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Instant Pot

Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans Recipe (No Soak)

February 11, 2020 By Patti 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

The traditional Cuban Black Beans Recipe is made conveniently and time-saving by using the Instant Pot. Go from dry beans to table in less than an hour, with this no soak recipe.

Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans

Black beans are a healthy addition to your diet which are high in fiber, protein, and folate (Resource). This recipe proves to be a flavorful main or side dish. Serve them in the traditional Cuban style, over white rice and garnished with chopped onions. Fresh Cuban bread and butter are a great accompaniment.

I also love the versatility of this recipe. Leftover beans are great in recipes like Black Bean Quesadillas or Black Bean Burritos. They can also be frozen to use at a later time. I like to freeze them in 1 cup portions. This amount can be used in any recipe that calls for a can of beans.

Using the Instant Pot is a great way to greatly speed up the process of cooking dry beans. Additionally, using the Instant Pot reduces the cleanup by allowing the sauteeing and pressure cooking, in the same pot. Enjoy this Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans recipe is a great and frugal option for a meatless meal.

Dry Beans

  • Pantry Staple – I like to use dry beans as they are so convenient to have around the house as a pantry staple. In most cases, I feel they are a healthier alternative to canned beans, which often are packed in cans containing BPA.
  • Cost Savings – Dry beans are one of the most frugal of healthy meal options. Canned beans are often 4 times the price of dry beans.
  • Avoid Unwanted Additives – By cooking your black beans from scratch, you can avoid any unwanted additives, ensure the quality of ingredients used, and control the amount of salt used.

Instant Pot for Convenience

  • Reduce Cleanup – One of my favorite features of the Instant Pot is using the Saute setting to cooks vegetables or brown meat before adding to a dish. By using the Instant Pot you are able to use the same pot that you use for the final dish.
  • Time-Saving – The Instant Pot greatly reduces cooking time. In the case of cooking dry beans, it also allows you to skip soaking the beans overnight, as is traditionally required.

Other Instant Pot Resources

  • The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Fundamentals
  • Instant Pot Recipe Collection
  • The Best Instant Pot Accessories
Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
Print Recipe

Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans

Traditional Cuban Black Bean Recipe made conveniently and time-saving by using the Instant Pot. Go from dry beans to table in less than an hour, with this no soak recipe.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time37 mins
Natural Release10 mins
Total Time57 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Author: Patti from CooksRecipeCollection.com

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 3 Spanish onions finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon cumin dried
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons pepper
  • 1 pound black beans dry
  • 5 cups water
  • white rice cooked

Instructions

  • Finely chop onions, reserving 1/2 cup for garnish.
  • Set Instant Pot to Saute setting and saute onions in olive oil until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Add garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper to the onions. Saute for another 2 minutes to bloom spices.
  • Add water and black beans to Instant Pot.
  • Press "Cancel" to stop the saute function on the Instant Pot. Then, set it to "Pressure Cook" at high temperature for 25 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure.
  • Let sit to natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
  • Serve over white rice and garnish with reserved chopped onions.
Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans

Filed Under: Beans, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Main Course, Vegetarian

The Best Instant Pot Accessories

May 31, 2019 By Patti 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

The Best Instant Pot Accessories

You have an Instant Pot and love it, right? You’re finally past the beginner’s stage and have a hand full of recipes that you frequently make, now what? It’s time to add some new Instant Post accessories to your kitchen supplies and discover additional versatility of your Instant Pot can provide. I’ve compiled a list of accessories to make your Instant Pot cooking even more convenient and also take you to the next level.

For many, it took a lot of courage to initially open the box and start using your Instant Pot. If that fear still shows its head at times, check out The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Fundamentals and The Instant Pot Recipe Collection.

If you’d like to become an Instant Pot master in record time, Heather from The Spicy Apron has created the Be the Boss of Your Instant Pot Video Course. This is an in-depth, 30 video course to help you master the Instant Pot. For Cooks Recipe Collection readers, she is offering a $5 discount (just enter the discount code dash on the checkout page).

