My Plant-Based Family

Eating Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet recipes, On a Budget.

Instant Pot

My Favorite Instant Pot Accessories

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You know I love my Instant Pot, but did you know that there are a few accessories I love too? I’m sharing all of my favorite finds with you!

This page will contain my affiliate links. That means I’ll make a very small percent of each sale, at no extra cost to you.

The Instant Pot is one of my favorite  purchases in the last few years. I have the 7 in 1 Multi-functional Instant Pot! Check out why I love my Instant Pot!

If you already have an Instant Pot or are shopping for someone who already has on, I recommend and extra sealing ring, the tempered glass lid for using the slow cooker mode, or the silicone lid. (The IP brand lid isn’t available. I haven’t tried this version but it is on my wish list!) I also use this steamer basket and love it!

You can also get very reasonably price accessory bundles that have items for users who want to do more with their Instant Pots!

There are also many great pressure cooker books! I own The Vegan Fast Food Kitchen and Vegan Pressure Cooking. I’ve heard great things about Vegan Under Pressure too!

 

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

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If you’ve been here for a while you know I’m all about easy recipes. I think this Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice recipe is my new favorite. Why? Because you can cook black beans and brown rice together in the Instant Pot! No soaking or precooking. It turns out great, like magic. 

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

I’ve always been a fan of quick and easy meals. Years ago, when I was a stay at home mom I would still stick to simple meals. I had my hands full with kids, the house, and everything that comes with that role.

Now I work full time, still have to handle all the “mom stuff” and cooking can easily take a back seat to getting a little down time.

That is one of the main reasons I love my Instant Pot. It makes life easier for me. You may love your slow cooker, I used to use mine a lot more. Which ever you choose, having tools that make life more efficient and that set you up to be successful in your goals is a good investment. By the way, I use the 8 quart Instant Pot! You can see the Instant Pot I have at my Amazon Affiliate link.

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

This recipe is pretty simple. I wanted it to be a blank canvas so I could add difference spices and flavors. Before you skip over this no-fuss meal give it a try.

It took a few tries to get the beans and rice ready at the same time but this totally worked for us. If you want something with a slightly more complex flavor try my Instant Pot Mexican Casserole!

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

This super easy recipe feeds a crowd. It's mild flavor is perfect for kids who don't like spicy foods. Feel free to spice it up for adults.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced
  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 2 cups dry black beans
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 limes (optional)
  • Avocado (optional)
  • 4 ounce can of diced green chiles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dump diced onion and garlic into the Instant Pot liner.
  2. Add the brown rice and black beans.
  3. Pour the water into the pot liner and add the salt. If using, add the diced green chiles.
  4. Secure the lid with the vent sealed.
  5. Select Manual, using the arrows decrease time to 28 minutes.
  6. Once the time is up you can press cancel or unplug the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to naturally release. (I let it set for 20 minutes before opening the lid.)
  7. Scoop into bowls and squeeze a lime wedge over bowl and stir. Then add a few slices of avocado for garnish.

Recommended Products

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© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Instant Pot

This recipe makes a lot of food! I estimate at least 6-8 servings depending on how much you eat.

If you want more flavor, try adding your favorite salsa, this homemade Pico de Gallo, homemade guacamole or your other favorite flavors. I almost always make this with a can of green chili now but when I first started making this I left it plain and would spice it up later.

Find more easy and delicious Vegan Instant Pot recipes on my Instant Pot page!

Frequently Asked Questions about Instant Pot Rice and Beans

Do you presoak your beans before adding the rice?

No, I do not presoak the black beans. They need to cook for about the same amount of time as the brown rice so it works to not presoak them.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

We don’t recommend using white rice. Many readers have reported using long grain white rice but we have not tested it. I expect the rice would be mushy. You could try white rice and use cooked beans but I have not tested to water and spice ratios or the cooking time.

If I halve the recipe, do I change the cooking time.

No, you can cut all the ingredients in half but leave the cooking time the same. The black beans and brown rice still need the same amount of time to cook.

The beans and rice come out bland, how can I spice it up?

This recipe is designed to be a blank canvas. People who avoid spicy foods and high salt content will enjoy it but we recommend spicing it up to your comfort level. We add salsa, more spices like chili power, adobo seasoning, cumin or hot sauce. You can read the comments for more ideas, some people loved it, other didn’t, we hope you enjoy it.

