It’s no secret that multi-cookers are all the rage these days. The Instant Pot is one of the most popular cooking devices on the market, and it comes with a wide variety of features. Unlike a traditional slow cooker, an Instant Pot can sear meats and brown vegetables, as well as cook your food at a low temperature over several hours. Other brands of multifunction cookers have similar functions. With so many possibilities, you may be overwhelmed by all the different ways you can use your new device! I know I was when I got my first one. Luckily, there are a ton of easy recipes to get you started using your multifunction cooker – no matter which brand you’ve got.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a quick, simple, and satisfying snack. They’re also the perfect food to serve at a picnic or on your next road trip for two reasons:
1) they’re easy to eat with one hand while driving
2) they keep well without refrigeration if you pack them with an airtight container or sealable plastic bag
Hard-boiled eggs are usually made in a pot on the stovetop (though sometimes they can be boiled in water), but using your Multifunction Cookers makes them much easier because there’s no need to monitor the cooking process as closely—just set it and forget it! Plus, your multifunction cookers will cook your eggs quickly and evenly, so you don’t have any dry or cracked yolks when you’re ready for deviled eggs later in the week.
To start, place the desired number of eggs (in this case, we’ll use six) into the steamer basket below the bottom rack; fill the pot 1/4 full with water; then place a steamer basket inside the pot with water covering by about two inches high up from bottom tray surface level; lock lid securely; plug into outlet; press “eggs” button once time over medium heat setting until the display reads “5”. Once done cooking cycle will automatically begin a cooling down process that lasts 15 minutes before turning off automatically.
Porridge
This basic porridge recipe calls for rolled oats, but feel free to substitute any type of grain you like. You can also use any kind of liquid (milk, water, etc.). If you have a slow cooker or pressure cooker, make the porridge on low heat and let it cook overnight. Make sure to use the simmer setting if using these appliances, so it doesn’t burn!
Stewed Fruit With Cinnamon
- Stewed fruit can be made with any kind of fruit or combination of fruits. It’s always best to use fruit that’s in season, but if you don’t have access to fresh seasonal produce (or it’s winter), frozen fruits work just as well.
- To make stewed fruit: Add sliced or chopped fruit to a large saucepan over medium-high heat and cover with water by about 1/4 inch (about a half cup). Cook until the water evaporates and you’re left with tender, softened pieces of fruit. For an extra treat, add some cinnamon sticks during this process for an added flavour boost!
- To serve stewed fruit: Add it over yogurt or oatmeal; scoop the mixture into popsicle moulds; serve over ice cream; blend into smoothies—the possibilities are endless! You can even try making your own frozen popsicles from scratch using this recipe.
Bean Salad
One of the most popular uses for multifunction cookers is as a slow cooker, and if you have one, you’ve probably made your own beans. But did you know that there are other ways to use your multifunction cooker?
If not, now’s the time to start! Beans are one of the best things to cook in a multi-cooker because they’re so versatile—you can use them on their own or add them to other dishes like this quick bean salad recipe. If you want something filling for lunch or dinner and don’t want something too heavy, try topping some greens with this bean salad.
How do I cook beans in my multifunction cooker? To get started with cooking beans in your multifunction cooker: Rinse 1 cup of dried navy beans well under cool running water.
Place them into your inner pot and add enough water, so it covers them by about 2 inches (5 cm). Add 1 teaspoon salt if desired; otherwise, skip it since canned beans already have plenty of sodium from being packed in brine solution during processing.
Conclusion
You need to get multifunction cookers! Well, maybe not. I mean, it’s great and all, but if you don’t want one, that’s okay too. But really, these multifunction cookers are pretty versatile, and it’s kind of mind-blowing what you can do with them. It almost seems like a waste not to have one in your kitchen. But if you still don’t want one, then I understand (you weirdo).