Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey through the world of vegetarian cuisine with the help of your trusty Instant Pot. In this article, we’ll show you how to effortlessly create delicious and nutritious meals that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. From hearty soups to flavor-packed curries, our collection of Instant Pot vegetarian recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen while saving you time and effort. So grab your apron, prepare your taste buds, and let’s dive into the flavorful world of vegetarian cooking made easy with the Instant Pot.
Breakfast Recipes
Tofu Scramble
One of our favorite vegetarian breakfast options is tofu scramble. This dish is a delicious and protein-packed alternative to scrambled eggs. It is made by crumbling tofu and sautéing it with various spices and vegetables. You can add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to enhance the flavor and texture of the scramble. Serve it alongside some whole grain toast or tortillas for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Oatmeal with Fruit Compote
For a comforting and nutritious breakfast, try oatmeal with fruit compote. Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to cook perfectly creamy oats in no time. Simply combine rolled oats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot, and set it to cook on high pressure for a few minutes. While the oatmeal cooks, prepare a fruit compote by cooking your choice of fresh or frozen fruits with a little sugar or honey. Serve the oatmeal topped with the warm fruit compote for a delightful and healthy start to your day.
Vegetable Frittata
If you’re in the mood for a more substantial breakfast option, make a vegetable frittata in your Instant Pot. This versatile dish allows you to use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftover veggies. Simply sauté your choice of vegetables in the Instant Pot, then pour in a mixture of beaten eggs and spices. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes until the eggs are set. The result is a flavorful and protein-rich frittata that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Soup and Stew Recipes
Butternut Squash Soup
When the weather gets colder, nothing beats a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. Using an Instant Pot significantly cuts down on the cooking time and allows you to enjoy this comforting soup in no time. To make it, simply sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, add cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, and spices. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes, then blend the cooked ingredients until smooth. The result is a velvety and flavorful soup that will warm both your body and soul.
Chickpea and Vegetable Stew
If you’re looking for a hearty and nutritious meal, try making a chickpea and vegetable stew in your Instant Pot. This recipe combines protein-packed chickpeas with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The stew is cooked in a flavorful tomato-based broth, which infuses the vegetables and chickpeas with delicious flavors. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and let it work its magic, resulting in a comforting and satisfying stew that can be served with crusty bread or rice.
Tomato and Lentil Soup
Lentils are not only a great source of protein but also an excellent way to add texture and substance to soups. Tomato and lentil soup is a classic recipe that is even more convenient to make in an Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time, and you’ll have a flavorful and hearty soup that is packed with nutrients. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Rice and Grain Recipes
Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that often requires constant stirring on the stovetop. Thankfully, the Instant Pot simplifies the process and allows you to enjoy a perfectly cooked mushroom risotto with minimal effort. Sauté mushrooms, garlic, and onions in the Instant Pot, then add Arborio rice and vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for a short time, and you’ll have a rich and velvety risotto that is sure to impress. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.
Quinoa Pilaf with Roasted Vegetables
Quinoa pilaf is an easy and nutritious side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. The Instant Pot makes cooking quinoa a breeze, saving you time and effort. To make quinoa pilaf with roasted vegetables, cook quinoa in the Instant Pot with vegetable broth and a touch of olive oil. While the quinoa cooks, roast your choice of vegetables in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized. Once both the quinoa and vegetables are ready, combine them for a satisfying and flavorful dish that is packed with protein and vitamins.
Spanish Rice
If you’re craving a flavorful and festive rice dish, try making Spanish rice in your Instant Pot. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the Instant Pot, then add rice, diced tomatoes, spices, and vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time, and you’ll have a vibrant and aromatic rice dish that pairs perfectly with Mexican-inspired meals. Serve it alongside beans, roasted vegetables, or as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Pasta and Noodle Recipes
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of creamy tomato pasta? With the Instant Pot, you can make this classic dish in a flash. Sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add pasta, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cream or non-dairy alternative. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes, and you’ll have a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that will satisfy your cravings. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein options like mushrooms, spinach, or grilled tofu for an extra nutritional boost.
Thai Peanut Noodles
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, try making Thai peanut noodles in your Instant Pot. This dish combines rice noodles, a fragrant peanut sauce, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal. You can add a protein of your choice, such as tofu or tempeh, to make it even more filling. Cook the noodles and sauce in the Instant Pot until the flavors meld together, then garnish with fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Vegetable Lo Mein
For a quick and delicious stir-fry style dish, consider making vegetable lo mein in your Instant Pot. Toss your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas in the Instant Pot with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time, then add cooked lo mein noodles and toss everything together until well coated. The result is a flavorful and satisfying noodle dish that you can enjoy as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Asian-inspired recipes.
Bean and Legume Recipes
Black Bean Chili
Black bean chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for cooler days. By using an Instant Pot, you can quickly cook dried black beans to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and tender component for your chili. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the Instant Pot, then add soaked black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time, and you’ll have a rich and delicious chili that can be enjoyed on its own or served over rice.
Lentil Curry
Curries are a staple in Indian cuisine, and lentil curry is a flavorful and protein-rich option that is easy to prepare in your Instant Pot. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, then add dried lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time, and you’ll have a thick and aromatic lentil curry that can be served with rice or naan bread. Customize the spice level according to your preference, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are a versatile legume that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. By using an Instant Pot, you can quickly cook dried chickpeas and turn them into a delicious and protein-packed salad. Once the chickpeas are cooked, combine them with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette or a tangy lemon tahini dressing for added flavor. This chickpea salad is not only refreshing and healthy but also a great option for meal prepping.
Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of vegetarian meals. With the Instant Pot, you can cook the potatoes to perfection and infuse them with the flavors of garlic. Simply cook peeled and cubed potatoes in the Instant Pot with garlic cloves and vegetable broth until soft. Then, mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher, and add butter or plant-based margarine for a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious caramelized texture. With the Instant Pot, you can quickly steam the Brussels sprouts before roasting them to perfection. Simply cook the sprouts in the Instant Pot with a small amount of water until tender, then transfer them to a baking sheet and roast in the oven until crispy and golden. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor. These roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty and nutritious side dish that everyone will love.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and flavorful side dish that adds a pop of color to any meal. With the Instant Pot, you can quickly cook the carrots until tender and then glaze them with a simple mixture of honey, butter or plant-based margarine, and spices. Cook the carrots in the Instant Pot with a small amount of water until tender, then transfer them to a skillet and cook with the glaze until caramelized and glossy. The result is a delightful side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, grain dishes, or even served on their own.
Snack and Appetizer Recipes
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing snack that is easy to prepare in your Instant Pot. Sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese or non-dairy alternative, and grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Cook on high pressure until the ingredients are melted and well combined. Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, bread, or crunchy vegetables for a tasty and satisfying appetizer.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer that can be prepared in your Instant Pot. Remove the stems from button mushrooms and fill them with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and cheese or a vegan alternative. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in the Instant Pot, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water, and cook on high pressure until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and crispy. These bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Crispy Cauliflower Bites
If you’re looking for a crunchy and flavorful snack, try making crispy cauliflower bites in your Instant Pot. Dip cauliflower florets in a batter made of flour, spices, and non-dairy milk, then coat them with breadcrumbs or panko. Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure until they are crispy and golden. Serve the bites with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or tangy barbecue sauce. These crispy cauliflower bites are a healthier and vegetarian alternative to traditional fried snacks.
Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Lava Cake
Indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent and gooey chocolate lava cake made in your Instant Pot. Mix together a simple batter of flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs or a vegan alternative. Pour the batter into individual ramekins and place them in the Instant Pot on a trivet. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time, and you’ll have a rich and molten lava cake that is sure to impress. Serve the cakes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a truly indulgent dessert.
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a comforting and classic dessert that is even more convenient to make in your Instant Pot. Toss together sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice in the Instant Pot. In a separate bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, butter or plant-based margarine, and spices to create a crumbly topping. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the apples, then cook on high pressure for a short amount of time until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy. Serve the apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Coconut Rice Pudding
Coconut rice pudding is a creamy and tropical dessert that can be easily made in your Instant Pot. Combine rice, coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure until the rice is tender and the mixture is thick and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. Serve the coconut rice pudding warm or chilled, and garnish with fresh tropical fruits or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra touch of indulgence.
Indian Cuisine Recipes
Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a classic Indian dish that combines potatoes and cauliflower in a flavorful spiced curry. With the Instant Pot, you can quickly cook the vegetables to perfection without the need for constant monitoring. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, then add cubed potatoes, cauliflower florets, diced tomatoes, and a touch of water or vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time until the vegetables are tender and infused with aromatic flavors. Serve the aloo gobi with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Palak Paneer
Palak paneer is a popular Indian dish that features creamy spinach curry with cubes of paneer cheese. The Instant Pot simplifies the process of making this flavorful dish, allowing you to enjoy it with minimal effort. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, then add pureed spinach, diced tomatoes, and cubed paneer. Cook on high pressure until the spinach is cooked down and the flavors meld together. The result is a vibrant and creamy dish that can be enjoyed with rice, naan bread, or roti.
Chana Masala
Chana masala is a flavorful and protein-rich dish that showcases the deliciousness of chickpeas. With the Instant Pot, you can quickly cook dried chickpeas and turn them into a delectable curry. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, then add soaked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and a touch of water or vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time until the chickpeas are tender and infused with aromatic flavors. Serve the chana masala with fluffy rice or warm naan bread for a satisfying Indian meal.
Mexican Cuisine Recipes
Vegetable Enchiladas
Vegetable enchiladas are a flavorful and hearty Mexican dish that can be easily prepared in your Instant Pot. Sauté onions, garlic, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn in the Instant Pot, then add spices, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for a short amount of time until the flavors meld together. Fill tortillas with the vegetable mixture, roll them up, and place them in the Instant Pot with enchilada sauce. Cook on high pressure until the enchiladas are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Serve the enchiladas with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream or non-dairy alternatives for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of Mexican dishes. The Instant Pot makes cooking this rice dish quick and convenient. Sauté onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes in the Instant Pot, then add rice, vegetable broth, and spices. Cook on high pressure until the rice is tender and the flavors meld together. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness. This Mexican rice is the perfect accompaniment to tacos, enchiladas, or served as a flavorful side dish on its own.
Refried Beans
No Mexican feast is complete without a side of refried beans. With the Instant Pot, you can easily make flavorful and creamy refried beans without the need for constant stirring. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, then add soaked or canned pinto beans, water or vegetable broth, and a touch of salt. Cook on high pressure until the beans are tender and can be easily mashed. Mash the beans with a fork or potato masher until creamy and smooth. Serve the refried beans as a side dish, dip, or a filling for burritos and enchiladas for a truly authentic Mexican experience.
Bringing together a variety of vegetarian recipes made easy with the Instant Pot, this comprehensive article has covered a range of dishes from breakfast to dessert and even showcased some popular Indian and Mexican cuisine options. With the convenience and efficiency of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, comforting soup, flavorful rice and grain dishes, satisfying pasta and noodle recipes, protein-packed bean and legume options, vegetable side dishes, tasty snacks and appetizers, indulgent desserts, or the bold flavors of Indian and Mexican cuisine, the Instant Pot has got you covered. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends with these delectable vegetarian recipes. Happy cooking!