Instant Pot: What’s the Big Deal?

I have heard about the Instant Pot from a few people. It seems like it’s there’s a cult of people who love their Instant Pots. I mean, I love a crock pot but when I found out that you could cook frozen food into a meal in an hour, I became curious! And then my intern said she loved it, so I knew it was time for a review! And…. guess who ended up buying an Instant Pot on Amazon Prime Day? Yes – me. And I look forward to trying it!

–  Julie

Here is Intern Caralee’s review and suggested recipes for the Instant Pot:

Oh, the Instant Pot.  I can’t say enough good things about this miraculous piece of cookware.  Last Christmas, I asked for a pressure cooker and my sister found this gem.  Every time I make something mouthwatering I send her a text or an email (to sort of rub it in, but also to say what a wonderful purchase it was!).

Okay, enough ranting (for now).  So, what is it exactly?  The Instant Pot is, simply put, a programmable counter-top pressure cooker.  I remember the stove-top pressure cooker my mom used when I was growing up.  It was “loud as blazes” and it shook violently.  Kinda scary – but it produced juicy, flavorful foods.  While you can still buy a “vintage” pressure cooker, the Instant Pot is multi-functional, capable of acting as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker/porridge maker, sauté/browning pan, steamer, yogurt maker and stockpot warmer. It is purported to be safer than the pressure cooker that we all grew up with and, by reducing cooking time, uses an estimated 70% less energy to cook.

WHY THE INSTANT POT?

This pot has saved me from more than one “forgetful mom” moment.  You know those mornings: when you planned to throw something in the crock-pot before you left the house and, well, things happened – the teenager needed some breakfast that you forgot to buy/make, the baby was crying non-stop, nothing you tried on looked good so you spent way too much time throwing clothes on the bed (you know what I’m talking about??).  You get home and WHOOPS –  forgot about dinner.  The meat isn’t even thawed!  Fast-food it is – or is it?

Have barbecue sauce on hand and some meat in the fridge or freezer?  Throw them in the instant pot and you’ve got fall off of the bone chicken or ribs in less than an hour.  Ah-ma-zing… heavy on the zing my friends!  While the meat is cooking, you have more than enough time to prepare some roasted vegetables and potatoes, rice and beans, etc. – you get the idea.

So, why the Instant Pot?  It provides the ability to prepare a healthy meal in less than an hour (with the functionality to act as a rice cooker, crock-pot or other kitchen device on other, less stressful days, should you need it) – all saving you from the temptation to purchase fast food.  Should you buy one? ABSOLUTELY (if it fits within your budget).

RECIPES

Here are a few of my favorite instant pot recipes:

Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce:

I love spaghetti squash and this is a great pasta swap!  The squash provides phytochemicals that the pasta does not.  Prepare this with a side salad and you are likely very close to reaching your goal of 4-5 cups of fruits and veggies per day!

Instant Pot Faux-Tisserie Chicken:

Make your own rotisserie chicken at home?  Yes, please!  See ya on the flipside Sam’s Club!

If you don’t want any of the fuss, but want a ton of flavor, buy chicken leg quarters instead and throw them in the instant pot with some barbecue sauce.  45 minutes – Boom, done!

Turkey Lentil Chili:

In an attempt to reduce my family’s consumption of red meats, I typically substitute lean ground turkey for recipes that call for ground beef (this recipe for chili calls for turkey – which is perfect!).  When ground turkey is flavored well, my family can’t tell the difference.

If you have an Instant Pot or purchase one as a result of this post, try one of these recipes and let us know what you think!  Already have an Instant Pot?  Share your favorite recipe!

Instant Pot Fan for Life!

–  Caralee

P.S. Here’s a resource that teaches even KIDS to make food using the Instant Pot!