Have you joined the Instant Pot craze? This kitchen appliance has gone viral, changing the way we cook. The primary reason for its popularity? Convenience! In addition to the versatility of usage with the basic Instant Pot, you can utilize Bluetooth connectivity on the Instant Pot “Smart,” which allows remote use with the help of an app. It is Alexa and Wifi enabled. Imagine turning on dinner from your Smartphone while you are still at work!
The Instant Pot functions as a:
- Pressure cooker. It uses pressure and heat to cook foods, which will provide quicker cooking of foods – usually in half the time of traditional methods.
- Slow cooker. Want to cook more slowly? The Instant Pot does that as well.
- A fryer and steamer. The Instant Pot sautes and steams – the built in heat source at the base of the machine allows you to use the pot to sear meats and/or saute vegetables, as well as simmer liquids for steaming.
- Rice Cooker. Easy to use; this feature makes perfect rice with liquid and sensors. You don’t have to watch over it or stir.
An instant pot is a programmable all-in-one pressure cooker. It offers many healthy food options. It quickly batch-cooks healthy staples such as chicken breasts, eggs and potatoes. Keeping your refrigerator stocked with pre-cooked healthy basics is a convenient way to quickly prepare different meals throughout the week.
Pros of using an Instant Pot include:
- Uses only one dish – the instant pot! So there is a reduction in the amount of dishes to wash.
- Uses less fat. Great for reducing the amount of fat in cooking since moisture is used instead to pressure cook. This leaves the product moist and tender with no additional fat.
- Includes a handy timer. Set the timer and the instant pot will beep when the cook time is complete.
- Possesses a variety of settings. Includes settings for making yogurt, searing meat, steaming, boiling and baking.
- Dinner can start with frozen items – no need to defrost. It is safe to put frozen meats and vegetables into the Instant Pot. However, it will require additional time to pre-heat and cook.
There are many healthy Instant Pot recipes now available to use for quick meals. Most of your favorites will easily adapt to being cooked in an Instant Pot. Just avoid recipes using lots of cheese or butter.
Written by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, green.308@osu.edu
Sources:
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2018/08/03/what-is-an-instant-pot-pressure-cooker/
https://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/2019/02/18/resources-for-instant-pot-eppc-users/
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