Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

ByAnushree Shetty Posted: Updated:

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Just got your Instant Pot? Check out these easy Instant Pot recipes that are perfect for beginners. These recipes will help you get comfortable with your device and get you experimenting in the kitchen in no time. 

A collage of 4 images with a caption that reads 10 Instant Pot Beginner Recipes

I’ll be the first to admit that Instant Pot can be overwhelming especially if you have been using a stovetop pressure cooker all your life. My Instant Pot sat on the kitchen counter for nearly 6 months gathering dust before my husband’s constant reminders pushed me to use it.

It has been over two years since and I am happy to share that I have used my Instant Pot over 1000 times! It has been an indispensable device in my kitchen and I am hoping that it will be the same for you.

Before you start cooking, here are a few articles I would recommend that you read so that you can follow the recipes easily. 

  1. Instant Pot Quick Start Guide – This post will guide you through the Instant Pot setup and teach you how to make the most of your Instant Pot. 
  2. Instant Pot Manual: How and when to use the smart functions – If you find the buttons confusing, start here. This post gives you an in-depth overview of how to use the smart functions. 

One last thing, have you done your water test? If not, follow the directions in this post – How to do a water test in your Instant Pot. It is important to do your water test before you start cooking because –

  1. Doing a water test is like sanitizing your Instant Pot, it is a good first step to clean your Instant Pot before cooking. 
  2. If your Instant Pot has an issue, you will catch it early on. 
  3. It helps you get your feet wet, it is a good way to familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot. 

Alright, let’s get to the recipes. Here’s the sequence of recipes I would follow if I were to teach someone how to start cooking in an Instant Pot. 

Basmati rice served in a black bowl placed in front of Instant Pot
You'll love how Instant Pot cooks Basmati rice – fluffy and with each grain distinct and so much faster than a rice cooker. Get the recipe below and learn how to make the perfect Basmati rice. 
Brown rice served in a white bowl with Instant Pot on the side
Say goodbye to gummy, crunchy and tasteless brown rice. Master the process of making brown rice in the Instant Pot and get perfect results every time!
a person peeling eggs
Instant Pot hard boiled eggs – Once you make hard boiled eggs in an Instant Pot, you’ll never go back to your old ways. The eggs not only cook in 5 minutes, but they are also super easy to peel and you get perfect eggs every time!
An overhead shot of chickpeas in a black bowl
Learn how to cook chickpeas using your Instant Pot and never buy canned chickpeas again! It is pretty straightforward to make and soaking is optional.
One pot recipe for Tadka dal (or lentil soup)
One pot recipes are the best! That’s why you’ll love this Tadka dal (tempered dal) recipe – make it in an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker – and you’ll have your meal ready in no time.
Aloo sabzi served in a black bowl along with rice,roti and kadhi
Aloo Recipe – This classic Indian Potato recipe is this easy and quick side dish that is perfect for those who are new to Indian cooking. Pair with rice and dal to make a complete meal or savor it with rotis or pooris
Veg biryani in a black bowl
Instant Pot vegetable biryani is made by pressure cooking rice, vegetables in a spicy onion-tomato gravy to create this flavorful one-pot vegetarian meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
A large bowl of Rice Kheer in a gold rimmed bowl with almond slices and a spoon on top in the bottom left of and a bowl of mixed nuts in the top right on a black table cloth with almond slivers scattered around.
Rice Kheer is a sweet and creamy Indian Rice Pudding. This dish is often served hot or cold and makes a delicious side dish or dessert.
Creamy yogurt with strawberries on the side
If you have failed at making yogurt at home, try this fail-proof recipe to make yogurt using Instant Pot. With clear instructions and loads of tips/tricks, and troubleshooting advice you’ll never buy store-bought yogurt again.
Ghee in glass bottle with strainer and a steel pot on the side
Burnt your ghee? Never again! Follow this detailed fail-proof recipe with step by step pictures to make ghee in an Instant Pot. Save money and say goodbye to storebought ghee.

Here are some more articles related to Instant Pot that will help you master pressure cooking – 

  1. Instant Pot Terminology – Getting confused with Instant Pot lingo? Check out this quick guide to the most commonly used terminology and acronyms that’ll get you started in no time!
  2. Troubleshooting Instant Pot – Quick fixes for when your Instant Pot is not sealing, leaking steam, and just won’t turn on. Learn how to tackle the error codes and burn messages and troubleshoot the most commonly occurring Instant Pot issues quickly so that you can get back to making your meal.
  3. Instant Pot cooking times – No more guessing! Get these helpful Instant Pot cheat sheets for cooking times for vegetables, pulses, rice, and grains, along with poultry and seafood. 
  4. Instant Pot Accessories – The 10 most recommended accessories for Instant Pot. A word of advice – don’t rush to get them all; buy as needed. 
  5. Instant Pot Cookbooks – Here’s a collection of my most recommended cookbooks for all kinds of diet and cooks of all levels. 

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An overhead shot of Gujarathi kadhi along with rice, rotis and a side of lemon

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Indian Food Blogger

Hi! I am Anu - former Project Manager, now a full-time blogger. With over 20 years of cooking experience, I’m here to share my secrets on how to cook Indian food quickly and easily—no processed ingredients needed.

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2 Comments

  1. Very inspiring!! My instant pot has also been sitting on the counter for the last six months, giving me guilt pangs everytime I look at it. Your recipes make it sound very easy to use… Thanks

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Gitanjali! Good luck with your Instant Pot. I hope you are able to make full use of your investment!

      Reply