The Instant Pot is one of the kitchen gadgets that has been sweeping the nation. People are using it to cook just about everything in less than half the time. If you haven’t heard of an instant pot, just imagine a crock-pot looking device that cooks as fast a microwave. Here are some recipes we’ve tried that taste great!
Your Mama’s Collard Greens
Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
2 slices uncooked bacon chopped
4 oz country ham sliced and chopped
1 small onion chopped
3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
16 oz collard greens roughly chopped
Instructions
– Rinse collard greens very well. Remove the thick center stem and roughly chop them into large bite-sized pieces.
– Add olive oil to the Instant Pot. Press the “Saute” button, leaving the lid off.
– Once the oil has heated, add the chopped bacon and country ham. Saute for 4-5 minutes, and then add the chopped onion. Stir everything around periodically (there still may be sticking to the bottom of the pot).
– Once the bacon and country ham has cooked and the onion has become golden, deglaze the pot with about one-third cup of the chicken broth (amount doesn’t need to be precise). Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot and stir.
– Add the rest of the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
– Add the chopped collard greens to the Instant Pot and pack them in well. Press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button to shut off the Saute function. You want to allow for adequate space in the Instant Pot before cooking with pressure, so pause for a minute or two at this point to allow for some of the collard greens to reduce in size before proceeding (Packed in, aim for the Instant Pot to be about two-thirds full).
– Close and lock lid. Ensure the pressure release valve is set to “sealing”.
– Press the “Manual” button. Then using the down button, reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes.
– The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to pressurize, during which you may hear a little hissing noise once it’s almost there. Then “5” minutes will appear on the display, which will count down until it’s done.
At this point you can allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release, or do the quick release. Do whichever one you’re comfortable with. Natural pressure release for this recipe took about 20 minutes for me, and I didn’t find the greens to be mushy or overdone at all.
– Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid and stir everything up. Serve while warm.
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Ruby’s Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) dried kidney beans (about 2-1/2 cups)
1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked andouille chicken sausage links or flavor of choice, sliced
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
Hot cooked rice
Directions
Rinse and sort beans. Soak overnight according to package directions. Drain, discarding water; rinse with cool water.
In a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker, combine beans, sausage, vegetables, pepper sauce, garlic, salt and enough water to cover (about 4 cups). Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 30 minutes. Quick-release pressure. Serve with rice.
Shawn’s Meatloat and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 lb. ground beef (I used a lean ground beef)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt and pepper
1/2 cup honey bbq sauce
For the Meatloaf Topping:
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp mustard
1/3 cup ketchup
For the potatoes:
3 lbs. yellow potatoes, washed and quartered
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half
4 tbsp butter
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions:
Start by laying the quartered potatoes in the bottom of your pressure cooker in an even layer. Pour the chicken broth over the top. Lay the rack that comes with your pressure cooker over the top so it lays flat.
Combine the ingredients for the meatloaf (minus the topping) in a large bowl until fully combined. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place on a piece of tinfoil. Shape the tinfoil up and around the edges of the meatloaf, creating a pocket for it. Place the meatloaf on top of the rack in the pressure cooker and secure lid.
Ensure that the steam release is closed and turn pressure cooker to Manual mode for 20 to 25 minutes*. Once finished cooking, use the quick release method to let the steam escape. Check meatloaf for internal temperature of 155 degrees F.
Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pressure cooker and place on a baking sheet. Mix the ingredients for the topping and brush all over the meatloaf. Place meatloaf under the broiler for just 3 to 4 minutes, until the top is bubbly and caramelized.
Meanwhile add the remaining ingredients (half and half, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper) to the instant pot and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Serve the meatloaf in slices with the mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
