The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can cook a wide range of dishes, including stews, eggs, and cakes. However, it may not always be as efficient at making these dishes compared to other appliances designed for meat-lovers. This is why there are numerous vegetarian Instant Pot recipes available. These include creamy mushroom pasta, lentil soup, rice bowls, and more.
The Instant Pot is also great for cooking vegetarian staples like dried beans and spaghetti squash, as well as creating a delicious and complex veggie broth. There are also 15 meatless weeknight dinners that can be prepared using the Instant Pot. Some of the best vegetarian and vegan Instant Pot recipes include soups, chili, main dishes like tacos and meatballs, one-pot meals, and more.
A collection of 60 Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes from some of the best food bloggers includes soup, curry, oats, and salad. While the Instant Pot’s main claim to fame is its magical meat-cooking prowess, there are many delicious vegetarian Instant Pot recipes out there that prove its versatility in serving up tasty and meatless comfort food.
In conclusion, the Instant Pot is an excellent tool for cooking various dishes, including vegetarian staples like dried beans and spaghetti squash. It also has the ability to make a complex vegetable broth, making it a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance. However, it is essential to consider the specific needs and preferences of each user before purchasing an Instant Pot.
📹 10 reasons why the Instant Pot is the vegan’s best friend
The Instant Pot is truly a lifesaver for me, so today I’m sharing 10 reasons why the Instant Pot makes plant-based eating so much …
Are Instapots safer than pressure cookers?
Instant Pots and pressure cookers are two types of kitchen appliances that differ in safety, usability, control, and technology. Instant Pots have built-in safety measures, such as an automatic shut-off mechanism, allowing users to set them and walk away. They also offer multiple pressure modes, allowing users to choose low pressure for delicate dishes like soup and high pressure for quicker cooking when time is of the essence.
Instant Pots are multipurpose kitchen appliances that can be used as slow cookers, sauté pans, steamers, yogurt makers, and rice cookers. They are time-saving gadgets that allow users to prepare meals quickly without constantly monitoring the burner.
Are Instant Pots safe to eat from?
Instant Pots are safe to cook in, provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use nontoxic food-grade stainless steel components. They can be used for pressure cooking, slow-cooking, and slow-cooking food like chicken bone broth. However, it’s recommended to check on the appliance every 10-15 minutes. Overall, Instant Pots are safe to use for pressure cooking and other cooking tasks.
Do instapots have teflon?
The Instant Pot Duo Non-stick Ceramic Inner Pot (6 Quart) is a safe and non-toxic ceramic non-stick inner cooking pot, free of Teflon, PTFE, and PFOA. The non-stick surface facilitates the cleaning process, and the device is equipped with a secondary pot, which allows for the convenient preparation of multiple dishes. Furthermore, the pot is free of PTFE and PFOA, thus ensuring safety and environmental compatibility.
Which air fryer is not toxic?
Ninja, Instant, and KitchenAid offer a variety of non-toxic air fryer models, with the stainless steel air fryer by Instant Pot being the top choice. This model is known for its crisp fries, various functions, and easy cleaning. Other options include ceramic, compact, and multi-functional models. To find a non-toxic air fryer, check out the air fryer deals page, which has been tested and approved by experts.
Air fryers can be toxic in certain situations, with two main ways being the potential exposure to non-stick coatings. Nonstick air fryers made from materials like Teflon can be associated with health risks, but only if the air fryer is damaged. It is recommended to choose an air fryer made without non-stick chemicals, such as ceramic or stainless steel, to avoid potential health risks.
Have Instapots ever exploded?
It is imperative to exercise caution when operating an Instant Pot, as excessive pressure can potentially lead to an explosion. Such an explosion can propel shrapnel at high velocities, causing severe eye injuries and even potentially resulting in blindness. Additionally, individuals who have been exposed to such an explosion may experience hearing loss or tinnitus, as the sound produced is of a considerable volume and has the potential to cause extensive damage to the retina. It is of the utmost importance to be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of an Instant Pot.
Why is air fryer bad for health?
Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but it does result in the formation of certain compounds, such as acrylamide, which is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Acrylamide is formed when foods are heated to temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius or 250 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting from a series of chemical reactions called the “Maillard reaction”. High-carbohydrate foods, such as potato chips, French fries, and baked goods, contain the highest levels of acrylamide.
Acrylamide is an industrial chemical used in plastics, glues, paper, construction grout, and cosmetic products. It is a component of cigarette smoke and can cause difficulty walking, muscle weakness, and decreased sensation in the hands and feet after low-level workplace exposure. Acrylamide can also interact with DNA, RNA, and cellular processes, and cause cancer in laboratory animals. However, there is no conclusive evidence that acrylamide causes cancer in humans.
