I use my Instant Pot to make mushroom wild rice pilaf regularly - cooked perfectly every time, hands-off as soon as I sauté the garlic or shallot and mushrooms, then add the rice and the stock. It’s divine. And I can make the rest of dinner and/or catch the news while it cooks. Start to finish, about 45 minutes unattended.
Yep, that's me. It took me 6 months to work up to doing the water test, and then another 3 to cook something (I forget what) -- just too much bother for something I can do on the stove with a little more time -- of which I have plenty. Plus, everything I might want to make requires sauteing first -- and who wants to saute chicken pieces in an awkward pot when it's so much easier just to do it all in a cast iron pan?
You'll find my used-once instant pot on my local marketplace in spring...or as soon as I can find it after exiling it to my overcrowded storage room.
I was afraid to use it at first but I have come to love my instant pot! I use it to make oatmeal in the mornings and I've used it to make many wonderful dishes, including chicken wild rice soup, red wine braised short ribs etc... I've had no mishaps, and fingers crossed it'll stay that way :)
I got my instant pot last year, and for months, I used it for boiled eggs (fabulous) and rice (for our dog). I branched out to poached chicken (very easy) and corned beef (super!) It does some things beautifully and some not so great (ribs get tender, but you really need to finish them in an oven with the sauce).
Experiment, but keep your hands away from the stream of steam that it emits!
I've been risking disaster for over 40 years using a non-electric pressure cooker, so I don't see how an instant pot could be any more dangerous! I don't have one, but that's only because I don't have space for any more appliances! (And, maybe also something to do with Scottish roots; my pressure cookers work just fine, so why spend more money.) As for disappointing my elders, my grandmother and my mother would have been all over this gadget! They were CURIOUS and FEARLESS cooks and inspired me to experiment and play with my food at a very early age. Besides, does your guilt keep you from using a modern washing machine or do you still use a washboard? 🤣
I am so relieved to know that Mark & others fear their Instant Pot (IP). I was in the home of an IP lover who encouraged me to purchase one. That was 8 years ago. I also value life more than speed. I just ordered the Artisan Cruz Air Fryer. Not everything has to be as in Unplugged. However, let me recommend that we start a support group for those of us afflicted with IP fear. Haha!
I have a stove top pressure cooker that I love, I said to myself why do I need an electric one? I bought it anyway. I did not buy the Instant Pot but similar. I use it all the time for making chicken soup and so many other dishes that take so long the conventional way. I love it so much that it is my go to shower gift. My friends joke that the federal government is going to come looking for me because I buy so many of them. I think once you try it you will realize how indispensable it is. Make chicken broth 20 min and done.
Sadly, my wife and I also found it terrifying at first. It didn't help that in my haste to get started I poured water in without the pot. All's well that ends well - the friendly customer service rep and I brought it back to life and we're now committed IP lovers. We start it in the morning for oatmeal and it continues throughout the day. We also have the air fryer attachment which makes much easier to follow a plant-based low oil diet. There are however many dishes that we will only prepare in the traditional manner (e.g. - pasta) but for veggies, beans, chili, etc., it's the best.
Um. It’s been a Godsend to me. As the mother of a large family, it reduces a who heck of a lot of mess. It isn’t scary and increases sanity for those juggling a lot of plates. I’m assuming you’re not the mother of many. It is a wonderful tool, has made pressure cooking easy and safe. Odd post.
I was afraid of my instant pot as well but I started using it anyway and have learned that the thing doesn’t function if you do something wrong, like forget to put sealing ring back in place in the lid. Always use a mit or a spatula to release the steam and it’s all good. My favourite things to make are rice and soup broth because it cuts the time and does a great job. Good luck!!
I love my insta pot. Never use to make risotto but now it’s on my meal rotation. It’s sauté the mushrooms add rice and walk away. Also I’ve been making chicken soup in there. Also sauté the veggies, add chicken and liquid and walk away. Never read the instructions that came with it. They are scary. Just push 3 buttons that you’ve written on the side of the instapot (so you’re notoverwhelmed when you look at all the buttons and Boom you’re there). Call me and I’ll hold you’re hand it just bring it to Brooklyn and I’ll give it to my best friend.
So far, I only consistently make rice or hard boiled eggs in mine but I am open to expanding my vegetarian expertise. Now if you want to talk Dutch Ovens, oh mommy...
I have a Zavor multi-cooker and LOVE it! Don’t be afraid, modern multi cookers have so many safety features you have virtually no risk of an explosion. I use mine mostly for making stock, braises (short ribs, brisket, lamb shanks, etc.), and Indian recipes. It’s also a great rice cooker.
