Are Instant Pots Good For Vegetarians?

Are you seeking a quick and simple way to prepare delectable, healthy meals as a vegetarian?

The Instant Pot is one of the best options!

This modern kitchen device has become incredibly popular and for good reason.

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy vegetarians, allowing them to prepare meals in a fraction of the time it takes to do so using conventional techniques.

However, you might be asking yourself “Are instant pots good for vegetarians“.

Let me tell you that the answer is a resounding YES!

I’ll go through the many advantages of using an Instant Pot for vegetarian cooking in this post and provide you with some delectable vegetarian dishes to try in your own kitchen.

So put down that pan and get ready to discover the world of vegetarian Instant Pot cooking!

Are Instant Pots Good For Vegetarians? (Quick Answer)

Since they enable diverse and effective cooking of a wide range of plant-based items, such as lentils, beans, vegetables, and grains, Instant Pots are regarded as a suitable cooking alternative for vegetarians.

They may also be used to prepare vegetarian-friendly soups, stews, curries, and other meals.

Furthermore, the pressure cooking feature of an Instant Pot may aid in swiftly and uniformly tenderizing and cooking plant-based items, making them a fantastic choice for busy vegetarians.

The Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Vegetarian Cooking

Preparing meals as a vegetarian can be time-consuming, but with the help of a versatile kitchen appliance, meal prep can be made more efficient.

The Instant Pot allows for the creation of tasty and nutritious meals in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional cooking methods.

Say goodbye to spending extended periods of time cooking beans or lentils on the stove and instead, welcome perfectly cooked plant-based proteins in a matter of minutes.

The Instant Pot not only speeds up the process of preparing meals but also makes cleanup easier.

Cleaning is simple and there are fewer dishes to wash thanks to one-pot meals.

Furthermore, the ability of the Instant Pot to cook dry beans without the need for pre-soaking enables rapid and simple preparation of protein-rich meals on busy weeknights.

The Instant Pot can also be utilized for making homemade vegetable broth.

By using a few basic ingredients and a small amount of time, a flavorful broth can be made that surpasses store-bought options.

Additionally, the Instant Pot’s versatility allows for the preparation of various dishes such as lentil and vegetable curry or eggplant and chickpea ratatouille.

In summary, the Instant Pot is an excellent choice for plant-based eaters searching for an easy and efficient way to make tasty, healthy meals.

With the guidance and recipes that I am sharing with you in this article, you can become a pro at cooking with an Instant Pot in no time.

You may also like: Which INSTANT POT is Best For Indian Cooking?

Popular Vegetarian Instant Pot recipes

Now that we’ve covered the many benefits of using an Instant Pot for vegetarian cooking, let’s dive into some delicious recipes to try out in your own kitchen!

Lentil and Vegetable Curry

First up, we have a hearty Lentil and Vegetable Curry that will have your taste buds dancing.

With a flavorful blend of spices and a mix of hearty lentils and veggies, this dish is sure to become one of your new favorites.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and set them aside.
2. Begin by activating the instant pot and selecting “saute” mode. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the onion until it is tender.
3. Add the garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper and stir for another minute.
4. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, vegetable broth, lentils, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
5. Close the lid of the instant pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure.
7. Open the lid and stir the curry. If it is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or broth to thin it out.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro (if using) and serve with rice or naan.

Also See: Which Instant Pot Can Sous Vide?

Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew

Up next, we have a cozy and spicy stew that will warm your soul and your taste buds.

This comforting recipe is a Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew, perfect for cold nights and for using up those sweet potatoes that have been chilling in your pantry for a while.

Get ready to be surprised by the amazing flavors in this recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by turning on your Instant Pot and adjusting it to “saute” mode. Then, add a splash of olive oil and cook the onion until it’s soft and tender.
2. Add the minced garlic, diced jalapeño pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder and stir for one minute.
3. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid and give the stew a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit of water or broth to thin it out.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro (if using) and serve with rice or tortilla, and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this deliciously spicy stew!

Note: You can add more or less jalapeno pepper depending on your preference for spice, feel free to adjust it accordingly to your taste.

SEE: Which Instant Pot Can Sous Vide?

Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-fry

For something a little different, try out our Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-fry.

