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Let’s face it, Benjamin Franklin’s famous slogan, “early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” is a bit cliché in this day and age. So, we’re going to modify it a little bit to “being vegan makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
Alright, it’s a bit of an exaggeration, but we do know that vegan food helps you become physically healthy. And a lack of red meat and help your mental health. And the amount of money that you save if you choose your products wisely, can and save you a bundle…so maybe it’s not that much of an exaggeration.
And if that didn’t tip you over the fence to become a staunch vegan, then here are 7 delicious vegan dishes that you can conveniently cook in an instant pot.
1. Aloo Palak Dal
Aloo Palak Dal is an Indian Subzi (vegetable dish) that can be cooked quickly in your instant pot. It literally means “Spiced Lentils, Potatoes and Spinach”, which makes it totally Vegan. It’s normally served as a stew with rice or flatbread.
Indian dishes are incredibly flavorful, healthy, and filling, but even more importantly, they are easy to modify to your liking. In Subzi for example, there’s no need to use spinach. You can easily replace it with cauliflower or eggplant.
2. Bone Broth
Bone broth is made from waste that doesn’t need to be wasted. The ingredients are simple – just veggie scraps and water! It can be cooked in your instant pot within 2-4 hours, depending on your recipe.
The science behind bone broth is that it extracts all of the vitamins and minerals from the veggies that are used. That is why many people say that it is a great way to reduce waste while providing food that’s both nutritious and mouth-watering.
3. Quinoa Burrito Bowls
Quinoa Burrito Bowl is a protein-rich Mexican dish that is a spin-off of the convenient burrito. You can serve it in bowls with all your favorite burrito toppings – shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, and anything else you love!
It takes only 12 minutes to cook a burrito bowl in your Instant Pot. You can add whatever ingredients you want. And what makes it better than regular quinoa is that water is replaced with salsa, adding some serious spice to the dish.
4. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Vegan Sloppy Joes are a filling, frugal, and totally satisfying meatless main that is packed with protein, fiber, and iron. Although the ground beef is swapped with veggies like lentils, I guarantee you that kids are still going to love it.
To get started, chop up some onions and bell peppers. Measure out the lentils and seasonings. Sauté the onions and peppers in your instant pot, stir the lentils, seasonings, and liquid, lock the lid and set the timer. Wallah! Your Sloppy Joes are ready.
5. Lo Mein Noodles
Lo Mein is one of the Asian dishes that many vegans love. Say goodbye to those unhealthy late night Asian fast food orders and start cooking Lo Mein in 20 minutes! It’s fast but nourishing.
Cooking in an instant pot gives the noodles a good “al dente” texture. It makes them both not too mushy, and not too hard. Just remember, if you open the lid and your noodles need a bit more cook time, simply turn the sauté button on and let them cook a little longer.
6. Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
If you love a savory mix of sauteed cremini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and luscious cashew cream but don’t have much time to prepare anything, Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff is perfect for you.
You can buy all the veggies precut and ready to go. It just takes 5 minutes of hands-on time and about 30 minutes to cook in your instant pot. If you are allergic to tree nuts, you may use tahini or hemp seeds, but it may taste a bit different.
7. Maple Bourbon Sweet Potato Chili
This sweet and spicy soup Maple Bourbon Sweet Potato Chili is the real deal in chilly weather. It can be made hearty with sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and tomatoes. Season it with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, sweetened with maple syrup, and finish it off with a little bourbon for a spicy kick.
Start by using a sauté pan to sauté the onions and garlic. Toss in the sweet potatoes and spices. Stir to coat before adding the remaining ingredients. Set the mode of your Instant Pot to “soup”. Set its timer to 15 minutes. Then, you’re done.
About the author: Stephanie is a writer and chef who loves to research and discuss kitchen and food-related appliances. She recently left her corporate job and is enjoying balancing her free-lance writing schedule with her passion for cooking.
Liz Teaches says
June 28, 2018 at 12:33 PMI am a big follower of instant pot recipes. It is because my husband needs each meal hard fast on the table. All of these recipes are good. I have tried many of them.