I use my Instant Pot to make mushroom wild rice pilaf regularly - cooked perfectly every time, hands-off as soon as I sauté the garlic or shallot and mushrooms, then add the rice and the stock. It’s divine. And I can make the rest of dinner and/or catch the news while it cooks. Start to finish, about 45 minutes unattended.
Yep, that's me. It took me 6 months to work up to doing the water test, and then another 3 to cook something (I forget what) -- just too much bother for something I can do on the stove with a little more time -- of which I have plenty. Plus, everything I might want to make requires sauteing first -- and who wants to saute chicken pieces in an awkward pot when it's so much easier just to do it all in a cast iron pan?
You'll find my used-once instant pot on my local marketplace in spring...or as soon as I can find it after exiling it to my overcrowded storage room.
love mine makes awesome stock
I was afraid to use it at first but I have come to love my instant pot! I use it to make oatmeal in the mornings and I've used it to make many wonderful dishes, including chicken wild rice soup, red wine braised short ribs etc... I've had no mishaps, and fingers crossed it'll stay that way :)
I got my instant pot last year, and for months, I used it for boiled eggs (fabulous) and rice (for our dog). I branched out to poached chicken (very easy) and corned beef (super!) It does some things beautifully and some not so great (ribs get tender, but you really need to finish them in an oven with the sauce).
Experiment, but keep your hands away from the stream of steam that it emits!
I've been risking disaster for over 40 years using a non-electric pressure cooker, so I don't see how an instant pot could be any more dangerous! I don't have one, but that's only because I don't have space for any more appliances! (And, maybe also something to do with Scottish roots; my pressure cookers work just fine, so why spend more money.) As for disappointing my elders, my grandmother and my mother would have been all over this gadget! They were CURIOUS and FEARLESS cooks and inspired me to experiment and play with my food at a very early age. Besides, does your guilt keep you from using a modern washing machine or do you still use a washboard? 🤣
I thought it was just me. The instant pot sits unopened in its box and even the cats give it a wide berth.
I am so relieved to know that Mark & others fear their Instant Pot (IP). I was in the home of an IP lover who encouraged me to purchase one. That was 8 years ago. I also value life more than speed. I just ordered the Artisan Cruz Air Fryer. Not everything has to be as in Unplugged. However, let me recommend that we start a support group for those of us afflicted with IP fear. Haha!
I have a stove top pressure cooker that I love, I said to myself why do I need an electric one? I bought it anyway. I did not buy the Instant Pot but similar. I use it all the time for making chicken soup and so many other dishes that take so long the conventional way. I love it so much that it is my go to shower gift. My friends joke that the federal government is going to come looking for me because I buy so many of them. I think once you try it you will realize how indispensable it is. Make chicken broth 20 min and done.
I have all the devices mentioned, and I use the Instant Pot more than the others combined.
Sadly, my wife and I also found it terrifying at first. It didn't help that in my haste to get started I poured water in without the pot. All's well that ends well - the friendly customer service rep and I brought it back to life and we're now committed IP lovers. We start it in the morning for oatmeal and it continues throughout the day. We also have the air fryer attachment which makes much easier to follow a plant-based low oil diet. There are however many dishes that we will only prepare in the traditional manner (e.g. - pasta) but for veggies, beans, chili, etc., it's the best.
Um. It’s been a Godsend to me. As the mother of a large family, it reduces a who heck of a lot of mess. It isn’t scary and increases sanity for those juggling a lot of plates. I’m assuming you’re not the mother of many. It is a wonderful tool, has made pressure cooking easy and safe. Odd post.
I was afraid of my instant pot as well but I started using it anyway and have learned that the thing doesn’t function if you do something wrong, like forget to put sealing ring back in place in the lid. Always use a mit or a spatula to release the steam and it’s all good. My favourite things to make are rice and soup broth because it cuts the time and does a great job. Good luck!!
I love my insta pot. Never use to make risotto but now it’s on my meal rotation. It’s sauté the mushrooms add rice and walk away. Also I’ve been making chicken soup in there. Also sauté the veggies, add chicken and liquid and walk away. Never read the instructions that came with it. They are scary. Just push 3 buttons that you’ve written on the side of the instapot (so you’re notoverwhelmed when you look at all the buttons and Boom you’re there). Call me and I’ll hold you’re hand it just bring it to Brooklyn and I’ll give it to my best friend.
So far, I only consistently make rice or hard boiled eggs in mine but I am open to expanding my vegetarian expertise. Now if you want to talk Dutch Ovens, oh mommy...
I have a Zavor multi-cooker and LOVE it! Don’t be afraid, modern multi cookers have so many safety features you have virtually no risk of an explosion. I use mine mostly for making stock, braises (short ribs, brisket, lamb shanks, etc.), and Indian recipes. It’s also a great rice cooker.