Instant Pot is a superhero in the world of kitchen appliances. Replace your pressure cooker with this multi-functional pot, which does the work of seven cooking appliances. It works as an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, warmer, and sauté pan all in one.
The Instant Pot has too many functionalities for a single appliance. Initially, it may be confusing or frustrating to try to operate it. But give it some time, the Instant Pot is made to make life easier.
When confused, just refer to the instruction manual with some patience. However, if you dislike reading manuals, you can always go to the Instant Pot web site and watch an instructional video on how to operate it. The video also provides information on the benefits of using the Instant Pot, on cook times, and answers to FAQ.
The Instant Pot comes with a recipe booklet as well. There are various recipes in the booklet which make the use of each type of function available. The Instant Pot offers convenience as well. It saves time cooking food items like dried beans, lentils, whole grains, and stew.
You can also make yogurt and spaghetti in the Instant Pot. Here are the easy step-by-step instructions.
Quick & Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2.25 lbs ground beef
- 1 box pasta
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 28 oz water
- Seasoning salt, pepper
Directions
Set the Instant Pot to saute and put the ground beef in it. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef until it turns brown and drain the fat.
Next, add the tomatoes, pasta, and a can of water. Stir well and cover the Instant Pot with the lid.
Set it on low pressure at half the time instructed on the box of pasta (if it says six to eight minutes on the box, then set the pot at three to four minutes). Quick release when the timer beeps.
Making Yogurt in the Instant Pot
Step 1: Heat the milk
Pour ½ gallon of milk into the Instant Pot. Cover it with the lid and push the ‘yogurt’ button. Next, hit the adjust button and choose ‘boil’. Leave it to beep, it will start on its own. It will take 26 minutes to boil.
The pot will beep when the boiling process is done and will display ‘yogt.’ Unplug the Instant Pot the moment it starts to beep.
Step 2: Cool the milk
Remove the milk from the pot and let it cool down completely. It should reach a temperature of 115°F precisely.
Step 3: Proceed with the starter culture
You can use your favorite kind of yogurt as the starter. Make sure to use a good quality active yogurt. Mix at least ½ cup of the yogurt starter in the milk and stir well.
Step 4: Incubate the yogurt
Now put the mixture in the cooker and cover it. Plug in and hit ‘yogurt.’ It will display ‘8:00’ on the timer. This means it will take eight hours to ferment. It will beep to inform the onset of the incubation process. Note that it will start the time from ‘0:00’ and stop at ‘8:00.’
Step 5: Set the yogurt
Strain the yogurt to make it thick. Transfer it to a jar and let it set overnight in the refrigerator.
You can add any desired flavor to the yogurt.
Related:
- Cook Spaghetti the Healthy Way with Beets & Greens
- Fresh Strawberry-Mint Frozen Yogurt (no ice cream maker required)
- Curd vs. Yogurt: Nutrition & Benefits Compared
- Is Sourdough Bread Healthy? What are Sourdough Bread’s Health Benefits?
Sources:
Foster, K., “The Instant Pot Is One Machine That Does the Work of 7 Gadgets,” Kitchn web site, April 17, 2015; http://www.thekitchn.com/instant-pot-does-the-work-of-seven-kitchen-gadgets-in-one-machine-product-review-217946, last accessed February 2, 2017
“Instant Pot Spaghetti,” Real Mom Reviews web site, December 17, 2015; http://www.realmomreviews.net/2015/12/quick-easy-instant-pot-spaghetti/, last accessed February 2, 2017