Benefits of Instant Pot Accessories

  • Convenience – Having the best tool for the kitchen task at hand saves time, effort and often a lot of frustration. Having a proper sling to lift your cake out of your Instant Pot is both a time saver and convenience, over having to make one out of aluminum foil each time you need it.
  • Versatility – With the right pan in pan tools, you will be able to increase the dishes you can make with your Instant Pot. For instance, with the Big Daddy Pan, you will be able to serve your family an amazing cheesecake made in your Instant Pot.
  • Time-Saving – A steamer basket can be a great time saver when cooking many dishes. Not only can you use it to steam dishes, but it’s also a great strainer when making beans, pasta or even homemade bone broth.

The 9 Best Instant Pot Accessories

Instant Pot Sealing Rings:

The silicone sealing ring in an integral part of the Instant Pot pressure cooking process. Over time and usage, the ring will degrade and prevent a proper seal. Additionally, the silicone ring will hold onto strong flavors (such as onions, garlic and heavy spices). It’s a good idea to have separate seals to use for sweet or mild flavored foods and another for your spicy dishes.

Get from Amazon: Genuine Instant Pot Sealing Ring 6 Quart or Genuine Instant Pot Sealing Ring 8 Quart.

Extra Instant Pot Inner Cooking Pot:

While many advanced Instant Pot chefs purchase multiple Instant Pots, I recommend purchasing an additional Instant Pot Inner Pot.

The additional Inner Cooking Pot will come in handy for cooking multiple dishes (such as rice and beans; or vegetables and a meat dish) or when you are using one for storing leftovers. This is the same Inner Cooking Pot that came with your Instant Pot.

Get from Amazon: Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot 6 Quart or Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot 8 Quart.

Instant Pot Glass Lid:

This is my first recommendation that did not originally come with your Instant Pot. The Glass Lid comes in handy for storing leftovers, as well as when slow cooking or sauteing. Think of how much fun it will be to watch your pop corn pop in your Instant Pot through this glass lid.

Get from Amazon: Instant Pot Glass Lid 6 Quart or Instant Pot Glass Lid 8 Quart.

Steamer Basket:

The Steamer Basket is one of the most versatile Instant Pot Accessories and I use mine frequently. Not only is it great to make boiled eggs or steamed vegetables, I find it very handy when cooking beans, pasta or even making homemade bone broth. You can just lift the solid ingredients out. I find this the easiest way to strain the ingredients from the cooking liquid.

Recipes using the Hatrigo Steamer Basket:

  • Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth from Went There 8 This
  • Instant Pot Refried Beans from Amy + Jacky Pressure Cook Recipes.com
  • Classic Hummus from Little Sunny Kitchen

Get from Amazon: Hatrigo Steamer Basket 6 Quart or Hatrigo Steamer Basket 8 Quart.

Fat Daddio’s Round Cheesecake Pan

The Instant Pot is the best way to make homemade cheesecake and this is my favorite pan to make it in.

You will fall in love with making the perfect cheesecake and developing new flavor combinations.

And, this pan is not just for cheesecakes. It can also be used for lasagna, bread pudding, etc. The perfect size pan for your Instant Pot needs.

Recipes for the Fat Daddio’s Round Cheesecake Pan:

  • Instant Pot New York Cheesecake #17 from Amy + Jacky Pressure Cook Recipes.com
  • Instant Pot Turtle Cheesecake from Bellalimento
  • Instant Pot S’mores Chocolate Cheesecake from I am a Honey Bee

Get from Amazon: Fat Daddio’s Round Cheesecake Pan.

OXO Pressure Cooker Bakeware Sling:

When your amazing Cheesecake or other masterpiece is ready to be removed from your Instant Pot, this Pressure Cooker Bakeware Sling is the perfect accessory.

Place your pan on the sling before cooking and easily lift out when your dish is complete.

Get from Amazon: OXO Pressure Cooker Bakeware Sling.

OXO Silicone Egg Rack

If you need boiled eggs for egg salad, deviled eggs or decorating Easter eggs, this is the perfect accessory. Great for both hard boiled and soft boiled eggs.

Place up to 9 eggs on the rack and they will stay steady from any cracks while cooking. These racks can even be stacked for cooking up to 18 at a time.