Instant Pot Oatmeal {Steel Cut Oats}

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In the realm of wholesome breakfast options, few foods offer the same level of satisfaction and nourishment as steel cut oats. Making them in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for my morning routine.

I love steel cut oats (I usually buy these that are gluten-free) but the standard 10-20 minutes of stove top cooking most packages recommend seems to take me longer. Instead, I use my Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe that is plant-based, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free oats

What are Steel Cut Oats?

Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats or pinhead oats, are a minimally processed form of oat groats. Unlike rolled oats or instant oats, which are flattened and steamed, steel cut oats are made by simply chopping the oat groats into small pieces with steel blades. This minimal processing retains the natural texture and flavor of the oats, resulting in a hearty and chewy cereal with a rich, nutty taste.

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of steel cut oats is their impressive nutritional profile. These whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any meal.

Instant Pot Oatmeal with banana

Oatmeal Additions for Breakfast

I enjoy oatmeal because there are hundreds of ways to customize a bowl to keep breakfast exciting. Adding various ingredients to steel cut oatmeal can enhance its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Here’s a list of ingredients you can add to your steel-cut oatmeal for a delicious and satisfying breakfast:

  1. Fresh or dried fruit – Sliced bananas, berries, diced mango, sliced apples or pears, dried cranberries, chopped dates or figs
  2. Nuts and seeds – Chopping almonds, walnuts pecans or cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds
  3. Sweeteners – Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, coconut sugar
  4. Spices and flavorings – Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, almond extract, cardamom, ginger, allspice
  5. Plant based dairy – Almond, soy coconut or oat milk, vegan butter, coconut cream
  6. Protein boosters – Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter), plant-based protein powder (pea protein, soy protein, hemp protein)
  7. Flavor enhancers – Unsweetened cocoa powder, shredded coconut, lemon or orange zest, espresso powder
  8. Crunchy toppings – Granola, cacao nibs, crispy cereal, toasted coconut flakes
  9. Savory options (for savory oatmeal):
    • Sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers)
    • Fried or poached egg
    • Avocado slices
    • Sliced tomatoes
    • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, chives)
    • Vegan cheese
    • Hot sauce or salsa

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique and delicious bowl of Instant Pot oatmeal for breakfast!

How Long Does Instant Pot Oatmeal Take to Cook?

If this is your first time cooking with the Instant Pot, it is important to note that it takes a while for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure. That means once you start it, it may take 15 minutes for more before it starts counting down the 3 minute cooking time. This is normal. After it’s done cooking, it takes time for the pressure to drop.

It’s still easier than cooking it on the stove because you have to watch your pot and stir regularly. With the Instant Pot, you can walk away and come back to perfect oatmeal. You may want to start it when you wake up. Then come back to it after you’ve gotten dressed and ready for the day.

Instant Pot Oatmeal with Berries

How to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 3 cups water
  • optional spices (cinnamon)
  • toppings of your choice (fruit)

Instructions

Step 1 – Dump into Instant Pot

Dump oats into the Instant Pot followed by the water.

Step 2 – Cook

Close the lid and close the vent. Press MANUAL and use the arrow buttons to go to 3 minutes.

Step 3 – Natural Release

After the oats finish cooking, press the OFF button or unplug the Instant Pot so the pressure will release naturally.

Step 4 – Stir

After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. It will probably have extra liquid, this will absorb as it cools.

Step 5 – Add Toppings

Add cinnamon or other additions and allow to cool slightly before serving. Top oatmeal with fresh fruit of your choice, apples are shown.

Oatmeal recipe using the Instant Pot that is plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free. (Vegan)

Servings

This recipe makes about 2-3 servings depending on how hungry you are and how much you add for the toppings. You can easily double this recipe, and store it for easy breakfasts all week. There is no need to adjust the cooking time.

More Oatmeal Recipes

If you love oatmeal like I do, check out these other great recipes using steel cut oats:

Yield: 3 servings

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Steel Cut Oats have never been easier than this Instant Pot recipes. Your family will love this recipe that can be customized to each persons preference. See video for ideas!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Additional Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 3 cups water
  • optional spices (cinnamon shown)
  • toppings of your choice (apples shown)

Instructions

  1. Dump oats into the Instant Pot followed by the water.
  2. Close the lid and close the vent.
  3. Press manual and use the arrow buttons to go down to 3 minutes.
  4. After the oats finish cooking, press the off button or unplug the Instant Pot so the pressure will release naturally.
  5. After the pressure releases, open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir. It will probably have extra liquid, this will absorb as it cools.
  6. Add cinnamon or other additions and allow to cool slightly before serving.
  7. Top oatmeal with fresh fruit of your choice, apples are shown.

