I Tried the Instant Pot. Here's What I Think About It, 12 Months Later

Everyone raves about their Instant Pot—so I tested the trend myself. So began my year of the Instant Mess.

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I have a confession: I'm a sucker for trends. So naturally, my cauliflower rice-eating self had to give the Moment Pot a whirl. The Instant Pot adventure started parting January when my advance review of the appliance was very bright. Now, 12 months later, I rear end confirm that all good things actually don't have to end—because I'm as obsessed with my Instant Pot as ever.

Obsessed is definitely the right word, too. I use the countertop pressure cooker at to the lowest degree five days a week, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coming from a miss who is more comfortable reading takeout menus than cookbooks, that's really saying something. See our Tryout Kitchen's advisable Instant Pot.

The Best Easy Clamant Pot Recipes

Pressure-Cooker Celebration Capital of Belgium Sprouts

This recipe hits all the flavor points and makes a fantastic side passim the year. Plus, you've got to beloved a dish that requires minimal effort and doesn't take up oven infinite. You can forever omit the bacon if you pauperization a vegetarian option. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa

Primed for something more advanced? These Instant Pot tricks aren't in the user's non-automatic.

Pressure-Cooker Apple Balsamic Yellow

I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamy vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a a couple of minutes, the chicken thighs are flaky and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, OK

Blackjack-Cooker Lemon Red Potatoes

Butter, Citrus limon juice, parsley and chives enhance this arrow-shaped lateral dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the pressure cooker, there's raft of room connected the stove for new dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas

Pressure-Cooker Allium sativum-Anethum graveolens Deviled Eggs

Easter ISN't complete without deviled eggs. I like to experiment with my recipes, and was pleasantly surprised with how the fresh dill weed very perked up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers. —Kami Horch, Frankfort, ME

Don't miss our Charles Herbert Best second pot recipes of 2021.

Pressure-Cooker Carrot Patty Oatmeal

This warmed breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to supply some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pressure-Cooker Turtle bean Volaille Nachos

Cardinal of my favorite local restaurants, Zeppelins, has the best chicken nachos. Its famous dish elysian ME to create my own, with the added convenience of using the hale cooker. I recommend fresh cilantro because IT makes the dish pop with flavor. —Natalie Hess, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Pressure-Cooker Cherry & Spicery Sir Tim Rice Pudding

I live in Transom City, which calls itself the cerise capital of the world. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, working girl dry cherries in my favorite desserts? This pressure-cooked Elmer Reizenstein pud formula ever turns kayoed wonderful. —Deb Commodore Perry, Traverse City, Michigan

Pressure-Cooker Genuinely Tasty Brassica rapa Greens

These savory greens are a hit at all church dinner. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make the recipe your own. .—Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina

Pressure-Cooker Mexican Beef Soup

My family loves this brood, and I'm happy to create it since it's so elliptic! Serve well the dish with cornbread to make the meal even more filling. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Pressure-Cooker Hunter's chicken

My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when on that point's antitrust no time left for cooking! Information technology's genuinely nice to represent able to come into the house at night and consume dinner ready in just a few transactions. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania

Pressure-Cooker Char Siu Pork

I founded this juicy pork on Asian shape in Hawaii. IT's tasty as is, in a roll or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Pressure level-Cooker Pumpkin vine Spicery Oatmeal

There's cipher like a bowl of nigh oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a pressure cooker. Stash awa leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania

Pressure level-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

Hither's a terrific healthy addition to any counter fan out. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, oleoresin and red wine are terrific on their own OR alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

Forc Cooker Winter Fruit Compote

You can make this bicoloured and easy fruit relish adequate to a workweek ahead. It's an outstanding escort to Turkey, chicken or pork throughout the vacation season. —Esther Chesney , Carthage, Missouri

Pressure-Cooker Lentil Pumpkin Soup

Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. IT?s just the affair we need connected nippy years and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, Badger State

Press-Cooker Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage

When I was looking something new, I started playing with flavors and came upbound with this very tasty ravisher. My European nation grandma would personify impressed, I think! The colorful side is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, T. E. Lawrence, Massachusetts

Pressure-Cooker Apple-Cranberry Grains

These assorted insistency-cooker grains are perfect together. A solid breakfast is willing fast in the morning, making this healthy recipe a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Baseball field, Alberta, Canada

How I Use It

The Instant Whole lot is a heptad-in-one appliance, featuring a slow cooker, Elmer Reizenstein cooker, sauté pan, steamer, yoghourt Godhead and warmer, but I put on't use all of those functions. (I'll keep buying my yogurt, thank you much.) I roll in the hay information technology for piping vegetables and cooking Elmer Leopold Rice. Both are thusly easy to make and since they're staples in my dieting, those functions definitely take used daily.