Get from Amazon: OXO Silicone Egg Rack.

Silicone Egg Bites Molds:

If you’re one that loves the Starbucks Egg Bites, you can now make them at home with ease in your Instant Pot.

This is a great way to make a quick and healthy breakfast for your family.

Recipes for Egg Bites Molds:

  • Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites // 5 Ways (Starbucks Copycat) from Platings and Pairings
  • Homemade Churros Bites – Churros muffins from The Belly Rules The Mind
  • 3 Ingredient Instant Pot Nutella Cake Bites from Imagelicious

Get from Amazon: Silicone Egg Bites Molds.

Ramekins

Ramekins are another versatile addition for your Instant Pot. This is a great way to make Creme Brulee, Chocolate Lava Cake or many other individual size dishes.

Recipes for Ramekins:

  • Instant Pot Creme Brulee from Amy + Jacky Pressure Cook Recipes.com
  • Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake for Two from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
  • Eggs en Cocotte in the Instant Pot from The Organic Kitchen

Get from Amazon: Ramekins.

I hope you have enjoyed this collection of my favorite Instant Pot Accessories. I thoroughly enjoy using my Instant Pot and find it not only saves time in the kitchen but also allows me to prepare healthy and often less expensive meals. What are your favorite Instant Pot dishes and accessories?

If you have any hesitation on using your Instant Pot or want to take your skills to the next level, I recommend Heather’s Instant Pot Course, Be the Boss of Your Instant Pot Video Course. This is an in-depth, 30 video course to help you master the Instant Pot. For Cooks Recipe Collection readers, she is offering a $5 discount (just enter the discount code dash on the checkout page).

The Best Instant Pot Accessories

Filed Under: Instant Pot

Instant Pot Recipe Collection

February 28, 2019 By Patti 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Instant Pot Recipe Collection

Looking for Instant Pot Recipes? I’ve compiled over 100 Instant Pot recipes, from a talented group of food bloggers. There is something here for everyone from beginner to experienced Instant Pot users.

Are you new to the Instant Pot? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Fundamentals to get you started.

Breakfast Recipes

Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt from The Belly Rules The Mind
  • Instant Pot Homemade Yogurt from The Belly Rules The Mind (Pictured)
  • Banana Steel Cut Oats from Delightful Adventures
  • Eggs en Cocotte in the Instant Pot from The Organic Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Sweet Potato Steel Cut Oats from Running to the Kitchen

Appetizer Recipes

Classic Hummus from Little Sunny Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Dip from White Coat Pink Apron
  • Pressure Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip from Happy Life Blogspot
  • Classic Hummus from Little Sunny Kitchen (Pictured)

Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Real and Vibrant
  • Instant Pot Ramen Bowls from Peas and Crayons
  • Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup from Life After Wheat
  • Instant-Pot Minestrone Soup from The Belly Rules The Mind
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup from Mama Needs Cake
  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Real and Vibrant (Pictured)
  • Instant Pot Chicken Chili from Diabetes Strong
  • Instant Pot Chicken Curry Soup from Paint the Kitchen Red
  • Paleo Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup from Gluten-Free Palate
  • Instant Pot Beef Stew from Real Food Real Deals
  • White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot from Raia’s Recipes
  • Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup from Sweet and Savory Meals
  • Instant Pot Chicken Jalapeno Popper Soup from This Old Gal
  • Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Shredded Chicken from Fearless Dining
  • Instant Pot Hamburger Soup from My Kitchen Love
  • Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup from Flavor Mosaic
  • Sausage Tortellini Soup from Flavor Mosaic
  • Instant Pot Smoky Beef Chili from Delicious Little Bites
  • Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup from Delicious Little Bites
  • Low Carb Instant Pot Chicken Salsa Queso Soup from Beauty and the Foodie
  • Instant Pot Asian Beef Noodle Soup from Thrifty Jinxy
  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Curry Trail
  • Low Carb Vegetable Soup from Low Carb Yum
  • Instant Pot Homemade Tomato Soup from Yay for Food
  • Dump and Start Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup from Supergolden Bakes
  • Keto Low Carb Chili Recipe from Wholesome Yum
  • Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe from Wholesome Yum
  • Instant Pot Beef Stew from Evolving Table
  • Instant Pot Hamburger Soup from Mom’s Dinner
  • Instant Pot Potato Soup from Upstate Ramblings
  • Instant Pot Tomatillo Chicken Stew from Upstate Ramblings
  • Instant Pot Chicken Soup from Little Sunny Kitchen
  • Gluten Free Instant Pot Beef Stew from Seasonal Cravings
  • Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup with Dal from Indfused
  • Easy Instant Pot Curried Butternut Squash Soup from Haute and Healthy Living
  • Instant Pot Chili from Home Made Interest
  • Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup from Home Made Interest
  • Instant Pot Turkey Chili With Apples and Chipotle from Lively Table
  • Instant Pot Turkey Chili from A Cedar Spoon
  • Delicious Instant Pot Beef Stew from Dude That Cookz

