4 Easy Instant Pot Dinners Recipe : Feeling the pressure of whipping up delicious dinners after a long workday? Your trusty Instant Pot can be your knight in shining armor, yaar! But with endless recipes online, it can be tough to decide where to start. Fear not, foodies! This guide brings you 4 unique and flavourful Instant Pot dishes that are quick, easy, and guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to impress your family (or just yourself, no judgment!) with these pressure-cooked delights.
1 Butter Chicken: A Creamy Classic with a Kick
Butter chicken, the undisputed king of Indian takeaway, can be yours in a jiffy with the Instant Pot. Forget slaving over the stove for hours – this recipe delivers all the creamy goodness in under 30 minutes! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces smothered in a rich, aromatic tomato gravy, infused with warm spices like garam masala and kasuri methi. Pair it with fluffy jeera rice or buttery naan for a truly soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Heat oil and add the onions. Sauté until translucent.
- Add ginger, garlic, and spices. Sauté for a minute, releasing the fragrance.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir well. Cancel “Sauté” mode.
- Close the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is sealed. Pressure cook on “High” for 10 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Stir in heavy cream and yogurt. Adjust seasoning with salt.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
#2 Mumbaiya Veg Pulao: A Colorful, Flavorful Rice Feast
Craving a vibrant vegetarian dish? Look no further than Mumbaiya Veg Pulao! This fragrant rice dish, packed with vegetables and aromatic spices, is a true celebration of Indian flavors. The Instant Pot makes it effortless, cooking both rice and vegetables perfectly in one go. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 green cardamom pod
- 1 black cardamom pod
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans, corn)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Heat oil and add the bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamoms. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the onion and green chili (if using). Sauté until translucent.
- Add ginger, garlic, and spices. Sauté for a minute, releasing the fragrance.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and mixed vegetables.
- Pour in the water or broth and stir well. Season with salt.
- Cancel “Sauté” mode. Close the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is sealed. Pressure cook on “High” for 3 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander.