The best part is that you can "set it and forget it," which anyone WHO has e'er dependable (and failed) to make rice that's not treated or undercooked can appreciate. You don't suffer to keep observance the pot—and it only takes a few minutes to whip up a healthy meal. Fillip: No more soggy vegetables, thanks to the even ignite!

I also enjoy using the Instant Pot atomic number 3 a slow cooker, particularly when I don't feel like unearthing my elephantine Crock-Pot from the locker. Information technology's the perfect size for a repast for unrivaled or two if you don't want a bunch of leftovers.

What I Learned the Unmerciful Way

You can't expect to get Instant Mickle cooking right all the sentence, particularly non originally. To beryllium honest, at that place's a learning curve when it comes to using an Instant Pot. In the youth, I ended upbound with tough meat, way overdone vegetables and one badly failed soup experiment (creamy soups are not for this appliance). See the most common Instant Pot mistakes.

My advice is to fiddle around with each function until you find the perfect settings. It whitethorn be frustrating (and even terrifying) initially, just information technology's valuable information technology for speedy, delicious meals once you figure things unsuccessful.

Affirmative Tip: You can dead put frozen meat in the Instant Pot, which means forgetting to thaw out this evening's chicken is no longer a big deal. Just make predestined you increase the Cook clock consequently, usually by astir 50%.

Ready to give your Instant Pot a test? Look through our top Instant Pot recipes. If you're unsure about replacing your old school pressure cooker with an Instant Pot, we looked at the Instant Pot vs a pressure cooker and found which one was major.

Pressure-Cooker Run-in-Your-Mouth Chuck Guy

My conserve and I like well-experienced foods, so this pressure cooker jest at is terrific. You'll likewise love how flavorsome and tender this comforting recipe turns knocked out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York Go to Formula

Blackjack-Cooker Confection 'n' Sour Pork

Tied though a co-worker gave me this recipe many than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today.—Martha Nickerson, Hancock, Maine

Pressure-Cooker Chicken and Bacon White Chili

I made a twist on my favorite gabardine chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I same to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Henry Lee Rasey, Cadillac, Stop

Pressure-Cooker Beef Tips

These beef tips remind me of a childhood popular. I cook them with mushrooms and serve over brown rice, noodles Beaver State mashed potatoes. Hither's i of the best Instant Pot recipes for a quick and easy dinner. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Blackjack-Cooker Garlic Volaille and Broccoli

This dewy-eyed flip on a classic Chinese chicken dish proves you can savor the take-away taste you crave while still feeding properly. —Connie Krupp, Racine, WI

Pressure Cooker Molten Mocha Cake

When I first made my decadent chocolate cake, my hubby's and girl's expressions said it all. She says information technology's unrivaled of her "most favorites." Later, I took combined of these to our next-door neighbors. Their immature son, World Health Organization answered the threshold, ate the gross affair without singing anyone else about IT! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, TN

Pressure-Cooker Short Ribs

These tender pressure-cooker short ribs detonate with smell, and they're a quick and easy alternative to traditionally cooked short-range ribs. Serve with egg noodles, rice or polenta. .—Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Pressure-Cooker Potato Soup

I definite to add some persona to a basic potato chowder with roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a lusciously specific writhe to an other run-of-the-mill soup.—Mary Shivers, ADA, Oklahoma

Pressure-Cooker Pleasing Fajitas

When friends call to ask for new recipes to assay, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra spirit. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pressure-Cooker Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage

I first time-tested this fuss-free way to cook traditional bully beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Today it's a regular in my computer menu planning. This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty bread. —Karen Waters, Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel, Maryland

Forc-Cooker Spanish Chilly

I like to organize this Spanish chili happening the weekend so I birth an present weeknight dinner on handwriting. I've get to love my pressure cooker because IT makes mealtime a child's play. —Lynn Faria, Meriden, Connecticut

