This is the one place to find all the answers to your questions about the Instant Pot. Click through and learn all the Instant Pot Basics you need to know.
Don't be intimidated by your Instant Pot. This is going to quickly become your favorite kitchen gadget. Here in this guide, I compiled all the resources and answers to all your questions.
Click around and explore all the articles. This is everything you will ever need to know about your Instant Pot.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Minstry of Curry
Jump to:
You can make just about anything in your Instant Pot. Whether you need help with the accessories, the settings, or just want some recipe ideas, I'm here to help.
Introduction
I probably use my Instant Pot more than any other appliance in my kitchen. Once you grow comfortable using it, you'll rely on it for your meals too.
This post will cover all your Instant Pot basics. Whether you are a brand new owner of an Instant Pot or just want to learn more about how to use it, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.
What Is an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that can also work as a slow-cooker, rice cooker, and even yogurt maker. There is a reason they are also called a multicooker - they can cook just about anything.
It can easily replace many of your kitchen appliances and become the one thing you use for almost all of your recipes.
The Instant Pot works by using steam under pressure to cook your food faster. Basically, the temperature becomes higher than the boiling point of water since the steam can't escape. This is how the steam is able to cook the food quicker than traditional stovetop or oven cooking.
Get To Know The Instant Pot
Before you begin cooking with it, this is what you need to know about the settings and how to set it up.
- Which Instant Pot To Buy - Learn how to choose the best Instant Pot for your lifestyle.
- Initial Water Test Run Set Up - Follow these tips before you use the Instant Pot. Learn what the water test is and how to do it before you make your first recipe.
- Program Keys and Settings - Read through this guide and learn what all the buttons and settings do and how to use them.
- Instant Pot Vocabulary - There are lots of acronyms and lingo that goes along with using it. Refer to this post when you feel lost or confused.
- The Lid and Accessories - Familiarize yourself with the lid on the Instant Pot and what the different pieces are.
Got Instant Pot Questions? I Have Answers!
One of the most common questions I get is about the BURN warning that appears on newer Instant Pot models. This is a sign that the bottom of the pot is getting dry and the Instant Pot is unable to build pressure. The best way to prevent it is to read through the entire recipe before you start cooking so you are ready for each step. When you are not prepared, liquids tend to evaporate quickly. If you do see the BURN message, carefully turn the Pressure Release to Venting and wait for the float valve to drop before opening. For minor burning, deglaze the bottom with a wooden spoon and add more liquid before pressure cooking again. If there is significant sticking, it is best to empty the pot completely, clean it, and start fresh with thinner liquids.
Another question I hear often is about the water test. Yes, you do need to do it before using your new Instant Pot for the first time. It is recommended by the Instant Pot company as an initial test run to confirm everything is working correctly before you begin cooking.
When it comes to doubling recipes, you double the ingredients but not the pressure cooking time. It will take longer for the pot to build pressure with more food inside, but the actual cook time stays the same. Just be careful not to overfill the pot, and always deglaze the bottom before pressure cooking to avoid sticking.
For how much water you need, the Instant Pot manual recommends at least 1 cup of water for the 6-quart model to come to pressure, though some recipes can use less depending on the ingredients.
If your cooked dish looks watery, pat your chicken or lamb dry before cooking or marinating since excess moisture can make your dish mushy. Curries will naturally thicken as they cool, and if you prefer a thicker sauce, simply use the Sauté setting uncovered for a few minutes. Beans and lentils also thicken considerably as they cool. Mash some of them with a potato masher for an even creamier consistency.
Finally, pot-in-pot cooking is a technique for items that do not have a lot of liquid, like cheesecakes, bread puddings, and frittatas, or for cooking two dishes simultaneously. You can either pour water into the main pot and place a pan on top, or cook one dish at the bottom and place a bowl on a tall steam rack above it.
Easy Recipes
After you get to know your Instant Pot and set it up, you are ready to begin using it to make your favorite recipes.
I compiled all of my favorite recipes in my cookbook, The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook. There are 75 recipes here for every meal of the day. I share everything from contemporary recipes to my Indian favorites.
Here are some more of my family's favorite recipes that you can find right here on my blog.
Regina Gornall says
I bought this pot today and your cookbook on amazon, including the inserts. I am excited for it to come .