Warm up your kitchen and belly with these hearty meals cooked in an Instant Pot!

Winter has arrived, and it's time to cosy up with warm and hearty meals to enjoy with your loved ones. What better way to do that than with a pressure cooker? Pressure cookers are perfect for making delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. The beauty of a pressure cooker is that you can utilise high-pressure steam for cooking food rapidly, tenderising tough cuts of meat, legumes, and grains in a fraction of the time it would take using other cooking methods. What might have taken hours on the stovetop or in the oven can now be achieved in minutes with a pressure cooker, allowing you to enjoy flavorful meals even on busy days.

For these recipes, we've used the Instant Pot pressure cooker. We love using the Instant Pot because it not only pressure cooks but also slow cooks, saute, makes yoghurt, keeps food warm or can even be used to bake a cake! Whether you're a busy parent, a savvy home chef, or someone who loves good food, this multi-functional appliance can cut down time in the kitchen and still give you tasty meals quickly. Still not convinced? Try out these recipes below!

1. Best Ever Italian Meatballs

Italian meatballs are a classic and beloved comfort food, and they are surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe features juicy and tender meatballs seasoned with traditional Italian herbs and spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce until they are falling apart.

Cook Time: 24 minutes | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

Meatballs

• 680g ground beef
• 227g Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 box panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
• 2 large eggs beaten
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Sauce

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cans crushed tomatoes (approximately 795 grams)
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, sausage, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, and eggs gently with your hands until completely incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and form into 24 balls.
2. Set Instant Pot to Sauté and heat oil. When the oil is shimmering, add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and oregano, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper, then add meatballs.
5. Secure the lid and set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 8 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s guide for quick release, making sure to wait until the cycle is complete before unlocking and removing the lid.

Recipe source: Instant Pot

2. Chicken and Corn Soup in the Instant Pot

If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this Chicken and Corn Soup cooked in the Instant Pot is the perfect recipe. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavourful and comforting soup that's sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 113g boneless, skinless chicken breast finely minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch plus 1/4 cup cornstarch divided
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 4 large eggs beaten
• 2 spring onions thinly sliced
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix well, then let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Add chicken and marinade, broth, garlic, and ginger to the pot and stir well. Close lid, set steam release to Sealing, press the Manual button and set time to 5 minutes.
3. When the timer beeps, quick release the pressure and open lid. In a small bowl combine water and remaining 1/4 cup cornstarch. Mix until smooth, then stir into the pot and add corn.
4. Press the Cancel button, then press the Sauté button and cook, stirring constantly, until soup starts to thicken, about 1 minute.
5. Press the Cancel button, then slowly drizzle eggs into soup while stirring constantly to form ribbons. Serve hot, topped with spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Recipe Source: Instant Pot

3. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

 This recipe is perfect for those looking to add spice to their winter meal routine. With juicy chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and a blend of warm and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, with the convenience of the Instant Pot, it's an easy and quick meal to make.

Ingredients: