I finally tried an Instant Pot — here's what I thought
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It seems like everyone out there has an Instant Pot, but I’ve always wondered whether it’s really as amazing as everyone says it is.
I tried it and I can say: YES!
I love soup, but I’ve always been a little leery of pressure cookers. I grew up watching my mom use one to make West Indian dishes like curries and channa. She was always quick to warn us not to touch it when it was on the stove, or to not open it before it was safe to do so. After learning that those suckers can actually explode, I didn’t think I’d ever work up the courage to use one - until I tried the Instant Pot.
The Amazon bestseller is so incredibly easy to use. After reading the instruction manual twice, I learned that there are actually a lot of mechanisms in place to keep you safe, provided you follow the rules.
A chilli that might have taken me three hours to cook was done in about 45 minutes, including prep time - and it was a huge hit at the Super Bowl party I brought it to.
SHOP IT: Amazon, $160
One of my favourite dishes growing up was my mom’s dahl, which is essentially yellow split pea soup with cumin, garlic, turmeric and chilis. I’ve always wanted to make it myself. So I called her up and asked for the recipe, and gave it a go. Within 40 minutes, I had an almost near replica of her version - although nothing will ever be as good as mom’s cooking, of course!
One of my favourite features of the Instant Pot is the “keep warm” function. It’s a little thing, but it really makes a difference when it comes to family dinners, and dealing with everyone’s different schedules.
The other thing that really blew my mind is that you can literally do it all in one pot, which makes for the easiest clean up ever. From sautéing to searing to cooking a whole chicken, you never need to break out another pot or pan.
Other favourites I’ve made so far include braised beef fajitas, roasted red pepper soup and bone broth.
SHOP IT: Amazon, $160
With almost 50,000 reviews on Amazon Canada and a 4.7-star rating, it’s a handy tool that many love.
“I absolutely love my Instant Pot that I purchased about 2 months ago!” raved one happy customer. “With the hot summer that we had, I have used this as much as possible, rather than my stove and oven! Yes, you can make awesome Greek Yogurt, New York Cheesecakes, pulled pork, baked beans, hard-boiled eggs, roasts, porridge etc. in it. I use mine practically everyday.”
“Love it!!! Use it almost every day and sometimes twice in a day,” said another. “It's a great way to steam, pressure cook and prepare so many different foods and wonderful for leftovers too. I don't know how I did without it in the past. It has been a great time saver and so easy to use and clean.”
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