Short-term exposure to acrylamide in occupational settings is associated with numbness in the hands and feet, skin rashes, peeling, and leg weakness. The safety of dietary acrylamide consumption in humans has also been evaluated, but a clear relationship between dietary acrylamide intake and cancer has not been established.
Are Instapots better than air fryers?
Air fryers are compact and portable, while Instant Pots offer more versatility and cooking times. Both can prepare a wide range of foods, but Instant Pots offer more recipe options. Air fryers are suitable for beginners, while Instant Pots have a learning curve. Both are affordable, but Instant Pots offer better value for money due to their versatility. When choosing a kitchen appliance, consider personal preferences, power consumption, and budget. For soups and stews, choose an Instant Pot, while for crispy treats, choose an air fryer.
Why is a pressure cooker not good for health?
Due to their high starch content, potatoes are frequently boiled in pressure cookers, a practice that is generally considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. In the event that a pressure cooker is utilized, it is imperative to add a substantial quantity of water and to thoroughly wash the potatoes subsequent to the cooking process. This is a crucial step in order to prevent any potential health complications.
Are instapots carcinogenic?
Instant pots are not known to cause cancer, as they use steam and moist heat to cook food, which can produce acrylamides, a carcinogen. This theory is particularly problematic in instant pots, as they cook food at shorter cooking times, reducing cooking time to 70 and consuming only 50-60 energy. Additionally, instant pots cook food at a temperature higher than the boiling point of water, which can also contribute to the production of acrylamides.
Are Instapots worth the hype?
An Instant Pot is a convenient and practical appliance that can cook various dishes, including stews, eggs, and cakes. However, it may not be as effective as appliances specifically designed for specific tasks. The learning curve for using the Instant Pot can be challenging, and it may take time to get used to the machine. Therefore, it is essential to weigh your needs before purchasing an Instant Pot, considering factors such as space savings, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to cook specific dishes.
Do chefs use Instapots?
Pressure cookers are commonly used in industrial settings to quickly prepare meat or stocks, but Elite Chefs often avoid them due to their less control over the final dish. Professional chefs find benefits in the Instant Pot, which reduces total cooking time, moistens the food, and retains little to no nutritional value due to its closed cooking method. The Instant Pot also saves on energy costs and prevents flavors from escaping.
However, pressure cookers are not the primary cooking technique used by chefs, especially for curries. An Instant Pot allows chefs to cook curries faster and with minimal downsides, making them a popular choice for many chefs.
📹 INSTANT POT! Is it HEALTHY? WORTH THE $$$?
I get a lot of questions about my Instant Pot meals whenever I post them. Is it worth it? Is it healthy? Should I get one? So I thought I …
Hey Derek! Pro tip: if you press the “bean and chili” button twice, it turns off the “keep warm” setting, which helps it cool down faster at the end (if you don’t like venting). Also, I often blend up flax seeds/hemp hearts in water (like a flax egg) and then use that in the instant pot to make creamier sauces!
The key to cooking perfect beans with really less time and even saving up on energy is OVERNIGHT SOAKING. It has also been shown to even reduce phytic acid content which can interfere with some vitamin and mineral absorption. Here in India, we have been cooking beans soaked-dry beans in pressure cooker since forever. And now with my instant pot, it easier than ever. Also, I batch cook them and freeze them to add in any recipes I like.
Best investment I ever made, its so easy! Im lazy and forget to soak beans and lentils but with this I get home from work throw in veggies and beans etc. It makes the best chilli, also soups etc. I couldnt be without it now! Anyone who complains that being vegan is too expensive, dry beans, lentils, rice etc are so cheap I’ve actually saved so much money since being vegan.
I’ve been an instant pot user for about a year. LOVE IT! I make big batches of dried beans (kidney, pinto, chick peas) and freeze them for future use. Vegan “dump and go” chili: use “Saute” mode with a splash of water or broth and 1 TBSP each dried garlic and onion, 1 TBSP chili powder, 1 tsp cinnamon (trust me) and 1 tsp cocoa powder, dash of salt and pepper. Saute til fragrant. Dump in one can of diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can kidney beans (or about 1.5 cups of your cooked, frozen ones and 2 cups of any fresh or frozen veggies you wish (I’ve used zucchini, cabbage, corn, squash, onion, celery, carrots, peppers, etc.) Add about 1 cup water on top (don’t stir in, so it can steam up). Set the MANUAL (or Pressure Cook) button to 6-15 minutes (honestly, it doesn’t much matter…. if I have harder veggies I use more time). Vent when done, or use the ‘natural release’ (just let it depressurize by itself) if you have time. So easy, and so good!
