Instant pots or pressure cookers are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently. They can make make normally complicated and time-consuming recipes much easier. However, using one is much different than using a hob or oven, which means it takes some getting used to. So, if you don’t know what to make with your pressure cooker, here are some easy instant pot recipes for students to get started.
Veggie Chili
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 cup broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Turn the instant pot to the sauté setting and pour the olive oil into the pot. Cook the garlic and onion until soft and add the bell pepper, chili powder and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then stir in the broth. Add the tomatoes, black beans and kidney beans. Cover and seal the pot, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Release the pressure and serve.
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Fried Rice
- 1 1/2 cups long grain or jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 onion
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- green onions for garnish
Rinse the rice and then pour it into the instant pot along with the vegetable stock. Cook for 3 minutes on high pressure then release the valve and open the lid. Stir the rice and then turn on the sauté setting and add the oil and mixed veg. Push the rice aside so you have enough space to cook the onion in the bottom of the pan. Once it’s soft, stir everything together and repeat the process, this time scrambling the eggs in the bottom of the pan. Stir in the soy sauce and garnish with the green onions.
Minestrone Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup pasta
- 5 cups vegetable stock
Set the instant pot to the sauté setting and add the oil. Cook the onion and garlic for two minutes and then turn off the pot by pressing cancel. Add all other ingredients, stir, and put the lid on. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then release the steam and serve.