Pressure-Cooker Pork Ribs

When I was younger, my mom made these luscious hale-cooker pork ribs for exceptional Saturday dinners. At present I can prepare them on any weeknight! —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah

Imperativeness-Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff

My mother gave ME this formula 40 age ago. It's a wonderfully bittersweet dish that's perfect for a pressure cooker. —Sue Mims, Macclenny, Florida

Insistence-Cooker Tuscan Gallus gallus Pasta

If you're looking for a flying and easy dinner, this Tuscan chicken pasta is just the ticket. After the Milk River and bat cheese are added, the mixture testament look liquidy. Just continue to cook and fuss and the dish will come with together. —Brownish-yellow Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Blackmail-Cooker Beef Carnitas

I came upbound with this formula while cleaning out my refrigerator and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I Lovemaking how easy this is.—Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida

Pressure-Cooker Balsamy Pork Tenderloin

This Instant-Can pork tenderloin with sweet brown sugar and balsamy glaze over bequeath become a go-to dinner your whole family volition love. It's perfect for busy weeknights, only also special plenty for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Old Line State

Pressure-Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs

These tender, lemonlike ribs taste slow-cooked but are a cinch to make. They're great for picnics also as a sept dinner.—Erin Glass, White Hall, Maryland

Blackmail-Cooker Chickenhearted Thighs in Wine Sauce

I love this formula for its dumfounding flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does, too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas.—Heike Annucci, William Henry Hudson, North Carolina

Pressure-Cooker Beef Brisket in Beer

Extraordinary bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be addicted! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a go with of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa

Pressure level-Cooker Sweet Onion and Cherry Pork Chops

When I want to jump-start supper, I choose for these tender pork chops. The sweet and savory cherry sauce makes this recipe a keeper. Try serving it with Indian rice pilaf. —Stephanie Ray, Naples, Sunshine State

Pressure-Cooker Tabasco Volaille

Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and sexy tomatoes in this southwestern supper. We love it served with rice medium in white-livered stock—and it would also make a zealous woof for tacos Oregon burritos. —Piper Spiwak, Capital of Austri, Old Dominion State

Pressure-Cooker Mexican Beef Soup

My family loves this stew, and I'm content to make information technology since it's so simple! Attend the dish with cornbread to make the meal level more filling. —Angela Effervescent, Conroe, Texas

Pressure-Cooker Porc Chops

Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender pork chops with a creamy, light windfall. Serve with a green banana-like, mashed potatoes or a salad. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee

Pressure-Cooker Round Steak Italiano

My mom used to make a similar version of this wonderful dish, and I've always enjoyed it. The gravy is especially dense and flavorful. —Deanne Stephens, McMinnville, Beaver State

Grandma's Pressure-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

I've ready-made this soup weekly since I modified my grandma's recipe for the pressure cooker. Chicken soup, especially this one, is quick to make and budget-friendly for some large family. —Tammy Stanko, Greensburg, Penn

Pressure-Cooker Swiss Steak

Swiss steak has a been a standby for family cooks for decades, and this no-hustle way to cook it promises to keep the entree popular for years to come. Best of all, it's low in calories and fat. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas

Pressure-Cooker Apple Balsamic Yellow

I upright love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this gradual dish. After cooking in the coerce cooker for just a couple of minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma

Pressure-Cooker Beef Stew

I like to serve this twist on traditional sweat with refreshing rolls on crusty sugar. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and clear a comforting meal. My home loves this unique pressure cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, MI

Pressure-Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Ham

Here's a regional darling I grew to love after touching to the South, pressure-cooker black-eyed peas. You'll never want to feed canned black-eyed peas again! Serve the dish as a side with grilled chicken, operating theatre make it your independent course and round out the repast with greens and cornbread. —Tammie Merrill, Aftermath Forest, Old North State

Pressure level-Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Melt-in-your-sassing delicious! For this steak and cheese recipe, I like to saute extra onions and green pepper vindicatory until they are hard to add to the top of the meat in front melting the cheese. —Kimberly Richard Horatio Edgar Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Pressure-Cooker Risotto with Yellow-bellied and Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy standard, patc shredded rotisserie chicken makes IT a snap to prepare. You'll smack every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Force per unit area-Cooker Summer Squash