i have a healthy obsession with instant pots, lol…..I have 2 big ones and one small one, ( i bought the small one to take along when we travel to cook in our room) and I use one or more every day at home! A kitchen lifesaver if you are like us and eat every meal at home and try to eat healthy WFPB! Great informational article. IMO worth EVERY PENNY!! I love all 3 of mine 🙂
I have a Ninja Foodi which does all that the Instant Pot does, and in addition it is an air fryer. It is brilliant and I use it a lot. It has a large capacity. I used to have an old-fashioned pressure cooker but this is way better because you can “set it and forget it” or release the steam when you want. I batch-cook legumes and grains and freeze them in can-sized portions because many recipes call for e.g. a 14-oz can of… I have a chart that I downloaded (can’t remember where from) that gives you lots of comparisons, weight for weight, dry vs soaked legumes, how much they expand during cooking etc. Great machine.
Thank god you talk fast, your articles are on the long side but compared to everything else on youtube yours are informative and fun, no 5 minutes of “HI MY NAME IS, MY LIFE STORY, 2 seconds of useful information, 30 minutes of HOPE YOU FOUND THIS USEFUL” while i look up how to make fricking hummus. keep it up
Looks like my rice cooker, but I go thru them quickly before I was divorced. That’s a one person size. I like that it’s stainless steal inside, I’ve got horrible Teflon like inside. I think it’s time to switch and donate mine. I haven’t done quinoa in mine. I wonder how that does quinoa. I do make my quinoa on stovetop or you really have to kind of keep stirring to prevent burning. Same thing with white rice cooker. Studies have shown actually it’s absolutely fine for vitamins because you’re not pouring out any water etc. water is just steaming out… Which would mean that the nutrients may actually increase believe it or not. Most MDs aren’t taught anything about nutrition in the USA. Kitty is gorgeous. I have a masters agree in public health and I purposely took two extra years of nutrition in graduate school. I love your vids. Have sent so many Twitter friends to your awesome YouTube website. We all love you. 🌱🌿
Brilliant article as always! I love my Instant Pot and I can recommend the amazing cookbook Vegan Under Pressure by Jill Nussinow that I got for Christmas two years ago and really got me into using it more. She really knows her spices, uses simple ingredients and doesn’t use oil in cooking either. She has many free instant pot recipes on her website too. My favourite thing to make in the instant pots is probably soups, i just roughly chop ingredients and immersion blend at the end of the cooking. too easy!
Hi! Just wanted to add my little something! I live in Greece and, to my knowledge, we don’t have instant pot here! But we do have the “holly” pressure cooker! Which is the same principle! I didn’t have one until almost all my coworkers mentioned cooking in it and saving so much time, so I thought I would give it a try! OMG! What a difference! Before my pressure cooker I could never cook chickpeas or anything time consuming, and afterwards I do everything! I say that often as a joke that if I ever immigrate, I will take my clothes and my pressure cooker with!!! Anyway, if someone here in the comments is contemplating buying an instant pot (easier) or even its older brother, pressure cooker (needs a little bit to get to know each other), just go for it! You will be able to have a home cooked meal every day if you commit! Another note: If you are a nurse (like I am), don’t wait, please run to the shop to get yours!
If you have the space and $ get the 6 qt or 8qt because you can do pot in pot recipes, layering it all up to make 2 – 3 dishes at once in one device! It’s also great for steel cut oats and if you’re in a rush in the morning you can set it up the night before and use the delay start feature to have it ready and waiting for you when you get up. I have 2 instant pots and even take one on road trips for use in my hotel room. At home I make a lot of Indian food recipes so searching on Instant Pot Indian Recipes will get you some delicious healthy ideas.
My hubbie surprised me with one of these last week. I was so excited! I ran round the house screaming. IV got a curry in it now 😁 I find the beans don’t fall apart like they do on the stove. I cook a big batch of beans let them cool and then freeze. I defrost for a salad or throw them into a meal while cooking.
Hi Derek, I’ve had three pressure cookers and all took the time to build up to pressure, the first was scary and very noisy, (45yrs ago) but my latest is brilliant. Mine is a generic pot with all the same programmes but over here it cost half the price. As we are using loads of lentils rice etc and it’s great for batch cooking. So thank you for showing me about it. Making 5 bean chilli for up to 6 adults is brilliant. X Ros in Cambridge.
