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Have you ever wondered how easy it could be to make delicious dairy-free meals with an Instant Pot? We often find ourselves searching for healthy, satisfying dishes that don’t compromise on taste. With the Instant Pot, our culinary possibilities are almost endless, and achieving dairy-free goodness is both simple and fun.

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Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Dairy-Free Cooking

As health enthusiasts, we aim for nutritious meals that are simple to prepare. The Instant Pot revolutionizes cooking by combining multiple functions into one easy-to-use appliance. We can sauté, pressure cook, slow cook, steam, and even make yogurt—all without a single drop of dairy.

Faster Cooking Times

When we use an Instant Pot, it significantly reduces the time needed to cook delicious meals. Traditional cooking methods can take hours, but with the Instant Pot, we can prepare hearty soups, stews, and even desserts in a fraction of the time.

Consistent Results

One of the most significant advantages is the consistency in cooking. We can expect perfect, evenly-cooked meals every time. No more worrying about burning or undercooking our dishes!

One-Pot Convenience

Gone are the days of multiple dirty dishes in the sink. We can sauté, pressure cook, and warm up food all in the same pot, making clean-up a breeze.

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Essential Ingredients for Dairy-Free Cooking

Cooking dairy-free doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor or texture. We can use various ingredients to replicate the creaminess and richness that dairy typically provides.

Plant-Based Milks

Almond, coconut, and soy milk are excellent for replacing cow’s milk. They bring in unique flavors that can enhance our dishes.

Nutritional Yeast

This ingredient is a lifesaver for those of us who miss the cheesy flavor in certain recipes. Rich in B-vitamins, it can be sprinkled on anything from popcorn to pasta.

Coconut Cream

For recipes requiring heavy cream, coconut cream is a fantastic substitute. It provides a rich texture and subtle sweetness.

Preparing Dairy-Free Basics with the Instant Pot

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s essential to understand how to prepare some basic dairy-free components using the Instant Pot.

Homemade Almond Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 4 cups water
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 dates (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Soak almonds in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain and rinse the almonds.
3. Add almonds, water, salt, dates, and vanilla extract (if using) to the Instant Pot.
4. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 2 minutes.
5. Once cooking is done, allow the pressure to release naturally.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth.
7. Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth for a smoother texture.
8. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Vegan Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 4 cups coconut milk
• 2 tbsp agar agar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 capsules probiotic powder or 2 tbsp store-bought plain dairy-free yogurt with live cultures

Instructions:

1. Pour coconut milk into the Instant Pot and whisk in the agar agar and maple syrup.
2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously.
3. Once boiled, let it cool to around 110°F.
4. Stir in the probiotic powder or dairy-free yogurt.
5. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Yogurt’ mode and incubate for at least 8-10 hours.
6. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Delicious Dairy-Free Instant Pot Recipes

Let’s explore a mix of simple and delectable dairy-free recipes that make our mealtime both easy and enjoyable.

Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This comforting soup brings richness without the dairy, making it perfect for a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and add olive oil.
2. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, almond milk, tomato paste, and dried basil.
4. Secure the lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 5 minutes.
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
6. Blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Dairy-Free Mushroom Risotto

Risotto can be a decadent dish, and this version provides the creamy satisfaction we desire without any dairy.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and heat olive oil.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent.
3. Stir in arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add vegetable broth and mushrooms.
5. Secure the lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 6 minutes.
6. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
7. Stir in almond milk and nutritional yeast.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

Perfect for a holiday table or a comforting side dish, these mashed potatoes are creamy and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place diced potatoes, vegetable broth, and garlic in the Instant Pot.
2. Secure the lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 8 minutes.
3. Quick-release the pressure when finished.
4. Drain any remaining liquid and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork.
5. Stir in almond milk and olive oil.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake

Indulge in a moist, rich chocolate cake that’s dairy-free and made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Grease a 7-inch cake pan that fits inside the Instant Pot.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot water.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
5. Cover the cake pan with aluminum foil.
6. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
7. Place the cake pan on the trivet.
8. Secure the lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 35 minutes.
9. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
10. Remove the cake pan and let it cool before serving.

Dairy-Free and Nut-Free Options

We understand that some of us might also have nut allergies. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that cater to both dairy-free and nut-free dietary needs.

Substituting Nut-Based Ingredients

We can easily substitute nut milks with oat, hemp, or flaxseed milk. These alternatives provide similar textures and are readily available.

Dairy-Free and Nut-Free Alfredo Sauce

This sauce is perfect for pasta lovers who need to avoid both dairy and nuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and heat olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add cauliflower florets and vegetable broth.
4. Secure the lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 5 minutes.
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
6. Transfer the mixture to a blender and add oat milk, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and garlic powder.
7. Blend until smooth and creamy.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Conclusion

We have truly enjoyed sharing these dairy-free recipes made easy with the Instant Pot. The versatility and convenience of this kitchen appliance are unmatched, making it easier for us to stick to our dietary preferences without compromising on taste or nutrition. From soups and main courses to decadent desserts, we can whip up a variety of meals to please our palates and nourish our bodies. Happy cooking!

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