If you’re looking for delicious and easy vegan meals that you can make quickly, then instant pot recipes are your answer. The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you prepare vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks in no time. Whether you’re an experienced vegan cook or a newbie, these easy vegan Instant Pot recipes are perfect for you! In this article, we’ll share some of the best vegan Instant Pot recipes that are not only healthy and nutritious, but also incredibly delicious. So, let’s get cooking!
What Is an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and warmer – all in one pot. Its design allows it to cook food quickly and efficiently, making it a valuable tool for busy home cooks, particularly those preparing vegan meals.
The Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Vegan Food
Instant Pots can be especially valuable when preparing vegan meals because they allow you to quickly and easily cook ingredients like dried beans, grains, and vegetables that can otherwise take a long time to cook. Here are some additional benefits of using an Instant Pot for vegan cooking:
- One-pot cooking: With its versatility, an Instant Pot can take the place of several other cooking appliances, saving you space and time.
- Nutritious meals: Cooking with an Instant Pot can help to retain the nutrients in your food, making for healthier, more flavorful meals.
- Budget-friendly: Dried beans and grains can be inexpensive protein sources, and an Instant Pot allows you to quickly and easily cook up large batches to use in multiple meals throughout the week.
- Convenience: An Instant Pot can be set to cook food while you’re away from the kitchen, allowing you to come home to a hot meal that’s ready to eat.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Vegan Cooking?
If you’re a vegan, you probably know how time-consuming it can be to cook vegan food from scratch. The prep work alone can take hours, and then there’s the actual cooking time to consider. But what if there was a way to reduce the time and effort involved in vegan cooking? That’s where the Instant Pot comes in. This versatile kitchen gadget can save you hours in the kitchen and make cooking vegan meals a breeze. Here are some reasons why:
The Instant Pot is a Multi-Functional Appliance
The Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can do the job of several other appliances, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and steamer. What this means for you is that you can make a wide variety of vegan dishes in one appliance. You could, for example, use the Instant Pot to cook rice, lentils, and chickpeas for a vegan grain bowl. You could also make vegan chili, soups, stews, and even vegan cheesecake in an Instant Pot. This not only saves you time but also reduces the number of appliances you need to have in your kitchen.
The Instant Pot Saves Time
One of the biggest advantages of using an Instant Pot for vegan cooking is the time-saving aspect. Because the Instant Pot uses pressure to cook food, it cooks much faster than traditional stovetop methods. For example, if you were to cook dried beans on the stovetop, it could take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. But in an Instant Pot, the cooking time is reduced to roughly 20 to 30 minutes. This can save you a lot of time in the kitchen, especially if you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week.
The Instant Pot is Energy Efficient
Not only does the Instant Pot save you time, but it’s also energy-efficient. Because it uses pressure to cook food, it requires less energy to cook food than traditional stovetop methods. This can result in lower energy bills for you and is also better for the environment. The Instant Pot also has a “keep warm” function, which allows you to keep your vegan meals warm for hours without using any additional energy.
Types of Easy Vegan Instant Pot Recipes
The Instant Pot has become a lifesaver for many busy individuals. It can help people cook delicious and healthy meals in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. As more people are embracing the idea of veganism and the benefits it brings, they are turning towards vegan instant pot recipes. Here are some types of easy vegan instant pot recipes that you can try:
Soups
Soups are an excellent way to warm up during cold weather, and you can make some amazing vegan soup recipes in your Instant Pot. You can try a delicious classic tomato soup or a butternut squash soup with coconut milk. Perhaps you want to try some hearty minestrone soup packed with vegetables and beans or a filling lentil soup. You can always mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add in some grains or pasta, and you have yourself a complete meal.
Stews and Curries
If you want something heartier than soup, then stews and curries are the way to go. These dishes can be incredibly versatile, and you can use any vegetables that you have on hand. You can go for a classic potato stew, a comforting chickpea curry, or an aromatic vegetable korma. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and spices. The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it allows you to infuse all the flavors together in a short amount of time.
Grains and Pasta
Grains and pasta dishes can be incredibly filling and nutritious. You can make anything from a simple risotto to a complex biryani in your Instant Pot. You can also experiment with different grains such as quinoa, farro, buckwheat, and barley to name a few. How about some creamy mushroom risotto or sweet and savory coconut rice? Or maybe you prefer a spicy arrabbiata pasta or a fresh and zesty pesto pasta salad. All of these dishes are incredibly easy to make and can be adapted in many ways.
6 Easy Vegan Instant Pot Recipes
Veganism is a growing trend, and for good reason – it’s a great way to reduce your impact on the environment, it can be healthier, and it can help you feel more connected to the food you eat. Instant Pots are a great way to get delicious vegan meals in a hurry, without having to spend all day in the kitchen. Here are six easy vegan instant pot recipes that are sure to satisfy.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a classic Italian dish, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to make. With an Instant Pot, however, it’s a breeze. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil, then add in your mushrooms and arborio rice. Pressure cook for just five minutes, then stir in some vegan butter and nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy flavor. Finish it off with some fresh parsley, and you’ve got a gourmet meal that’s ready in no time.
Vegan Cabbage Steaks
Cabbage might not be the most exciting vegetable, but when it’s cooked as a “steak” in the Instant Pot, it becomes tender and flavorful. Simply cut a head of cabbage into thick “steaks,” season with some garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt, and pressure cook for just five minutes. Top with some balsamic glaze or vegan gravy, and you’ll be surprised at what you can do with this humble veggie.
