Jeremy LaLondeUnlocking the Magic of Your Instant Pot: A Fun Guide to Cooking Beans, Grains, and More!
Hey there, fellow kitchen adventurers! If you’ve got an Instant Pot collecting dust or maybe still in its box, today’s your lucky day! We’re diving into the world of pressure cooking to demystify this magical appliance. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be whipping up delicious meals in no time. So, let’s get cooking!
What is the Instant Pot?
Think of the Instant Pot as a high-tech modern version of the old-school pressure cooker but way safer and more versatile. It uses steam to create pressure, cooking your food faster while locking in flavors and nutrients. Say goodbye to soggy veggies and hello to perfectly cooked beans and grains!
How Does It Work?
When you turn on your Instant Pot, the liquid inside turns to steam, creating pressure. This pressure raises the boiling point of water to around 245°F, which means everything cooks quicker and more evenly. Plus, the steam helps retain all those yummy flavors!
Top 10 Tips for Using Your Instant Pot Like a Pro
- Seal the Deal: Make sure your lid is on properly. You’ll hear a chime, and an arrow will line up to indicate it’s secure.
- Check the Sealing Ring: Ensure the silicone ring is snugly in place to prevent any pressure mishaps.
- Use Two Rings: Consider getting a second sealing ring for sweet dishes to avoid flavor mingling.
- Know Your Pressure Pin: This little guy pops up when the pot is pressurized. Don’t touch it when it’s hot!
- Quick vs. Natural Release: Use natural release for beans and grains for fluffiness, quick release for veggies to avoid mushiness.
- Watch Your Liquid Levels: If you see the dreaded “burn” message, it’s likely due to insufficient liquid.
- Clean the Condensation Collector: Regularly check and empty it to keep your pot functioning smoothly.
- Experiment with Settings: The pressure cook, sauté, and steam functions are your best friends.
- Use the Delayed Start Timer: Perfect for having a fresh meal ready when you walk in the door!
- Batch Cook Beans and Grains: Save time and money by cooking large amounts and freezing them in portions.
Cooking Beans and Legumes
Cooking beans in the Instant Pot is a game changer. No more soaking overnight or babysitting pots on the stove. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse your beans to remove any dust or debris.
- For every cup of dried beans, use about three cups of water.
- If you choose to soak, adjust the cooking time down since they’ll need less time.
- Flavor your beans with herbs, but wait to add salt until after cooking for the best texture.
Cooking Times for Beans
| Bean Type | Soaked Time (min) | Unsoaked Time (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Black Beans | 20 | 30 |
| Pinto Beans | 15 | 25 |
| Chickpeas | 20 | 30 |
| Lentils (Green) | 7 | 10 |
Cooking Grains
Grains are also a breeze in the Instant Pot. Here’s the scoop:
- Use a specific water-to-grain ratio for best results.
- Stir the mixture well before sealing to prevent any sticking.
- Natural release helps grains finish cooking evenly and fluff up nicely!
Cooking Times for Grains
| Grain Type | Cooking Time (min) |
|---|---|
| Brown Rice | 12 |
| Quinoa | 1 |
| Farro | 10 |
| Oats | 3 |
Wrapping It Up
With these tips, you’re ready to tackle your Instant Pot with confidence! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So get out there, try new recipes, and enjoy the deliciousness that comes from your kitchen!
Summary of Tips
- Ensure the lid is properly sealed.
- Check the sealing ring regularly.
- Know when to use quick or natural release.
- Monitor your liquid levels to avoid burning.
- Batch cook beans and grains for convenience.
Happy cooking, everyone! For more recipes and tips, check out my website or grab your own Instant Pot here!
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Hey Jeremy!
Got your message… I had already pre-ordered your book…didn’t see a discount code… Hmmm. Or, I should say …Yummm…looking forward to it! Hubby, Dennis & I are catching your review of BOSH book #4 or whatever (their 2020 one). D is the chef here. He was much MORE interested in YOUR recipes…so we went to the Aquafaba one. Sooo is your book ready yet???lol… ME? I looked behind the curtain &visited your film endeavors and reviews. I listened to part of you & your “group” talking about the movie Roxanne. Then checked out your workshop offer. You asked me what I do…probably some of the same things you do…just different doors…lol. But I don’t get the Major Awards (well, patients did give me a life size copy of the Leg Lamp displayed in the movie Christmas Story, as a thanks for being a doc that – rocked, because they received air-fried French Fries in the hospital during the shutdown). New residents (first-year docs who had finished their year of internship) entering during COVID (our state caught first place as the virus hit the USA 20 minutes from the University Hospital, Seattle) enjoyed my daily “pep talk” in the form of an original recording of Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night Concert, overture thru the song, Done too Soon.” White jacket…nah…I wore my bright pink scrubs multi-colored sketchers and my made-for-me rhinestoned headband. Being 5′ tall, and the authority figure in my group, I gave the daily reminder,” The white jackets don’t make you special… MD can stand for Major Disaster. BREATHE… and be polite; patients and their loved ones are more frightened than you. ” And with my super powers & obvious wisdom I was the pro that received the first complement after suggesting that a spouse have a seat while his wife was being tested…OW!!!! I missed his fist …the one that sent me UP then into a collision with a surgical tray. I would have cracked a joke if the cracking of my left shoulder had been a tad less PAINFUL! I received a plaque with those words as a token of appreciation for being THE example of NOT being special… Lol …
Sooo, D says he prefers you doing your own recipes. It’s all good. G’dnight, Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you so much for your message! First, I want to thank you for pre-ordering the book—I really appreciate your support and excitement! I also wanted to let you know that we’ve refunded the amount equivalent to the pre-order discount, so you should see that reflected on your statement in the next few days.
Your stories and experiences are absolutely incredible! It sounds like you and Dennis have a dynamic and fun life full of adventure and humor, and I loved hearing about your time in the hospital during COVID. Your pep talks, Neil Diamond references, and your approach to keeping things human and grounded are inspiring. The life-size Leg Lamp and the plaque with your wise words are well-deserved tributes to the impact you’ve made.
And thank you for checking out my film endeavors and workshop—it’s great to hear that you explored behind the scenes. I’m glad Dennis enjoyed our aquafaba recipe and finds my original recipes appealing. That feedback means a lot, and I’ll be sure to keep sharing more of our own creations.
Thanks again for your warmth and humor. Wishing you and Dennis lots of joy, good eats, and fun cooking adventures!
Take care and good night, Jeremy
Hi! Could you share a link for your beans and lagoons chart that I might print it out? Thank you, Randy.
If you look in the articles on the site there’s one there that might be of use.
It’ll also be in our upcoming eBook:
https://pbwithj.thrivecart.com/ff-ebook/
For 20% off use discount code: PBWITHJ20