My Instant Pot: A Love Story

I have to say it. My husband was right. He purchased us an Instant Pot for our anniversary because he thought it would make this crazy life easier, and he was so right. I was nervous to learn a new kitchen tool, I mean, I’ve got my rhythm down in the kitchen, but then I met my buddy Instant Pot, and things have gotten way easier.

I had no idea what an Instant Pot was until my husband brought one home. Along with pressure cooking, the instant pot also has the capability to saute meats, steam veggies, and create less mess in the kitchen because all of the cooking is done from the one pot.

Let me tell you why this should be on every one of your holiday shopping lists this year:

Pressure Cooking: Okay, I have to admit that I had never used a pressure cooker prior to my instant pot. I knew nothing about them except that they have been known to explode and hurt people. I don’t need cooking to be any more stressful than it already is so I typically shy away from anything that could threaten my life. However, my instant pot said that it had ten safety features, so it was worth a try. Now, this feature is why people flip out about this machine. I took rock solid chicken breasts straight out of my freezer, put them in the instant pot with one cup of water, sealed the lid and pressure cooked for 25 minutes. When it was done, I took the chicken out to shred for Frank’s Red Hot chicken sandwiches, and I tested the temperature. Each breast was a solid 175 degrees or higher. If you know chicken, you know it has to be at least 165 degrees to eat. That temperature was achieved in 25 minutes with no thawing. I did the same thing with frozen hamburger, and last night, I made perfectly cooked spaghetti squash in 7 minutes. It seems too good to be true.

Steamer: Included with my Instant Pot, I received a steaming rack. It works wonders with steamed veggies. I followed the instructions I found online, and began my asparagus. I washed, cut, and dried my veggies. I poured in a cup of water, put the veggies on the rack, oiled and seasoned them, and began my steamer. Nothing new, right?

Two minutes later, I had the tastiest steamed asparagus. I will repeat that it only took two minutes.

Veggies for fajitas.

Saute: Besides the pressure cooker option, I use the saute button the most. I really enjoy that I can do everything I want in one pot, leaving my stove-top and pans clean. I have used saute to make fajitas and tacos so far. Every recipe I create calls for the oil and veggies in the pan first. Next, add seasoning and desired meat. Cook together until it is ready. One tip I learned with the saute option is that you can set it on different levels. The standard level is a little too high for sautéing veggies before meat, so pushing saute one more time will get you to “low” level cooking that is a little less intense. In addition to sautéing full meals, I loved to use this button after pressure cooking meat to soak up any liquid still in the pot.

I have had my instant pot for less than a month, so I’m sure in the winter months, I’ll get more creative. Our favorite recipe for pressure cooking chicken and then sautéing it into a Caesar wrap is this: Wrap Recipe

Ground turkey for tacos

However, I did love frozen turkey for tacos I made for lunches, and those shredded Frank’s sandwiches were to die for.

I have so much more to try. I still haven’t used the following additional features: crock pot, yogurt maker, rice cooker, or chili option. I cannot wait to experiment.

 

 

Why is this so cool and life changing:

  • You don’t have to thaw meat to have a meal in 40 minutes or less. You can start the recipes from frozen.
  • Everything you do is in one pot.
  • Pressure cooking keeps the moisture in what you are cooking way better than a crock pot.
  • It’s new, so you’ll want to try new recipes with it.
  • Most of the pieces are dishwasher safe.

What you should know that they don’t tell you: In order to get the pressure to where it needs to be, allow about 5 or 10 extra minutes for it to build up pressure before it starts actually cooking.

If you’re like many of my friends, you cannot wait to get this in your home. Click here for an Amazon link to three different sizes.

There you have it. I would recommend an Instant Pot for anyone who loves cooking. Have you tried it? What’s your favorite feature? We’d love to know.

2 thoughts on “My Instant Pot: A Love Story

  • November 8, 2017 at 12:01 am
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    I bought one for us last year and have only usrd it one time. I did steam burn my finger when I was releasing the pressure but that’s my own fault. I’m pretty intimidated by it but more & more of my friends face about it so maybe it’ll be my new best friend too!

    Reply
    • November 8, 2017 at 2:12 am
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      Yes, I can see how that can happen. I was timid at first, but I have been having fun trying new recipes I google. I use the saute option almost just as much as the pressure cooker.

      Reply

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