I’ve wondered before when it comes to the Instant Pot…Is soaking beans overnight then cooking for 8 mins (in the instant pot) better than cooking the same dry beans in the instant pot for 30 minutes? Which method would be best for absorption etc… Or is it all the same when it comes to pressure cooking beans? Love the Instant Pot 🙂
Sometimes if I have time, I hit the saute button for my onions first. Then chuck stuff in. What I like about the design is that you can get a lid for it (from the site) and left overs can pop strait into fridge without having to put into another container. What I would say, is that you can buy extra pots for the inside, and they can be real handy if you put one in the fridge and decide you really want rice pudding for desert.
So with instapot u don’t have to worry about different cook times (ex. Rice lentils quinoa) can all be combined and they’ll all cook equally to correct finish??? So I have a recipe I generally like to eat (quinoa or wild rice, red beans, cabbage, tomatoes). How would I cook this in instapot so it comes out correct??
Hey Derrek (spelling?) Saute button, (bottom left) while your chopping your veggies and preparing all of your ingredients, will get it preheated and cut down on total time. I’m a new subscriber and appreciating the relaxed guidance on this changing to a mostly plant based way of eating. Loving the sauces too.
After using my Instant Pot for cooking beans, I look at my canned beans with utter disgust. The flavour… oh, the flavour with the Instant Pot. SO much better. I love it. Also, great because you can throw in frozen stuff too, not like with a slow cooker. Rice is better flavour, beans are way better, and even steel cut oats taste better. And, I don’t have to babysit the damn stove while they’re cooking!! Great invention. Also, parts seem well made, not like some of the crappy stuff out there, the cheap stuff with Teflon liners and thin plastic parts.
Hello Simnett. I’m aware that fruits such as bananas, dates contain a lot of carbs. Whenever I see you, you are quite fit . I am getting myself to below 15% bodyfat and I don’t know what kind of diet should I follow for reducing bodyfat. Should I go for low fat diet to achieve my goal?. What kind of macros do you follow ?
I bought the 6 qt instant pot. Then also purchased the 8 qt. I wanted 2 instant pots, because it’s so awesome and 1 is not enough! If I cook rice and some peppers and mushrooms, it will be hard to get the water amount right to get the rice perfect and not mushy. So by having 2 you can cook them separately at the same time. And things like kidney beans take 36 minutes in instant pot. You’d overcook any vegetables if you try to make them together.
Soaking the beans for 12 hours is the best time, it also takes off the gassiness you get from them as well. The natural release is also a cooking time, don’t always release it. I find when I cook rice if I let it go too soon it’s not as good and it’s could be from 7 minutes natural release to 10 minutes.
In Sweden, Instant Pots are actually about the cheapest multicookers available =) It is a good idea to get a small one and a big one. I use both, but I use the smaller one about 75-80% of the time, and often for rice and lentils. I usually use the big one for potatoes and it cooks them GREAT! Nothing is better than pressure cooked rice or potatoes, even rice cookers don’t cook rice as well.
For up to date info about Cooking Methods effects on nutrition; NutritionFacts.org (that is their name here on YouTube as well); Your questions about nutrition and cooking methods are answered in medical studies explained in easy to understand articles that show you the scientific studies – By an actual practicing doctor.
I have an Instant Pot, but I recently got a Ninja Foodi because I wanted a new air fryer, but it is more than just that. I like it more than my Instant Pot and it does all the same things plus more. If you guys decide to get a bigger Instant Pot, maybe just look at the Ninja Foodi since it is a pressure cooker, air fryer, dehydrator, slow cooker, steamer, etc all in one, plus it cooks everything a little quicker than the Instant Pot.
Hi Derek! I watched your article on tv but came to my phone to like and comment;), yes please do more instant pot recipes, I love the idea with raisins. So cute how you explain your visual;6 it works! Where do you get French Lentils in Canada? My nutters and bulk barn not carrying it anymore ;( I wonder what’s the reason behind it;(… I love this kind also. Great article!
Also I bought my instant pot a few months back. Have used it every day. Agreed that it’s the next vital appliance after the Vitamix. Maybe airfryer gets a special mention too. I have been making everything in the instant pot. Recently discovered how to make a Greek dip called fava, using split yellow peas/lentils. Absolutely delicious! It’s not even an expensive appliance. It’s a total no-brainer and I’m not having to go shopping for tinned chickpeas and beans every day. LOVE IT.
I use my instant pot a lot and cooking Beans 30 minutes for three pound of beans. I make Beans and Brown rice bowls and put some In the refrigerator and a lot in the freezer a instant pot 30 minutes for three pounds of bean a crock pot eight hours you pick do not be scared I cook a lot of meals in it I am a vegan.
