, you can cook just a half a cup of rice in a rice cooker. However, the amount of water used to cook the rice may need to be adjusted. Generally, the ratio of water to rice is 1 cup of water to 1 cup of uncooked rice. For a half a cup of uncooked rice, you would use half a cup of water.

What is the smallest amount of rice I can cook?

Whilst most rice cookers are calibrated to cook a minimum of 2 cups of rice, there are some rice cookers that can do as little as 1 cup of rice.

What is the minimum liquid for a pressure cooker?

When you use a pressure cooker, you need to have enough liquid in the pot for it to come up to pressure and cook the food properly. The rule of liquids in pressure cooking is to always add at least 1 cup of liquid unless the recipe states otherwise. The liquid will help create enough steam to cook the meal. 3.

What is the minimum amount of water in a pressure cooker?

Add Liquid “Jiggle top” cookers need a minimum of one cup of water, while valve cookers need at least half a cup. Put food in the cooker first, then add water. When learning how to use a pressure cooker, make sure the unit is never more than two-thirds full of liquid, so the steam has enough space to accumulate.

25 Beginner Instant Pot Recipes (2024)

What Can an Instant Pot Do?

The more relevant question is ‘What can’t an Instant Pot do?’ Seriously. Depending on your model, you can do anything from making yogurt, to steaming, sautéing, pressure cooking (!) and even slow cooking! If you are just new to pressure cooking, it may become a little overwhelming. To get you started, here are 25 Instant Pot Recipes that are really basic and uncomplicated. Your Instant Pot will soon be an irreplaceable kitchen appliance, worth of the space it takes up on your kitchen counter.

How to Cook Rice Grains and Legumes in an Instant Pot

It might surprise you to learn that grains cooked in the Instant Pot turn out really fluffy in a fraction of the time. Please note that cooking times may vary according to your altitude and what type of rice you are cooking.

Legumes are another story. Gone are the days when you had to soak your dried beans overnight before cooking. All you have to do is pre-cook them in your Instant Pot (it takes minutes) then add them to your recipe.

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Cooking Rice in an Instant Pot (White and Brown Rice)

from Jyothi at Curry Trail

Instant Pot Black Beans

by Marianne at Basil and Bubbly

What Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

Hard boiled eggs are probably the easiest protein to cook in the Instant Pot. My friend, who owns a chicken farm, always has fresh eggs to cook with. She swears that cooking them under pressure is the only cooking method that results in easy to peel fresh eggs. I agree! When I’m making a batch of my Pickled Eggs, the only way to get smooth peeled eggs is to pressure cook them.

Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

from Erin at Sixth Bloom

The second most easy protein to cook in the Instant Pot is chicken. There are so many chicken based instant pot recipes out there. Prep a week’s worth of chicken breasts for desk lunches in minutes…you can even do them from frozen! You can also cook an ENTIRE chicken in under an hour, use the leftovers for sandwiches, then use the carcass to make a flavourful stock.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

by Catherine at Noshtastic

Best Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

from Mabintu at Recipes from a Pantry

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

byWendy Polisi

Instant Pot Bone Broth

from Renee at Raising Generation Nourished

Cooking Vegetables and Fruit in the Instant Pot

Besides just straight steamed vegetables, pressure cooking large starchy veggies such as sweet potatoes, potatoes and squashes is a snap. Use the slow feature to cook flavourful and super healthy apple and pumpkin butters.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

from Gwen at Delightful Adventures

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

from Stephanie at The Cozy Cook

Instant Pot Pumpkin Purée

by Joyce at My Stay at Home Adventures

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

by Annissa at Simple So Healthy

How to Cook Artichokes in an Instant Pot

by Carrie at Clean Eating Kitchen

Instant Pot Beet Salad

from Yang at Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen

Instant Pot Applesauce

by Kathy at A Mom’s Impression

Dairy Instant Pot Recipes

There are so many ways to make yogurt…stove top, crock pot, towel in a cooler, special yogurt makers, and incubators. The best way by far, is in the Instant Pot. The consistent low temperature setting lets you set and forget it PLUS you can make a lot at a time, it’s a huge money saver.

Easy Homemade Yoghurt in the Instant Pot

from Raia at Raia’s Recipes

Instant Pot Ghee using Unsalted Butter

from Smruti at Herbivore Cucina

Simple Instant Pot Recipes

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can branch out into breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make delicious steel cut oatmeal in minutes, with no stirring at all. You can also buy several Instant Pot accessories, like silicone egg cups, to make convenient mini omelettes. Whip up a quick potato soup with leeks for lunch, then some chili for the big game. The possibilities are endless.

Instant Pot Vanilla Latte Steel Cut Oatmeal

from Jillian at Simply Sassy Scrumptious

Instant Pot Omelette Bites

by Tina at Monday is Meatloaf

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup with Dal

by Sandhaya at Indfused

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Risotto

by Nancy at The Bitter Side of Sweet

20 Minute Instapot Meatballs and Spaghetti

by Bernice at Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

Instant Pot Chili

by Sarah at Away From the Box

Once you’ve explored more Instant Pot Recipes to make full dinners, you’ll notice that the sealing ring picks up odours quite easily. Below is a bonus ‘recipe’ to help you keep that sealing ring sparkly clean and neutral smelling.

How to Clean the Instant Pot Sealing Ring

from Sheena at Noshtastic

25 Beginner Instant Pot Recipes (2024)

What Can an Instant Pot Do?

How to Cook Rice Grains and Legumes in an Instant Pot

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below and get this post sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you my weekly newsletter featuring the newest and best Dish 'n' the Kitchen recipes every week!

Cooking Rice in an Instant Pot (White and Brown Rice)

Instant Pot Wild Rice

Instant Pot Quinoa