An Instant Pot in Every Kitchen
Internet cooking sites are all abuzz with the latest rage — the Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. Who would have thought? This is the perfect gift for newlyweds, busy moms, foodies, those who own RVs and people who live in small spaces — especially college students in dorms. It can replace quite a few appliances in your kitchen because it is a slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, egg cooker, yogurt maker, warmer, and sauté/browning pan (someone posted on the Internet that they make wine in it)! You can even cook frozen meat safely and do all your cooking in one pot — less cleaning (and it’s stainless-steel and dishwasher safe)! Some newer models (ones with Bluetooth technology enable you to do sous vide cooking. The newest model due out this year will even feature a canning function. The best part is that it cuts down cooking time and is energy efficient.
This Canadian invention first appeared on store shelves in 2010 and to date there have been almost 5 million units sold. During Christmas 2017 the Instant Pot was one of the top five best selling items on Amazon, and all done with only word-of-mouth positive reviews (no commercials or print ads).
Instant Pot communities with thousands of members devoted to the “Art of the Pot” have sprung up on Facebook, blogs and message boards. Some of these people even go as far as naming their appliances! The true fanatic even decorates their pot(s) with decals. Instant Pot cookbooks have flooded the shelves and Internet. It truly has a cult following!
I was skeptical at first because I remember my mother warning me about the dangers of hissing and rocking pressure cookers (and telling me horror stories of meals that had ended up on the ceiling). However, curiosity got the better of me and I actually joined one of these Facebook groups to learn more about this revolution. After much deliberation and stalling, I finally bite the bullet and bought one (the 6-quart IP-DUO60). This version has a yogurt setting and I have read that you can even make a cheesecake in it.
My first Instant Pot “creation” was BBQ pork ribs done from a recipe I found online. Oh my! These were the tastiest, juiciest and fastest ribs I have ever made. In the past I used to drag out the stock pot, fill it with a whole onion (skin and all), add spices, cut up ribs and enough water to cover, and then boil the s**t out of it for at least 2 hours. Then, after taking the meat out, I’d put them in the oven for another 30 minutes or so to brown up. With the Instant Pot these ribs were ready to eat in 40 minutes. Wow!
I’ve been using the Instant Pot now for a few months and I must say that it has become my favorite kitchen appliance — so much so that I bought another one! The second one will be used for desserts, eggs yogurt, and sweet dishes such as custards (and did I mention cheesecake?). (Update: I've made yogurt many times and even made a banana cheesecake in it and it was wonderful!)
It is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it appliance…an indispensible device (in my kitchen anyway)! I wish I had bought one sooner.
- Read the manual (important!)
- You always need some kind of a liquid (at least ½ cup) to ensure proper pressure.
- There is no need to pre-soak dried beans.
- Popcorn can be popped using the “sauté” function.
- Add appropriate minutes to cooking time when using frozen food.
- Cook pasta or rice (NOT instant) along with the other ingredients.
- Program your pot up to 24-hours in advance.
Every Instant Pot comes with a Silicone Sealing Ring. If by some reason the ring starts to leak or is damaged, you should replace it. The company is very adamant that you only use Instant Pot Sealing Rings and using third party rings will void their warranty.
The Silicone Sealing Rings absorb the food odors from cooking, so if you don’t want your cheesecake tasting like beef stew, it’s a good idea to have separate rings — 1 for cooking Savory foods and 1 for cooking Sweets.
These come in different colors, so you never have to wonder which is which or worry about the taste any more!
Canada: amazon.ca
It’s very handy to have an extra Instant Pot Inner Pot. This way you can cook both dinner and dessert at the same time. An extra Inner Pot is handy though, for storing leftovers in the fridge (cover with the glass or silicone lid). Make sure you have the right size for your Instant Pot.
Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
This dishwasher safe and BPA free lid creates an air tight seal on your 5 and 6 quart inner cooking pot. It’s great for avoiding plastic wrap and storing leftovers in the fridge without changing containers. Great for when you are straining your yogurt.
Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
This tempered glass lid has a stainless steel rim and handle and a small steam vent. It’s perfect when cooking in the “SlowCcooker” mode and sautéeing because you can see what's happening inside.
Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
It’s easy to make yogurt in the Instant Pot (as long as you have the “Yogurt” function). There are many recipes out there. Once the yogurt is made and cooled, put it in the Euro Cuisine GY60 Greek Yogurt Maker for at least 4 hours to thicken the yogurt by allowing most of the liquid whey to separate.
Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
Make cheesecake in your Instant Pot! It’s got a heavy, solid glass base which doubles as a cute serving plate and it cleans easily. Make sure to get the 7-inch, as the 8-inch cheesecake pan will not fit in the 6 quart Instant Pot. (If cakes are not your thing, this is also great for making meatloaf.)
Canada: amazon.ca USA: amazon.com
instantpot.com
Facebook, InstantPotCommunity
Etsy Instant Pot decals
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements