Instant Pot is a new type of kitchen gadget, that can replace several other gadgets, meaning less cost and more space in your cupboards. Many people use slow cookers, but Instant Pots can do what a slow cooker does, and then some. It’s basically an electric pressure cooker (safer than those old whistling ones that blew off steam, although modern versions are safe, with cut-outs). Try this Instant Pot Chilli (Minimalist Baker).
InstantPot is the official brand. Costing around £120, it has 6 functions including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, saute pan, rice cooker and yoghurt maker. There is also a setting to sterilise bottles and jars, and it’s ideal for a modern family, to cook nearly everything from porridge to beans to grains and cakes. It can also keep food warm, with an EasySeal lid. If you’re on a budget, Lakeland Mini Multi-Cooker is half the price, and also ideal for smaller households, but the listing is not clear, it may contain Teflon (not good). Keep wires away from paws and little hands, and if using as a slow cooker, boil kidney beans for 10 minutes to remove the toxin, or just use tinned for safety.
Domestic birds usually prefer to live in aviaries. All cookware is toxic to birds (including non-stick and ‘safer’ ceramic). PDSA & Pet Coach have tips to bird-proof your home, if you live with feathered friends. Also avoid candles, smoke, fires, inferior/imported bird toys, household cleaners, hairspray, nail varnish, paint, carbon monoxide, many unsafe food and plants and nearby glass (see how to stop birds flying into windows).
recipe books for instant pot
- The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook contains 90 nourishing recipes (Nisha has 40 more on her blog), plus an easy to guide to Instant Pot and all its functions. Recipes include Nisha’s Vegetable Lasagne with Basil Ricotta, Red Curry Rice Noodle Soup & Cookies ‘n’ Cream Cheesecake.
- The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for Your Instant Pot includes 80 recipes, plus tips on the different features. Recipes include Autumn Mushroom Bean Soup, Quinoa Chickpea Scramble, California Vegetables in Cheezy Sauce, Tempeh Chilli, Mushroom Stroganoff over Potatoes and Vegan Cheesecake.
- Vegan Richa’s Instant Pot Cookbook is a passport to delicious meals. Learn inventive techniques like layered in-pot cooking, one-pot meals, dump-and-done meals and roasting and caramelizing in your InstantPot. Recipes include Spicy Peanut Noodles, Wild Rice Soup, Chana Masala and Mushroom Gyros. And cake!
- Instant Pot Vegan Indian Cookbook makes it easy to whip up cuisine that looks like it took hours to make. Using a simple multi-pot, use everyday basics to make: Spinach Dal & Perfect Basmati Rice, South Indian Lentil Stew, Vegetable Biryani, Semolina Halva, Saffron Rice Pudding and Indian-Style Fudge.
