Are you ready to unlock the world of effortless cooking? The Instant Pot has revolutionized kitchens everywhere, offering a quick and easy way to create delicious, healthy meals without spending hours slaving over a stove. This post is dedicated to all beginners, showing you just how simple and rewarding Instant Pot cooking can be. We'll tackle some easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, yet still impressive enough to wow your family and friends. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and embrace the convenience of homemade goodness!
Creamy Tomato Soup
This recipe is a classic, made incredibly easy with your Instant Pot. It's perfect for a cozy night in, and it's surprisingly healthy, too!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil, then the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pressure Cook: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine. Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
- Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Heat through for a minute or two on the "Sauté" function, if needed, but be careful not to boil.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, add a bay leaf during the pressure cooking stage. Remove it before blending.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead (use about 1 teaspoon).
Variations:
- Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the Instant Pot for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Add 1 (12-ounce) jar of roasted red peppers along with the canned tomatoes.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
This easy Instant Pot recipe is a perfect example of how you can create delicious and healthy meals quickly and effortlessly. Experiment with different variations and find your perfect creamy tomato soup! Enjoy!