We loved one squash, but I got bored with fixing plain old squash racquets and cheese. I distinct to jazz it up a bit by adding seasoned croutons and bacon. This was a huge hit with the family line. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Pressure-Cooker Mushroom Sight Roast

Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is single company-special entree that will delight all ages. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

Pressure-Cooker Scorch Siu Pork barrel

I based this juicy pork connected Asian influence in Hawaii. IT's tasty as is, in a bun operating theatre complete rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Blackjack-Cooker Grouse and Rice Cabbage Rolls

My family can't hold back for dinner when I serve my tasty cabbage rolls. The bag comes together in a pinch and always satisfies. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama

Pressure-Cooker Saucy Italian Chicken

To make this in the slow cooker, cook along low for 4-6 hours or high-stepping for 3-4 hours. Plate and top with cheese. —Marisa Loper, Sammamish, Washington

Pressure Cooker Capsicum Steak

Peppered steak is one of my favorite dishes just I was always disappointed with beef that was too tough. This recipe solves that problem! I've stored leftovers in one immense container and also in individual portions for quick lunches.—Julie Rhine, Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Pressure-Cooker Smoking White Beans and Ham

I had ne'er ready-made or even eaten this dish earlier meeting my husband. Instantly I make it at the least once a calendar week. I serve it with some homemade sweetness cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky

Pressing-Cooker Thai Cocoanut Beef

My economize and I hump Thai nutrient, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to make over a Thai-inspired dinner that could treble as an easy lunch the followers day. The squawk is fantastic in this cup of tea, but white-livered or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Blackjack Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup

When someone at our menage gets sick, I lather up this quick and easy chicken soup. It resembles chicken noodle, but uses a variety of veggies as an alternative of noodles for symmetrical more nutrition. Plus, if you use a pressure cooker Beaver State easy cooker, it makes meal prep symmetrical simpler! — Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Pressure-Cooker Beef Osso Bucco

Our beef osso bucco boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented past the addition of gremolata, a sliced herb condiment made of lemon spice, garlic and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pressure-Cooker Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I lived in Florida for a piece and loved the pork served there, so I went about making IT for myself! The flavorful meat makes awesome Cuban sandwiches, but you can utilise it in traditional pulled pork barrel sandwiches and tacos, too. —Lacie Griffin, Capital of Texa, Texas

Pressure-Cooker Burnt umber Roast beef

Coffee is the Francis Scott Key to this flavorful beef roast that simmers until information technology's fall-apart tender. Try it once, and I'm sure you'll cook information technology again. —Charles Trahan, San Dimas, California

Pressure-Cooker English Taphouse Split Pea Soup

This family favorite is the same formula my grandmother secondhand. Now with the illusion of today's appliances, I can spend 15 transactions putt it together, walk away for a bit and then it's "soup's on!" Finish it with more Milk if you corresponding your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Squeeze-Cooker Autumn Apple Chicken

Fill the unanimous house with the olfactory property of chicken with apples and barbeque sauce. This is a meal you won't lack to wait to dig into.—Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire

Pressing Cooker Caribbean Stack Roast

This dish is by all odds an all-year recipe. Saccharine potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Legible Oaks, California

Pressure-Cooker Coq au Vin

Assume't be bullied by the elegant name. The classic French dish is now made easier in one appliance! This Instant Pot coq gold vin has all the classical flavors of a opulent red vino-mushroom sauce but is so simple to make. My family loves it with whole grain country bread or French bread for dipping into the extra sauce. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Pressure Cooker Beef Daube Provencal

My dish is perfect on chilly nights, especially afterwards we have been out chopping wood. The fade-in-your-utter good makes it a staple in my menu rotation. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

Pressure Cooker Herbed Poulet and Shrimp

Tender chicken and shrimp make a saporous combining that's easy to prepare, yet elegant sufficient to serve at a dinner party. While I unsoiled the house, it practically cooks itself. I serve it o'er hot cooked rice with ill-natured clams and a light-green salad. —Diana Horse Reno, Nevada

Pressure-Cooker Spicy Crab Vegetable Stew

This zesty ground holle and vegetable soup is flavorful and comes in concert so quickly. It makes a complete meal when served with warm cornbread, sourdough or French bread, if you can skreak in a few more calories. —Lynnette Davis, Tullahoma, Tennessee

Improving Next: 34 Spic-and-span Recipes to Try This Month

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