Pasta Recipes

Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese from Lemons and Zest
  • Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese from Lemons and Zest (Pictured)
  • Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Pasta from Recipes From a Pantry
  • Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Instant Pot from Cooking with Carlee
  • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta from We Are Not Martha
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe from The Forked Spoon
  • Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe from Suburban Simplicity
  • Easy Instant Pot Pasta And Meatballs from Cook Eat Go
  • Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Fettuccine from Yay for Food
  • Pressure Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta from The Cook Report
  • Pressure Cooker Pasta with Mediterranean Vegetables from The Cook Report
  • Instant Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta from A Sprinkle and A Splash

Bean & Grain Recipes

Perfect Instant Post Quinoa from Real and Vibrant
  • How To Make Perfect Instant Pot Rice from The Belly Rules The Mind
  • Perfect Instant Pot Quinoa from Real and Vibrant (Pictured)
  • Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot from Cooking with Carlee
  • How to Cook Quinoa in the Instant Pot from Project Meal Plan
  • Coconut Jasmine Rice from Veggies Save The Day
  • How to Cook Perfect Rice in the Instant Pot from Sweet and Savory Meals
  • Instant Pot Yellow Dal from My Kitchen Love
  • Instant Pot Tomato White Beans from Running to the Kitchen
  • Whole Masoor Dal (Brown Lentils) from Piping Pot Curry
  • Instant Pot Lentil Curry from Living Well Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Refried Beans from Allergy Free Alaska

Seafood & Poultry Recipes

Hawaiian Chicken from The Seasoned Mom
  • Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice from Lemons and Zest
  • The Best Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe (Using Fresh or Frozen Chicken) from Recipes From a Pantry
  • Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with Chicken from Paint the Kitchen Red
  • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches from The Forked Spoon
  • How To Cook a Whole Chicken in an Instant Pot from Carmy
  • Instant Pot Taco Truck Inspired Shredded Chicken from Lost Not Found
  • Healthier Instant Pot General Tso Chicken Recipe from Curry Trail
  • Instant Pot Salsa Chicken from Living Well Kitchen
  • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken from Bites of Wellness
  • Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts from Flavor and Savour
  • Instant Pot Creamy Coq Au Vin from Went There 8 This
  • Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken Breasts from Kristine’s Kitchen
  • Hawaiian Chicken from The Seasoned Mom (Pictured)
  • Instant Pot Poached Chicken Breasts from Sidewalk Shoes
  • Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato from Simple Sassy Scrumptious
  • Easy Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs from Mom’s Dinner
  • Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs from Veronika’s Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Rice Pilaf with Chicken and Vegetables from Veronika’s Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Fajitas from Little Sunny Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Sesame Chicken from Seasonal Cravings
  • Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken from The Clean Eating Couple
  • Instant Pot Miso Salmon from Simply Healthyish
  • Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe from Yummy Healthy Easy
  • Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma Lettuce Cups from Killing Thyme
  • Instant Pot Ground Turkey Tacos from Killing Thyme

