So you’re wondering about the Instant Pot?
What is it?
Think pressure cooker, slow cooker and rice cooker all rolled into one with some other bonus functions like a warmer, sauté pan AND it’s programmable! The Instant Pot’s technology uses liquids, like broth and water, to cook food faster using less energy.
I must admit that I was slow to the Instant Pot “party”. I first heard about it from members of our FoodASC Inner Circle Facebook Group who raved about its features.
I recall stories (and am still reminded) of relatives cooking food in pressure cookers only to have to scrape off various veggies and meat from the ceiling.
(Fortunately, the current models have 10-13 safety mechanisms such as safety lock lids to prevent such mishaps)
I was finally convinced to purchase an Instant Pot after a humorous conversation a fellow volleyball mom and I had during our son’s games. She asked me how cooking dinner late in the evening after practice and games was going to which I replied “It’s not really working for me!”
She suggested I get an Instant Pot and proceeded to rattle off 3 of her favorite dinner recipes which take less than 20 minutes to cook.
It was obvious she was quite impressed with hers and that she and her family really enjoyed it.
I was convinced!
Not your Grandma’s pressure cooker
According to the Instant Pot website ,
“Instant Brands Inc. was founded in 2009 by a team of Canadian technology veterans who set out to explore the food preparation category based on their own personal life experiences. Their objective was to find solutions that would enable busy families and professionals to prepare quality food in less time, promoting better eating and reducing the consumption of fast food.”
They go on to say,
“The Instant Pot® line of products are truly tools for a new lifestyle and especially cater to the needs of health-minded individuals, those with special dietary restrictions,the do-it-yourself food enthusiasts and anyone looking to save time in the kitchen while providing nutritious, well-balance meals. “
Being a busy professional with an equally busy family dealing with food allergies, I decided to give it a try. We are ALL certainly glad I did!
Models
The Instant Pot comes in different sizes from 3Qt to 8Qt and there are several models with varying functions.
According to Amazon, the top two Best Sellers inElectric Pressure Cookers at the time of this publication are the Instant Pot Duo and Lux.
I got the Instant Pot DUO60, 6 QT 7-in-1. The 6 qt version is enough for us to eat as a family (3-4) and usually have some left over for the next day.
Survey of our FoodASC Inner Circle FB Group revealed that most people have the 6 Qt model.
It took a little getting used to the safety locking lid, venting valve (for quick release of the steam) and timer function but after reading the directions and performing the water seal test, I was off to the races.
Recipes
Originally, I turned to my FB group for recipe suggestions from my experienced members.
Our first 2 meals were Instant Pot Hamburger Soup (Whole30 Paleo) by Tastythin and Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Teriyaki Sauce by NutFree Wok, both of which were delicious!.
Tastythin
Nut Free Wok
Feeling adventurous, I scoured the web and I saw so many delicious recipes that I was inspired to start Our FAVE Instant Pot Recipes board on Pinterest.
Since then, I’ve made Jambalaya, Curry Chicken, Beef Stew, Pulled BBQ Chicken, Collard Greens and Chicken Enchiladas.
I have seen recipes for BBQ ribs, mash cauliflower, soup, stews and as well as desserts!
I even found recipes using frozen chicken and make ahead freezer meals! One note, some recipes are finished in the oven to brown the top of the food.
Allergy Friendly and Gluten-Free Meals
Many websites offer allergy friendly and gluten-free Instant Pot recipes.
Here are some that I have found with yummy looking recipes that I’ve placed on my list for the upcoming weeks!
Allergy Awesomeness
THIS GLUTEN & DAIRY-FREE INSTANT POT CHICKEN, MUSHROOM & WILD RICE IS ALSO FREE OF: EGG, FISH, SHELLFISH, PEANUTS AND TREE NUTS, WITH A SOY FREE OPTION TOO!
Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Gluten free, egg free and dairy free
Accessories
Not surprisingly, there are Instant Pot accessories such as silicone mitts which helps to grab the inner pot, a tempered glass lid to use during the warming function, Cheesecake Pan, slings, rings, steamers and steamer baskets.
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My family and I have really been enjoying our Instant Pot. When my youngest sees me plugging it in and gathering the ingredients, he rubs his hands together and with a big smile asks “Yum, what are we having now, Mom?!”
Thanksgiving and Christmas Instant Pot dishes
Here are a few dishes you might want to try for your Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner.
AMAZING INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES
Instant Pot Brown Sugar-Glazed Carrots
BEST INSTANT POT HONEY GLAZE HAM
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
Instant Pot Poll
Please share a favorite recipe below!
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AUTHOR
Donna DeCosta, Founder FoodASC.com
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