Tomato Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of tomato soup on a cold day, and this vegan version is just as good (if not better) than the original. Start by sautéing some onions and garlic, then add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a bit of sugar. Pressure cook for just ten minutes, then blend until smooth with an immersion blender. Finish it off with a splash of balsamic vinegar and some fresh basil, and you’ve got a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Vegan Creamy Curry
If you’re in the mood for something spicy and comforting, try this vegan curry. Start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and ginger, then add in your favorite vegetables (such as cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers) and some canned chickpeas. Season with curry powder, turmeric, and salt, and pressure cook for just five minutes. Stir in some coconut milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken, and you’ll have a creamy, aromatic curry that’s perfect for serving over rice or with some naan bread.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegan Lentil Stew
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and when they’re cooked in an Instant Pot, they become tender and flavorful. Start by sautéing some onions, garlic, and carrots, then add in your lentils, vegetable broth, and some canned tomatoes. Pressure cook for just ten minutes, then stir in some chopped kale for added nutrition. Finish it off with some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, and you’ve got a hearty stew that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Vegan Chili
Chili is a classic comfort food, and this vegan version is just as satisfying as the meaty version. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add in your favorite beans (such as kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans) and some canned tomatoes. Season with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and pressure cook for just five minutes. Top with some vegan sour cream and fresh herbs, and you’ll have a cozy meal that’s perfect for a lazy weekend.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Tips for Making Easy Vegan Instant Pot Recipes
Are you tired of using multiple pots and pans to make a delicious vegan meal? Look no further than the instant pot. This appliance is a game-changer for creating mouth-watering vegan dishes with minimal effort and cleanup. Keep reading for tips on making the perfect vegan instant pot meal.
Use Enough Liquid
Using enough liquid is essential when cooking with an instant pot. If there is not enough liquid, the pot may not come to pressure and your meal may end up burnt or undercooked. A good rule of thumb is to use at least one cup of liquid for every recipe. This will ensure that there is enough steam to create pressure and cook the food thoroughly.
Don’t Overfill the Pot
It can be tempting to fill the pot to the brim to make enough food for leftovers or meal prep. However, overfilling the pot will also prevent it from coming to pressure. A good rule of thumb is to never fill the pot more than two-thirds full. This will give the food enough room to cook and expand without overflowing or burning.
Adjust Cooking Times Based on Ingredients
Not all ingredients are created equal, and some may require more or less time to cook than others. For example, potatoes and other root vegetables will take longer to cook than softer vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Take note of the cooking time in the recipe and adjust it accordingly based on the ingredients you are using. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as needed to get the perfect texture and flavor.
Experiment with Flavors
One of the best things about cooking with an instant pot is the ability to infuse flavors into your dishes quickly. Add herbs, spices, and other seasonings to customize your dish to your liking. Some great options for vegan dishes include garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. If you’re unsure where to start, try experimenting with different spice blends and see what works best for you.
Try Batch Cooking
Instant pot meals are perfect for batch cooking, which means making a large amount of food at once that can be portioned out for meals throughout the week. This is a great option for busy individuals who don’t have much time to cook during the week. Make a large batch of chili, soup, or curry, and portion it out into individual containers for easy meals on the go. This is also a great way to save money and reduce food waste.
FAQ
As a vegan, instant pot recipes can make cooking meals much faster and easier. Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking vegan instant pot recipes:
What are some other easy vegan instant pot recipes?
Instant Pot vegan chili is a classic recipe that is hearty and delicious. Simply add all the ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices to the Instant Pot and let it cook. Potato and kale soup is another great option that can be made in your programmable pressure cooker. Additionally, you can try making Instant Pot vegan spaghetti with tomato sauce which is quick and easy.
Can I cook frozen vegetables in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily cook frozen vegetables in the Instant Pot. In fact, it can be more convenient as you will not have to wait for them to thaw. Frozen vegetables like broccoli, peas, and corn can be steamed in the Instant Pot in just a few minutes.
Can I use an Instant Pot for desserts?
Yes, Instant Pot can be used for making delicious vegan desserts. You can make dairy-free yogurt, cakes, and puddings. For example, you can make Instant Pot vegan cheesecake using vegan cream cheese and coconut milk instead of traditional cream cheese and sour cream.
How long does it take to cook vegan dishes in an Instant Pot?
Cooking time often depends on the recipe and the type of food being cooked. For example, soups and stews may take around 20-30 minutes while grains and beans can take up to an hour. However, cooking vegan dishes in the Instant Pot generally takes less time compared to traditional cooking methods. This is because the Instant Pot uses high pressure which helps to cook food faster.
What are some tips for cooking vegan dishes in Instant Pot?
- Practice ‘natural pressure release’ for best results. This means letting the pressure release at its own pace instead of quick release.
- Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown onions, garlic or spices before closing the lid to add more depth of flavor to your meals.
- Be sure to follow instructions for liquid requirements. Keep in mind that the Instant Pot uses pressure to cook food, and requires enough liquid to achieve and maintain pressure.
- Experiment! Once you get a hang of how your Instant Pot works, try experimenting with your vegan recipes, you never know what delicious meal you can create.
Happy Cooking! Come back for More Vegan Deliciousness
Now, you have a delightful collection of easy vegan instant pot recipes that you can use anytime you want to whip up a healthy and flavorful vegan meal. From soups, stews, curries, pasta, and even desserts, the possibilities are endless. We hope these recipes will inspire you to create and experiment more with your instant pot and explore the fantastic world of vegan cuisine even more. Don’t forget to check back for more mouth-watering vegan recipes! Thanks for reading!