Notes

Top with your favorite fruit, nuts or seeds for an incredible meal. You can sweeten with maple syrup.

Need more? Double the oats and water, cook for the same amount of time.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Instant Pot

Instant Pot Giveaway

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There are two kinds of people:

People who love their Instant Pot…

and people who want an Instant Pot.

Today I’m excited to make one of you a little closer to owning your own Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Giveaway

When I went to work full-time a little over a year ago the first thing I did was buy an Instant Pot. I knew that my time would be limited and I wouldn’t be able to watch a soup simmer all day or keep an eye on my Crock Pot.

Instant Pot was a huge help for my family. We most frequently use it to “bake” potatoes, or to cook beans, rice and oatmeal.

I wrote a post called 10 Reasons I Bought an Instant Pot and I’ve come up with more reasons since then.

What You Need to Know

I get a lot of email about Instant Pots. Here is what you need to know:

  • Instant Pots are safe.
  • You can cook things quickly, but it’s not magic, it takes a little time to come to pressure and release pressure.
  • You can use it as a slow cooker, but you’ll want this lid. I just bought it.
  • You don’t have to use all of the buttons, I cook many things on manual.
  • When you first unbox your Instant Pot you will be overwhelmed but it’s a lot easier than it looks.
  • You can find recipes made for the Instant Pot so you don’t have to figure out conversions.
  • When it is done cooking, it will keep the food warm until you are ready.
  • It comes with a trivet that is used inside the Instant Pot, we set potatoes on it to steam

The Instant Pot Club

Ok, there isn’t a real “club” but there are a ton of people who use and love their Instant Pot, it’s kind of like an unofficial sisterhood (society is another alternative) (or brotherhood if you prefer) of people who love to talk about cooking with their Instant Pot. You can connect with them on Facebook or Twitter but this Facebook Group is one of my favorite resources.

There are also several great books like New Fast Food Kitchen and Vegan Pressure Cooking that have a lot of great plant-based recipes that are made in the Instant Pot. Vegan Pressure Cooking for Kindle is only $2.99 right now!

Get Your Instant Pot

Instant Pot is available on Amazon. This is how I buy almost everything except perishable groceries. I love Amazon! The price on the Instant Pot is great right now, barely over $100 but it changes all the time so buy it quickly. Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial to get free shipping!

Instant Pot is also available on Walmart.com with an in-store pick-up option.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Instant Pot is making this giveaway exclusively North America, the continental US and Canada (sorry Hawaii and Alaska) due to shipping: We cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or Internationally. The UK site is a separate business entity, not sponsoring the Giveaway.

This page contains affiliate links. I was not compensated for this giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Potato Kale Soup

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If you typically turn your nose up at kale, then this plant based potato kale soup is for you. Using frozen, chopped kale is part of the secret that makes it so good (and easy).

The hardest part of this recipe is cutting up the potatoes. I’m including instructions for making this soup on the stove, in the Crock Pot AND in the Instant Pot!

Potato Kale Soup Recipe

Simple is often the best way to go with vegan food. With only five ingredients, you can taste every flavor in this potato kale soup.

Leave the peels on the potatoes to cut down on time. Using frozen kale eliminates the need to wash and process it. And you should have veggie broth mix or bullion on hand. It truly is a simple soup to put together, yet very satisfying.

How to Make Potato Kale Soup

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs of potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (peeling is optional)
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 ribs celery, sliced
  • 1 10 oz bag of frozen kale
  • 1/3 cup dry veggie broth mix (or bullion) (you can add more if needed)
  • Enough water to “just” cover everything

Note: This soup can be made on the stove, in the Crock Pot or in the Instant Pot.

Instructions

1. Place all of the veggies into the pot. Sprinkle in Dry Veggie Broth Mix or use your favorite broth or bullion.

2. Cover with water and give it a good stir.

3. Cook covered.

Stove Top version: Cook over medium heat for about 30 minute. The time will vary depending on how large the veggies are.

Crock Pot version: Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.

Instant Pot version: Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button, for 10 minutes on high pressure. Then allow the soup to natural release for another 5 minutes and the release the remainder of the pressure.

Serve

This would be great as a starter leading up to a meal but we usually just eat it on it’s own. If you are a baker I recommend making a nice crusty bread to go with it.