Beef, Lamb & Pork Recipes

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Beef Short Ribs from Gluten-Free Palate
  • Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork from One Happy Housewife
  • Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork from Plowing Through Life
  • Old-Fashioned Sausage, Potatoes and Green Beans in Instant Pot from Plowing Through Life
  • Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Beef Short Ribs from Gluten-Free Palate (Pictured)
  • Instant Pot Chorizo with Potatoes from The Organic Kitchen
  • Spinach & Garlic Meatballs in the Instant Pot from Raia’s Recipes
  • Easy Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs from The Hungry Bluebird
  • Instant Pot Rare Roast Beef (Deli Style) from This Old Gal
  • Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork from Laurel Ann Nutrition
  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork from Create Kids Club
  • Pressure Cooker Beef Tips from Happy Life Blogspot
  • Instant Pot Paleo Beef and Broccoli from Sustainable Cooks
  • Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich Recipe from Thrifty Jinxy
  • Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef from Isabel Eats
  • Round Steak & Gravy from The Tipsy Housewife
  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork from Allergy Free Alaska
  • Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs from Simply Happy Foodie
  • Instant Pot Country Style Ribs from Simply Happy Foodie
  • Easy Instant Pot Pork Loin from Lakes and Lattes
  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches from Nourish
  • Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin from Bacon is Magic
  • Easy Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef from Lively Table

Vegetable & Side Dish Recipes

3-Minute Pressure Cooker Butternut Squash from Clean Eating Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes from Recipes From a Pantry
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes from Rhubarbarians
  • Instant Pot Collard Greens from The Hungry Bluebird
  • Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes from Make-Ahead Meal Mom
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes from My Gluten-Free Kitchen
  • 3-Minute Pressure Cooker Butternut Squash from Clean Eating Kitchen (Pictured)
  • Easy Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Clean Eating Kitchen
  • Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes from Kristine’s Kitchen
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes from Evolving Table
  • Easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe from Evolving Table

Meatless Dish Recipes

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup from Vegan Huggs
  • Tofu Tikka Masala from Yup It’s Vegan
  • Vegan Mushroom Stew from Delightful Adventures
  • Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup from Vegan Huggs
  • Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup from Vegan Huggs (Pictured)
  • Vegetarian Fajita Pasta from Piping Pot Curry
  • Instant Pot Pasta Puttanesca (Vegan) from Veggies Save The Day
  • Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Chili from White Coat Pink Apron

Stocks & Sauces

Instant Pot Easy Strawberry Compote from I Heart Umami
  • Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth from Went There 8 This
  • Instant Pot Easy Strawberry Compote from I Heart Umami (Pictured)
  • 3 Minute Instant Pot Applesauce from Recipes to Nourish

Dessert Recipes

Instant Pot Rice Pudding from Simply Happy Foodie
  • Instant Pot Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding) from One Happy Housewife
  • Homemade Churros Bites – Churros muffins from The Belly Rules The Mind
  • 3 Ingredient Instant Pot Nutella Cake Bites from Imagelicious
  • Instant Pot S’mores Chocolate Cheesecake from I am a Honey Bee
  • Instant Pot Cheesecake In Jar from Cooking Carnival
  • Instant Pot Rice Pudding from Simply Happy Foodie (Pictured)

Drink Recipes

Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe from Curry Trail
  • Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe from Curry Trail (Pictured)
The Ultimate Instant Pot Recipe Collection - Over 100 Recipes - Breakfast to Dessert

Filed Under: Instant Pot

The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Fundamentals

February 26, 2019 By Patti 6 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Fundamentals

Instant Pots are one of the most popular kitchen gadgets on the market and for good reason. We all want to cook a healthy meal for our families, but are often limited by the amount of time needed to cook elaborate meals. The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker, that functions as an electric pressure cooker, allowsing you to cook great tasting meals is less time.

My Instant Pot is an integral part of my kitchen and I use it frequently. Take cooking dry beans as an example. I no longer have to plan a day ahead when I want to cook my favorite Cuban Black Beans for dinner. I don’t have to soak them overnight, then cooking them for a few hours while monitoring the stove (or even all day in a slow cooker). Now, I can now cook them from start to finish in under an hour.

Unfortunately, I hear so many people say, “I’m scared of it using an Instant Pot”, or “I got one last Christmas and don’t know where to start”.  With this Instant Pot Fundamentals Guide, I show you that you no longer have to be scared of an Instant Pot, it’s easy to use, versatile and a great time saver in the kitchen.

