Now, even though I like to call myself gadget freak when it comes to the kitchen I like to keep only what gives me the absolute worth of counter space that is at a premium in Indian urban kitchens.Still, it got me curious enough to give it a try. SO finally during this collaboration trip with California walnuts to California and next one with US cranberries Harvest Tour in Wisconsin, I finally acquired the Instant pot for myself {along with truckloads of other kitchen things đ }. What it promises is it can do the job of seven types of equipment, itâs a multi-cooker. Now after coming back from the US, it was time to put it to actual use in the kitchen. The main challenge for me is to try the Instant pot for Indian cooking. Whether Instant put is suitable for Indian cooking or not. I started with reading the manual Booklet that came with it.
What is Instant Pot?
The manual says it is a multi-cooker that can be used as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, saute pan, warming pot, yogurt maker. Sounds impressive? It came with a cooking chart that mentioned the timing of cooking various ingredients and the timings mentioned for pressure cooking looked lesser than which I normally use in regular Indian pressure cooker. I almost thought that could be a little exaggeration. I say you can do most of your everyday cooking jobs in this one appliance, cooking your legumes like kidney beans, chickpeas. You can cook lentils for dal and everyday sabzi in the Instant Pot. You can boil milk or make hard boiled eggs, rice in 12 minutes, set curd/yogurt, frequent tasks in an Indian kitchen can be done quickly. If you are a fan of slow cooking it can make excellent slow-cooked meat roasts as well as slow-cooked dals. I made Instant pot curry Kala chana curry (horse gram curry) and many other Indian curries and Instant pot soup. Making Hard Boiled eggs was never easier before, Made these Instant Pot Eggs. You can also make Instant Pot Coconut rice, Mix veg Pulao in Instant Pot.
Instant Pot for Indian Cooking
I am simply enjoying working with pre-programmed settings, soup, rice, beans, stews, slow cooking etc work perfectly so it takes all guesswork regarding right temperature, time etc. As many Indian curries make use of beans and legumes so, I tried making Rajma masala, chole Masala, and dals etc. they came out perfect in almost same time as a pressure cooker. Almost all pressure Cooker Recipes can be cooked in the Instant Pot. Setting Dahi or curd is one of my everyday routines. Setting curd in Instant pot has become easier as it comes with a preset.
Traditional Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot for Indian Cooking?
After using a traditional pressure cooker for years and Instant pot for 2 months now I think both do the job wonderfully. With stovetop pressure cooker the problem is you have to watch the whistle and cooking time, with Instant pot being a programmable cooker you just set the time and forget it. You can take the hint of my love for egg recipes from the exhaustive varieties of egg curry recipes and omelettes on my tasty curry. A similar love has developed for instant pot recipes. The similarity being, they are both simple, require minimum effort from my side and give the maximum results. An instant pot has surely become the talk of the town lately. I use instant pot on daily basis for my everyday Indian cooking and am trying to master the Instant pot basics. I now cook rice, curries, pulao, soups and so many one pot meals in the Instant Pot. In short, everything you once cooked in the pressure cooker with loud whistling can be easily cooked in an instant pot plus some more. I have a post on how to use an instant pot like a pro for daily Indian cooking.
Few Common questions Asked Regarding Instant Pot and Indian Cooking
Can You cook Indian Curries, Dal and Sabzis in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Most of the Indian pressure cooker recipes can be cooked in the Instant Pot. You have all the cooking functions that Indian pressure cooker has and plus some more.
Indian Food cooked in Instant Pot tastes similar to Indian Food cooked in a pressure cooker?
Yes, it does and in fact, the Instant pot cooking is hassle-free makes it even better.
Does Instant pot work fine on Indian 220V power supply?
I read online that it comes in 220V power supply too but I could not find that version and what I use instead is a power stepper which is a kind of adapter to regulate voltage. I have been using a good adapter from last 7-8 years for other appliances from the US and till now I have not faced any problem. One popular question that I am getting is which step down adapter one I am using ? I am using  MX-1176 200W Voltage Converter (Converts 220V to 110V)
Why Does my Instant Pot says Burn?
Instant pot says burn when there is not enough cooking liquid to generate enough steam to create pressure. This results in bottom of the pot becoming very hot and triggers the burn code. Mostly Instant pot burn error happens when you are cooking food with higher amount of starch and have not added enough liquid. Once the instant pot shows “burn sign” press the cancel button first thing. Then release the pressure valve and bring it to venting mode to release the pressure. Just check for any burnt food stuck on the bottom of the pot. If something stuck scrape that off . If there is no burnt food check for liquid in your dish. It may be too thick, you can add more cooking liquid to your dish and stir it nicely.
Instant Pot for Indian Cooking
Suggested read: Five one Pot Pressure Cooker Meals As I am getting comfortable I have tried all itâs functions at least once. I have cooked soup, dal, dried beans, and curries. All using a combination of presets functions. My Instant pot does not come with manual function because I picked duo mini model which was easier to carry from the US to India due to the smaller size and lesser weight. It’s almost over two months and I am using Instant pot for Indian cooking almost on the everyday basis. Till now itâs really a great experience, even I may pick up one more regular size one as soon as I have the opportunity to do so. If you have any queries regarding this which you want me to address I would be happy to answer that. Please leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Disclaimer: The Post contains affiliate links. I may earn few cents or dollars if you buy clicking these links.
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