This may be the easiest soup you’ll ever make. There is only one measurement involved and a little cutting. Everyone in my family loved it. This is my favorite way to eat kale.

0 Reasons I bought an Instant Pot

If you aren’t sure what an Instant Pot is be sure to check out 10 Reasons I Bought an Instant Pot!

More Delicious Soups

Check out these other plant based soups packed with veggies:

Potato Kale Soup

Vegan potato kale soup

Potato Kale Soup that even people who don't like kale will love.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs of potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (peeling is optional)
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 ribs celery, sliced
  • 1 10 oz bag of frozen kale
  • 1/3 cup dry veggie broth mix (or bullion) (you can add more if needed)
  • Enough water to “just” cover everything

Instructions

    1. Place all of the veggies into the pot. Sprinkle in Dry Veggie Broth Mix or use your favorite broth or bullion.
    2. Cover with water and give it a good stir.
    3. Cook covered. (See Notes for variations)

Notes

  • Stove Top - Cook over medium heat for about 30 minute. The time will vary depending on how large the veggies are.
  • Crock Pot - Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
  • Instant Pot - Press the manual or pressure cook button, for 10 minutes on high pressure. Then allow the soup to natural release for another 5 minutes and the release the remainder of the pressure.

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo

Using Frozen Kale in Soup

This soup recipe uses frozen kale because it’s so easy to work with and it’s convenient to keep it in the freezer until you are ready to use it. I never have to worry about using it all before it goes bad. You can use fresh kale instead, simply wash and chop the fresh kale and add it to the recipe. I prefer to remove the stems before using kale. They are fibrous and harder to eat until you love them.

Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

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I love vegan tacos and I love my Instant Pot! Naturally, Instant Pot Lentil Tacos would be one of my favorite family friendly vegan recipes.

Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

It started in 2014, I would get emails asking if I could create recipes to use in the Instant Pot. My response was always, “sorry, I don’t have an Instant Pot but if you buy me one I’ll make recipes for you.” No one took me up on the offer so eventually I bought one myself. If you aren’t familiar with the Instant Pot it is an electric pressure cooker.

I’ve been slowly adapting my recipes to work in the Instant Pot and today I’m going to share my Lentil Taco’s recipe. You can use the original recipe if you are looking for a stove top version.

Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

Taco Tuesday

We don’t necessarily eat Taco Tuesday each week but we enjoy tacos any day of the week. One of the things I love about this recipe is the leftover lentil taco filling can be turned into burritos, Taco Salads, put on nachos or baked potatoes.

You can use these in place or any taco filling. Yes, that means Street Tacos too!

Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

Lentil Tacos in the Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry brown lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp each of salt, garlic powder, chili powder and onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin

Do

  1. Dump all of the ingredients into our Instant Pot and give it a little stir to mix everything evenly.
  2. Close the lid, make sure you move the pressure release to the sealed position.
  3. Press the Manual button and use the arrows to get to 15.
  4. Once it is done turn the Instant Pot off and release the pressure.
  5. Carefully open the lid and give it a stir. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serve

These are great in crunchy or soft tacos, as part of a burrito or taco salad. If you don’t have an Instant Pot don’t worry you can use the stove top recipe, it’s just as easy and just as delicious. For a little variety try my Quinoa-Lentil Tacos! They are a family favorite!

Lentil Tacos in the Instant Pot

Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

This incredibly east and delicious Instant Pot Lentil Tacos recipe is perfect for people eating a plant-based diet.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

Taco Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry brown lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin

Optional Toppings

  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Cilantro
  • Salsa
  • Avocado

Tortillas

  • Choose your favorite tortillas.

Instructions

  1. Dump all of the taco ingredients (not the toppings) into your Instant Pot and give it a little stir to mix everything evenly.
  2. Close the lid, make sure you move the pressure release to the sealed position.
  3. Press the Manual button and use the arrows to get to 15.
  4. Once it is done turn the Instant Pot off and release the pressure.
  5. Carefully open the lid and give it a stir. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

These lentil tacos leftovers should be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator. They will be good for about 5 days.

You can add your favorite toppings. We like to set up a taco bar for everyone to make their own.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did you make this recipe?

We'd love to see it! Tag us and use #MyPlantBasedFamily!

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Instant Pot

Taco Night Side Dishes

Of course if you are making tacos you might want to have a full meal! My favorite sides to have with tacos are:

What are your taco night must haves?