The Instant Pot is a multi-use programmable pressure cooker that has recently become very popular in India. Some key things to know about the Instant Pot India include:
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that can also function as a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and more. It uses programmable smart technology to cook food quickly while maintaining flavor and nutrients. Some models have up to 14 built-in programs for different cooking functions.
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
There are many benefits to using an Instant Pot in an Indian household:
- Saves time – Food can be cooked up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods thanks to the pressurized environment.
- Energy efficient – Uses up to 70% less energy than conventional cooking methods.
- Versatile – Can perform the tasks of multiple appliances like a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, etc.
- Convenient – Features preset one-touch programs so meals can be made with minimal effort.
- Delicious results – Food is cooked quickly while maintaining moisture and flavor.
- Safe and easy to use – Has safety features like overheat protection and auto pressure release.
Popular Instant Pot Models in India
Some of the most popular Instant Pot models available in India include:
| Model | Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | 3L, 5L, 6L, 8L | Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, warmer |
| Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 | 3L, 6L, 8L | Adds sterilizer, cake maker, and egg programs |
| Instant Pot Smart WiFi | 6L, 8L | Remote monitoring, scheduling, and control through mobile app |
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Indian Cooking
Using an Instant Pot offers a number of benefits for cooking Indian food:
Cooks Foods Faster
The pressurized environment of the Instant Pot allows food to cook up to 70% faster. Lentils and beans that normally take over an hour on the stove can be cooked in as little as 20-30 minutes. Rice and curries can be prepared quickly as well.
Saves Energy
Because food cooks faster, the Instant Pot uses significantly less energy than traditional stove top cooking. This makes it very eco-friendly and can help lower electricity bills.
Even Cooking
The sealed pot with pressurized steam distributes heat evenly throughout the dish. This results in perfectly cooked food every time. No more overly mushy or undercooked spots.
Tenderizes Meats
The combination of pressure and steam tenderizes even the toughest meats like goat and mutton in curries. Meat comes out very soft and succulent.
Intensifies Flavors
Cooking under pressure infuses ingredients with flavor and gives curries and lentils intense taste. Spices permeate the food deeply.
Thickens Gravies
Evaporation is minimized when pressure cooking. This results in curries and gravies that are perfectly thickened without the need for constant stirring and monitoring.
Locks in Nutrients
The quick cook times help retain vitamins and minerals in vegetables that may otherwise be lost with prolonged cooking.
Tips for Using Instant Pot for Indian Recipes
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of using Instant Pot for Indian cooking:
Use the Pot-in-Pot Method
Place a second stainless steel bowl or small pot inside the Instant Pot to cook foods like rice, dal, etc. separately from curries or sabzis. This allows everything to finish at the same time.
Adjust Liquid
Use less liquid than conventional recipes since there is almost no evaporation. Start with 1/2 cup less water or broth and adjust as needed.
Saute First
The sauté function lets you brown and caramelize onions, garlic, spices before pressure cooking. This enhances flavor.
Use Natural Release
Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid. This prevents stews and curries from splattering.
Add Frozen Ingredients
Frozen vegetables, meat, etc. can go straight into the pot with no thawing needed. The pressure cooking evenly cooks everything.
Get Creative with Functions
Take advantage of functions like yogurt maker, cake maker, egg program, etc. to expand your menu.
Common Indian Foods to Make in Instant Pot
Many traditional Indian dishes can be made quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. Here are some of the most popular:
Rice
Perfect, fluffy rice every time. Use the manual or rice program. Add rice and water to pot. Ratio is generally 1:1 for most rice varieties. Set to high pressure for 3 minutes (white rice) or 5 minutes (brown rice). Allow natural release for 10 minutes before releasing remaining pressure.
Dal
Lentils cook perfectly under pressure. Sautée onion, garlic, and spices. Add dal and water. Pressure cook for 8-12 minutes depending on preferred texture. Finish with tadka as desired.
Chana Masala
For this protein-rich chickpea curry, sauté onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and spices. Add chickpeas and cook under pressure for 3-5 minutes. Finish by simmering with garam masala and cilantro.
Chicken/Mutton Curry
Browning meat before pressure cooking seals in flavor. Add your choice of sauces or curry pastes and pressure cook poultry for 5-7 minutes or mutton for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Vegetable Biryani
Layer rice (or use pot-in-pot method), sautéed veggies, spices, herbs, yogurt, etc. in the pot and pressure cook for 2-3 minutes for a quick one-pot meal.
Matar Paneer
Sauté onions, spices, and tomatoes. Add paneer cubes and peas then pressure cook for 1-2 minutes to get perfectly tender results without overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use Instant Pot for Indian cooking?
Yes, Instant Pots meet the highest safety standards with built-in features like overheat protection, anti-block shields, pressure and temperature sensors, and more. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it is perfectly safe for Indian cooking.
How is Instant Pot different from a regular pressure cooker?
Instant Pots are electric multi-cookers with microprocessors and programming to control time, pressure and heat. Stovetop pressure cookers rely on manual monitoring of heat and pressure. Instant Pots are much more convenient and consistent.
Can I make rice, dal, sabzi together in Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the pot-in-pot method to layer and cook rice, dal, vegetables, etc. simultaneously. Use the trivet and additional smaller pots/bowls for each item and they will all finish together.
Is Instant Pot good for cooking Indian breads?
While Instant Pot does not mimic tandoor cooking, the yogurt function can be used to make dahi for naan dough. And the steamer basket is great for steaming idlis and dhokla. But traditional chapatis or parathas are better made on the stovetop.
Can I adjust cook times for Instant Pot Indian recipes?
Yes, cook times can vary based on ingredient amounts and personal preference. Get to know your Instant Pot and adjust pressure cook times up or down a minute or two to achieve desired doneness. Use natural release for best results.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot is a very useful appliance for busy Indian households looking to cook flavorsome meals faster and more easily. It can quickly pressure cook a wide range of Indian dishes while maintaining moisture, taste and nutrients. With a little practice, the Instant Pot can streamline daily cooking and cut down on time spent in the kitchen. It’s safe, convenient, versatile and will reward you with delicious homemade Indian food everyday.