What is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is the brand name of the most popular pressure multi-cooker. There are a number of settings (depending on the model) and so many cooking methods can be done using this one appliance.

Pressure Cooking

Of the many functions an Instant Pot can perform, Pressure Cooking is the most popular and most frequently used. Pressure cooking decreases cooking time dramatically, often less than half the time of traditional stovetop cooking. This is done by heating the cooking liquid (usually water or broth) in an airtight, sealed environment. The high pressurized steam then cooks food safely and quickly.

There are special pressure cooking program settings depending on the dish you are making:

  • High/Low Pressure
  • Rice
  • Bean/Chili
  • Poultry
  • Meat/Stew
  • Multigrain
  • Porridge
  • Soup/Broth
  • Cake
  • Sterilize
  • Steam
  • Egg
  • Manual or Pressure Cooking
  • Ultra Canning

Note: Not all settings are available on all models.

Slow Cooking

When you want to cook low and slow, this is the setting for you. On the slow cook setting, you the Instant Pot will allow you to prepare your recipes as you would in a Crock Pot brand slow cooker.

Sauté

The sauté function allows you to sauté as you would on the stove.  If you want to brown meat or sauté onions for a recipe, this is a great option. I absolutely love this for two reasons. First, you’re not having to wash another pan. Also, you are essentially preheating the Instant Pot, so it will come up to pressure faster.

Yogurt

Yes, you can make yogurt in your Instant Pot too. Making yogurt requires a low temperature for a relatively long period of time. It’s great that you can make yogurt at home and customize it to you and your family’s tastes. And, one less kitchen gadget to have to store.

Note: This feature is not available on the Lux models.

Keep Warm

This setting allows you to maintain food at the desired temperature for serving.

What Can’t be done in an Instant Pot?

While the Instant Pot does perform a wide variety of kitchen tasks, it isn’t the best choice for every situation Here are a few things that your Instant Pot can’t do, or there is a better option for.

Air Frying

Air frying requires dry heat to crisp food, in contrast pressure cookers use moist heat, so this is one thing your Instant Pot can’t do.

Deep Frying

The Instant Pot doesn’t get hot enough to deep fry. While you can use some oil in your Instant Pot dishes, it is the water-based liquid, turning to high temperature steam that is actually cooking your food.

Quickly Cooked Foods

Since your Instant Pot is to reduce cooking time for those dishes that time a great deal of time to cook, quickly cooked foods aren’t the best choice for your Instant Pot. For instance, a rare steak or tender fish filet would be better cooked on a grill or stove.

What are the benefits of an Instant Pot?

Saves Energy

According to Instant Pot, “electric pressure cookers are energy efficient kitchen appliances, second only to microwaves. Compared to other cooking methods, such as baking, boiling, or steaming, pressure cooking can reduce your cook time & energy usage by up to 70%. ”

Saves Time

You can save a great deal time in the kitchen by reducing not only the cooking time, as we have mentioned earlier, but also reducing prep time. Think of all the time you are saving by not having to thaw meat or soak dry beans.

Saves Money

The Instant Pot can save you quite a bit of money, by allowing you to serve your family made from scratch meals, rather than eating out or opting for take-out. Additionally, you’re able to reduce costly prepared foods in your diet. Again I will use my favorite example of dry beans, which are about 1/4 the price of their canned counterpart.

Healthy Method of Cooking

  • Reduces Dining Out – I would also consider any cooking method that encourages you to cook from scratch healthier than dining out. It’s a great comfort knowing the quality of the ingredients I serve my family.
  • Non-toxic – I am comforted that the Instant Pot is made of non-toxic stainless steel and silicone (sealing ring).
  • Nutritious – Pressure Cooking is also more nutritious than many methods of cooking, retaining more water-soluable vitamins than boiling or even traditional steaming.

Instant Pot Safety

The Instant Pot is not your Grandmother’s stove top pressure cooker. There were times when the older stove top models did have some safety issues, and Instant Pot has taken measures to ensure safety of their appliance.

For your safely, Instant Pot has been designed with 10 safety mechanisms and patented technologies to make the Instant Pot a safe cooking method.

