I tried something that I’m excited to share with you. I used my Instant Pot for the first time last weekend. An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that’s used for cooking instead of canning. I bought it a couple years ago and stashed it in a safe place until I had the time and energy to figure out how to use it. The instructions weren’t great, but I conquered the convoluted technical text.
I decided it was time to use it while I was organizing things in my study closet. I had just hung a set of canvas shelves when I saw it mocking me from a corner. It was still in its original box with the bright red price sticker glaring at me.
I refuse to go to the store to buy something specifically to use a certain appliance, so I took my time thumbing through recipes. I made lemon pepper chicken. It was moist, flavorful, and simple. I didn’t have any lemons, so I used lemon juice instead. I tossed water, lemon juice, pepper, and frozen boneless skinless chicken into the pot. I chose my setting, checked to be sure everything was secure, and set the timer. Once the timer buzzed, I released the pressure and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
I couldn’t smell anything until I released the pressure. Once the steam burst forth like a geyser, the entire house was permeated with lemon pepper chicken aroma. It was sudden enough that my husband came into the kitchen to see what happened.
He wasted no time filling his plate and was so impressed with the flavor that he asked me what else I could cook in the Instant Pot. I mentioned ham and beans in a long list of items including lasagna, pork chops, and several desserts.
He must have thought ham and beans sounded good because he went to the store and bought three varieties of beans and a pound of cubed ham the next morning. I will probably cook them this weekend. I’m anxious to see how they turn out. I read that they should be completely cooked in about an hour. If you’ve ever cooked dry beans, you’ll share my amazement at such a feat.
I enjoy trying new gadgets in the kitchen. Prior to using my Instant Pot, I had only used a pressure cooker for canning vegetables. Now, it shares counter space with my slow cooker.
Things like this are an investment of time and money. If you don’t cook much, you’re probably better off not buying one. However, if you enjoy home cooking and are looking to try something different, an Instant Pot or other brand of pressure cooker may be for you.
Pressure cookers require attention and care when in use. You could hurt yourself if you aren’t careful. Always follow the safety instructions. You have to stay close while you’re using it. I’ve seen one of the standard canning pressure cookers explode. We had green beans all the in the living room. Use caution and common sense in all things, but have fun.
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