I was so hoping for this gift for Christmas and Santa delivered! I had heard about the Instant Pot on Weight Watchers but had no idea what it was. It's actually a modern day electronic pressure cooker, something I had never given much thought or considered owning. What I love is that it cooks food super fast but is much safer than stovetop pressure cookers from our grandmother's days. I was so excited to get started and of course, I had pre-read the manual, watched YouTube videos, and picked out my first recipes. In fact, showing hubby the drool-worthy YT video cooking baby back ribs in the Instant Pot pretty much sold it! (tee-hee!)
After I unboxed and washed the pot I was ready to do the initial boiling water test. This quick exercise tests that the IP is working and also cleans the unit before using it for food. Next, I tried making the Christmas dinner mashed potatoes. This was a gamble since the old spuds are a pretty important component but since it was just our immediate family this year I didn't have too much PRESSURE on me (get it?). They turned out really well! It was nice not to have to use up a stove burner for them and I always find making a large quantity of potatoes takes forever. The potatoes were tender and creamy (you are really just cooking the potatoes then you peel and mash them afterwards - keeps them intact and they don't absorb too much moisture.) I also tried to steam some parsnips but I didn't give them enough time and they were still crunchy. The IP will take a bit of learning and experimentation but I thought that was pretty good for a first try. AND I was brave since some people leave it in the box for ages because of fear!
The next day I made steel cut oatmeal and it was fantastic! No stirring, minding, or waiting. The oats were creamy with just the right amount of texture (not mush, not chewy). We re-heated the leftovers the next morning and they were just as perfect. That is a big plus for me because we love out oats for breakfast. Then I made the season's turkey soup. Used the sauté function first to get the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic soft then added my broth, turkey, barley, and seasonings. 30 minutes on the soup setting and the deliciousness was ready! My only complaint with the Instant Pot is the seal is so tight you can't smell it cooking! Fantastic!
Finally, today I made hard boiled eggs. Sounds funny but it works so well. You simply add a cup of water to the pot and arrange the eggs on the included trivet (if you don't have a wire basket). Two minutes on manual is all it takes for PERFECTLY boiled eggs. No weird ring around the yolk and they peel so easily. I love it!
On New Year's day we are making the ribs for dinner. I also have a lentil soup in mind, chili, and then a chicken recipe. Obviously, I ordered a cookbook and I've got a zillion ideas raring to go! Stay tuned for more info!
Hi Angie, I got one of these as well and LOVE it! Use it almost every day, steel cut oats/chicken/soup/stew/rice pudding....love it love it love it!!! Tastes delish and cooks quick. Quite a winner in my book.
Posted by: Ann Megargle | December 29, 2016 at 03:20 PM
I never thought to boil eggs in mine. I'll have to give that a try. Just 2 minutes? Wow!
Posted by: Becky Thompson | January 01, 2017 at 08:13 AM