If you love using your multifunction cooker, brand name Instant Pot®, but have recipes that don’t have multifunction cooker directions don’t worry! Convert your regular recipes into multifunction cooker recipes with these simple tips.

Reduce your cooking time.

The whole point of a multifunction cooker is it’s reduced cooking time. The pressure cooker functionality does cook food quicker than traditional methods. If you’re trying to convert a recipe, first look for similar recipes using a multifunction cooker and use those as a guide. Or follow this rule of thumb: If you’re using a recipe that requires the oven, lower the cook times for meat by one to two thirds. Always check the meat’s minimum internal temperature to ensure it’s reached safe temperatures.

Use less liquid.

Because the lid on your multifunction cooker seals tightly, there is little to no evaporation while cooking. That means you won’t lose any liquid, so be light-handed with broths and other liquids to avoid a dish that is too watery or lacking flavor. But make sure you have at least one cup of liquid before turning it on—it’s necessary to create steam inside the bowl and to avoid burning. Always follow your manufacturers instructions.

Fill appropriately.

Your multifunction cooker needs room to build pressure (that’s how it cooks the food, after all) so don’t cram in your ingredients. Fill your pot two thirds to be safe and only half if you are making any type of grain, pasta, or legume, as they will grow in size while cooking. And whatever you do, do not add ingredients past the MAX fill line—it’s there for a reason!

Be wary of dairy.

Adding dairy products to your pressure cooker at the beginning can make them curdle because of the high temperatures. It’s best to wait until the end (preferably once you’ve removed whatever you’re cooking) to mix in any cheese, milk, or cream. The exception to this rule, of course, is when you’re making yogurt with the appliance’s specific yogurt function.

Pick the right release.

A multifunction cooker has two different options for releasing pressure: quick pressure release and natural release. The natural release can be used for most recipes (pasta, meat, oatmeal, etc.) but, if you’re dealing with something that you don’t want to overcook like vegetables, the quick pressure is a better choice as it lets the steam out very quickly. Always follow safety protocols for both release methods.

*Not all recipes can be converted to a multifunction cooker i.e. baked goods, other recipes may not retain certain qualities you are used to.

See our basic operating tips on a multifunction cooker here. 

Source:

Taste of Home. Here’s How to Make *Any* Recipe Work with your Instant Pot. Amanda Tarlton