This dish is a great way to use up any veggies you have on hand, and the quinoa provides a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of oil of your choice (I like to use sesame oil)
• 1 onion, diced with flair
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced like a boss
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced with panache
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, for a meaty texture
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, for a touch of green
• 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup of vegetable broth, for the perfect consistency
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, for a savory depth of flavor
• 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, for a touch of acidity
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions or cilantro, for garnish (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions:

1. To begin, turn on your Instant Pot and change it to “saute” mode. Add any oil you prefer and sauté the onion until it is translucent and has a strong aroma.
2. Add the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, mushrooms, frozen peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Add the quinoa, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Give it a good stir.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 2 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting.
6. Open the lid and give the stir-fry a good stir.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with green onions or cilantro (if using) and enjoy!

Eggplant and Chickpea Ratatouille

Eggplant and Chickpea Ratatouille is a classic French dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

And it’s just as delicious made in the Instant Pot as it is on the stove.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced with love
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced like a pro
• 1 eggplant, diced with care
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced with elegance
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups of diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions:

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to “saute” mode. Add the olive oil and saute the onion until it’s translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced eggplant, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the sliced red bell pepper, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting.
6. Open the lid and give the ratatouille a good stir.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil (if using) and enjoy!

Tofu and Mushroom Stroganoff

Last but not least, Tofu and Mushroom Stroganoff is a comforting, hearty dish that will satisfy even the most ardent meat-lover.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced with precision
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced like a master chef
• 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, of your choice
• 14 oz of firm tofu, pressed and diced
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of non-dairy sour cream or yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by activating the Instant Pot and selecting “saute” mode. Add some olive oil and sauté the onion until it turns transparent and emits a fragrant smell.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
3. Add the diced tofu, vegetable broth, non-dairy sour cream or yogurt, flour, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast (if using), smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting.
6. Open the lid and give the stroganoff a good stir.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Hey, let me tell you… Recently, I’ve experimented with my Instant Pot, and I have to admit that I am quite amazed by the kinds of dishes I can prepare with it.

Who knew you could prepare such scrumptious, nutritious vegetarian meals in such a short period of time, for example?

It’s going to revolutionize the game, I tell you. And I’m not only referring to lentils and vegetables—this bad boy has so many other uses as well!

I refer to dishes like stews, curries, and more.

But don’t just believe me; try these dishes for yourself, and you’ll be blown away.

You’ll be appreciated by your friends, family, and taste senses.

Popular: Are Instant Pots Better Than Crock Pots?

Tips for Cooking Vegetarian Meals in an Instant Pot

Alright my friend, listen up.

So you’ve got some killer veggie Instant Pot recipes, now what?

Time to take it to the next level.

I’m talking tips and tricks that’ll make your cooking experience even more amazing.

First things first, you gotta get to know your sauté function. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Use it to give your veggies a nice little brown before pressure cooking, it’ll add so much more flavor.

But don’t stop there, get creative with your spices and herbs.

A dash of cumin here, a sprinkle of cilantro there, and boom, you’ve got a dish that’ll knock your socks off.

When preparing grains and pasta, it’s crucial to pay attention to the proportion of liquid to solids.

Ensure that you use the appropriate amount of liquid to fully cook the grains or pasta without making the dish too watery.

The slow-cook function is a great way to make soups and stews, so don’t hesitate to use it.

This function enables the flavors to blend together and results in a more enjoyable meal.

Lastly, consider trying various non-dairy milk options for creamy sauces.

Almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are all great choices that can add richness and depth to your dish.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook delicious and healthy vegetarian meals in your Instant Pot with ease.

So feel free to explore and have fun with your cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Instant Pot is an excellent choice for vegetarians looking for a quick and easy way to cook delicious, healthy meals.

With its ability to cook meals in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods, one-pot meals for easy clean up, and its versatility in cooking different types of vegetarian dishes, the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy vegetarians.

We’ve explored the many benefits of using an Instant Pot for vegetarian cooking and give you some mouth-watering vegetarian recipes to try out in your own kitchen.

From Lentil and Vegetable Curry to Tofu and Mushroom Stroganoff, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.

We’ve also provided you with some tips and tricks to make your Instant Pot cooking experience even better, from using the sauté function to experimenting with different spices and herbs and using different types of non-dairy milk for creamy sauces.

Therefore, if you’re a vegetarian, don’t hesitate any longer; give Instant Pot meals a try and you’ll discover how simple and delectable cooking meatless meals can be.

And even if you aren’t a vegetarian, using these dishes is a fantastic way to increase the amount of plant-based foods in your diet.