I thought about getting this, but one, I don’t have the room in my tiny kitchen..and two, it’s just another gadget with too many buttons for things I won’t use. 😜 My simple rice cooker does what I need. That said, the speed at which it cooks beans is amazing. 😍 Thanks, for the article, Derek. And you’re right: learning how to cook without recipes is a great skill to have. I can’t cook. I just combine ingredients. 😂 Btw, Cacao is beautiful. 😊 xx
Great IP recipe: Sauté one onion chopped, three cloves garlic chopped, 1 tsp grated ginger. Add I can coconut milk; one jar or large can of passata (strained tomato). Add some salt, pepper and 1 tsp garam masala spice and 1 tsp curry spice. Mixed well. Add one cup dried red lentils. Push down till they are under liquid. Put on IP on chili settings. Yum!
@9:54 With Vitamin C, being a heat sensitive compound, and only losing 34% even when foods were boiled, I wouldn’t even worry about nutrition lost from boiling, steaming, or pressure cooking if one is on a whole plant food diet. I don’t even try to target specific nutrients and according to Cronometer a typical day for me is just under 300% of the RDA for Vitamin C. Lets pretend I boiled everything that day and reduced it by 34%. That would mean I still got 198% if the recommendation for Vit C for that day. My diet isn’t even all that varied and I still have every bar on cronometer either very far into the green or so high I am in the red.
Gosh I love it when you talk facts! And this is totally unrelated, but I had to say so: Don’t be mad at sweet Coco for yowling, meowing, being on the counter (we assume you clean it, dude – and I’m sure you’re not really mad, I’m just saying). I lost my cat of 15 years last week and really, you don’t notice how much mental, emotional, and physical space our furry, meowing friends take up in our homes and hearts until they are gone. To the topic, my Instant Pot was a gift from my mother in law and it was THE best gift ever! It has been totally instrumental in keeping me vegan and I love using it. It’s so easy! I use it at minimum once a week. I love making refried beans, rice, lentils and such it in while I chop other veggies. And I love it for soup! So much soup! Thanks for another great article! Would love to see some more of Coco though. 🙂
Best dam chickpeas I ever made,! They were my first food to try making in this pot. Kept eating them as I prepped to make hummus. I bought it to replace my old rice cooker and it has become one of my go to kitchen gadgets. Thanks for great nutritional info and yummy recipes. And usually making me laugh and smile. That’s always good.
🤗 Thank you and YES it’s always nice to see more Instant Pot users and recipes. I’ve been using for a year now 👏🏽 was introduced by my sister and her daughter who’s vegetarian and raved about it. Now both my sisters have and myself and I love finding new vegan recipes or like you just throw a bunch of Healthy Items in and VIOLA 🥰👨🏻🍳🥘
Love your articles. Also I love this one about cooking with the insta. We got one about a year ago and I’ve never made a plant based meal with it. I’m super excited to try this when I get home. It would be great to series like “cooking with instapot for a week” where you prepare one meal each day with the insta. Digg your stuff, D…peace
Yes please do many more instant pot recipes! Every single morning I make my porridge in it using the “pot in pot” method, cooking it in the bowl I’ll eat from. I set it up, push porridge, it remembers my settings and I go for my morning walk, I can eat two hours later and it’s still nice and hot, no burned pots! I also love making soup where I’ll clean out the freezer, throw all kinds of veg bits and bobs in, some kind of grain and bean and it’s a complete meal. At the end you can open it to stir greens in, even chopped kale. I haven’t baked in it yet but I do make super easy soy yogurt sometimes, no mess, right in the jars I’ll store it in!
Him holding his cat is such a funny yet wonderful sight. In the picture you have a gigantic sized plant eater who is very nice and kind and whatnot and his companion is a little carnivore who will not hesitate to kill anything and eat their flesh. And the cute little murderer knows that it has to make friends with the giant plant eater because it knows that the plant eater is stronger than it.
I’ve been using a crock pot my mother gave me for about 3 decades. I’ve used a pressure cooker before, but I generally use either a rice cooker or the crock pot for rice and beans. I guess I see it as a space saver and something a little more valuable than those two devices. I also use a magnetic hot plate with a cast iron skillet. Hard to decide. Maby when one of them fails.
Idea for your dehydrator: Sprout your raw, organic almonds by soaking overnight, then rinsing/draining twice over the course of the next 24 hours. You’ll see small sprouts. Then dehydrate at 105°. You can eat as a snack – or put them in a food processor for 12 minutes and make your own sprouted almond butter. Best way to eat raw almonds and you’ll save $$$!