Instant Pot Safety Features

  1. Pressure Regulator ensures working pressure below the safety limit.
  2. Anti-Blockage Vent prevents food debris from blocking the vent.
  3. Safety lid lock prevents accidental opening of the cooker while it is pressurized.
  4. Designed with a sensor for lid position detection, monitors whether the lid is in an unsafe position for pressure cooking.
  5. Automatic temperature control regulates temperature based on the type of program being selected.
  6. Temperature monitoring avoids burning food.
  7. Pressure controller keeps pressure always in the safe range.
  8. Electrical current and temperature fuse cuts off power if the current or internal temperature exceeds safety limits.
  9. Pressure protection releases excess pressure into internal chamber in a dangerous situation.
  10. Smart detection of leaky lid (e.g. steam release is in the open position).

Tips for Instant Pot Success

Pressure cooking works differently than we are used to with other cooking methods. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Boil Water Test

The first thing you will want to “cook” in your Instant Pot is boiling water. This may sound like a step you want to skip, but this quick and easy step is so beneficial.

Benefits from Boil Water Test:

  • Test Instant Pot – This easy step will test your new Instant Pot (or one you’ve had in the closet scared to use for a while). You will know for sure that your pot will seal and heat properly.
  • Learn the basic Instant Pot cooking process – Cooking in an Instant Pot is easy, but very different from other cooking methods. After your Boil Water Test, you will be familiar with the basic buttons, features, sounds, time to bring to pressure, pressure release.
  • Build Confidence – This ensures that you know the basic process to use you Instant Pot, without the fear of wasting any expensive ingredients.
Boil Water Test Video

Season Dishes Well

You will need to cook with broth and/or plenty of herbs and spices, to ensure your dishes are flavorful from the Instant Pot. Since the Instant Pot cooks in a closed environment, you won’t have any evaporation of liquid to intensify flavors as you do when cooking on the stove top.

Instant Pot Common Questions/FAQ:

How much liquid to I need to put in my Instant Pot?

Since the Pressure Cooking method cooks food by creating high-temperature steam, having enough liquid in your Instant Pot is very important to prevent burning and to allow proper cooking. You will need a minimum of 1 cup of liquid to cook, although additional liquid may be needed for dishes that soak up a lot of liquid, as dry beans. Consult your recipe for exact measurements.

Can you overfill Instant Pot?

Overfilling your Instant Pot is another concern. You should use 1/2 full as the fill maximum for items that expand, like dry beans, rice or grains; and 3/4 full as the maximum for everything else. There are 1/2 full and 3/4 full measureing lines on the side of the inner pot.

What can I cook in my Instant Pot?

The options are “almost” endless for items you can cook in your Instant Pot. Consider dishes were you’re not looking for a crispy outcome, some options are (but not limited to):

  • Meat
  • Vegetables
  • Eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Soups/Chili/Stew
  • Creme Brulee
  • Cheesecake

Are electric pressure cookers and instant pots the same thing?

Instant Pot is the brand name of the most popular multi-cooker that has electric pressure cooker function. It also cooks with other methods, in addition to Pressure Cooking.

What is the difference between an instant pot and a crock pot?

An Instant Pot is the brand name of a multi-cooker that is a electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, etc. A Crock Pot is the brand name of a slow cooker.

How long should it take my instant pot to come to pressure?

There are a few variables that affect the time it takes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure. If you saute part of your dish ahead of time it will preheat your Instant Pot and reduce the time; while if you have your Instant Pot filled to the maximum level it will take longer. This typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes. If you feel it is taking too long to come to pressure, ensure the valve on the lid is closed.

Where can I find Instant Pot recipes?

There are so many great dishes you can cook in your Instant Pot. For recipes ideas Instant Pot Recipe Collection and our Instant Pot Pinterest board.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about Instant Pots

In summary, your Instant Pot is a safe, healthy and versatile kitchen appliance that will save you time and money.

If you have enjoyed this guide, please share it with your friends. If you have additional Instant Pots tips and tricks, please share them in the comments below.

The Ultimate Guide to Instant Pot Fundamentals

Filed Under: Instant Pot Tagged With: Instant Pot

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