3 Great Uses For An Instant Pot

Instant Pots took the world by storm around 2016, quickly becoming a kitchen essential for many. With promises of fast cooking times and versatile functionality, it seemed there was nothing this gadget couldn’t do. Fast forward to today, and while Instant Pots aren’t as popular as they once were, I still find myself turning to mine for a few tried-and-true tasks that make my cooking life easier. Here are three ways I continue to rely on my Instant Pot, despite the changing trends.

Over the years, my Instant Pot has proven itself invaluable for specific dishes that I’ll always want to make with it. One of the first ways I use it is as a rice cooker. When making basmati rice, I start by sautéing 1.5 cups of rice in 2 tablespoons of butter, then add 2 cups of water or broth and set the Instant Pot on the “Rice” setting. After the cooking cycle is complete, I let it release steam for 5 minutes before opening. It’s an effortless process—especially when preparing a stir fry. By the time my stir fry is ready, the rice is perfectly cooked.

Another favorite use for my Instant Pot is cooking artichokes. I simply trim the top, place the artichoke cut-side down in the pot, add 1 cup of water, and set it to cook for 20 minutes. A quick release of the steam, and the artichokes are tender and ready to eat every time.

I also love using the Instant Pot for risotto. Rather than standing over the stove stirring for what feels like forever, I sauté the aromatics, add Arborio rice, and then let the Instant Pot work its magic. I follow the rule of thumb: 1 part rice to 2 parts broth, with a cook time of about 5 minutes and a quick release. A particular favorite recipe is Risotto With Mascarpone and Prosciutto from Food Network, which I’ve adapted to the Instant Pot for an easy, no-fuss version.

Lastly, I can’t leave out the famous Instant Pot method for perfect hard-boiled eggs. The 5-5-5 rule is a game changer: 5 minutes to come to pressure, 5 minutes to cook, and 5 minutes of steam release. Perfect eggs every time!  Oh, I guess I have four essentials now, thanks to the hard-boiled eggs!

While I don’t use my Instant Pot as frequently as I did when it first gained popularity, these few recipes have become indispensable in my kitchen. Would I survive without it? Of course. But why would I, when the Instant Pot saves me time and makes cooking so much easier? For those few dishes that require speed and ease, my Instant Pot remains a staple I can’t imagine cooking without.

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