Curry lovers, rejoice! We have the ultimate solution for your curry cravings – the Instant Pot! If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that perfectly spiced, rich, and flavorful curry in a fraction of the time, then look no further. In this article, we will guide you through the simple yet magical steps of making curry with the help of your trusty Instant Pot. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this mouthwatering dish that will become a regular in your repertoire. Say goodbye to long hours simmering on the stove and hello to a quick and effortless way of satisfying your curry cravings. Let’s dive into the world of curry-making with an Instant Pot!
Choose the type of curry
Decide on the curry base
When making curry in an Instant Pot, the first step is to choose the type of curry you want to make. There are various curry bases to choose from, such as tomato-based, coconut milk-based, or yogurt-based curries. Each base adds a unique flavor profile to the dish and can cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions. Consider the type of curry base that you and your fellow curry enthusiasts prefer.
Select the protein
Next, it’s time to select the protein for your curry. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, or vegetarian options like tofu or chickpeas, the choice of protein can greatly influence the overall taste and texture of the dish. Keep in mind that different proteins may require different cooking times, so you may need to adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly.
Choose the vegetables or additional ingredients
Curry is a versatile dish that can accommodate a wide range of vegetables and additional ingredients. Choose vegetables that complement the flavors of the curry base and protein you have chosen. Popular choices include bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, peas, and spinach. Additionally, you can add ingredients like cashews, raisins, or fresh herbs for added texture and taste. Consider the combinations that will bring out the best flavors and add some color to your curry.
Prepare the ingredients
Gather the necessary spices
Spices are the heart and soul of any curry. Take stock of your spice cabinet and gather the necessary spices for your curry. Common spices used in curry include cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. These spices will add depth and complexity to your dish, so make sure to have them on hand before starting the cooking process.
Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger
To infuse your curry with aromatic flavors, it is essential to chop onions, garlic, and ginger. These three ingredients form the base of many Indian recipes and are crucial for adding depth and complexity to your curry. Chop the onions finely, mince the garlic cloves, and grate or finely chop the ginger. This will ensure that these aromatics blend seamlessly into your Instant Pot curry.
Prepare the protein and vegetables
Before starting the cooking process, you will need to prepare your chosen protein and vegetables. Cut the protein into bite-sized pieces and ensure that any bones or unwanted parts are removed. If using vegetables, wash and chop them according to your preference. This preparation step ensures that the ingredients are ready to be incorporated into the dish without any delays during the cooking process.
Sauté the aromatics
Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function
To begin the cooking process, turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function. This will allow you to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger that you chopped earlier. By sautéing these aromatics, their flavors will be released and enhanced, creating a rich and flavorful base for your curry.
Add oil and heat it up
Once the Instant Pot has heated up, add a generous amount of oil to the pot. This will prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom and will help in caramelizing the onions, garlic, and ginger. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, or if you prefer a more authentic flavor, consider using ghee or coconut oil.
Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger
Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated or chopped ginger to the Instant Pot. Stir them continuously to prevent them from burning. Sauté the aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant, which will take approximately 2-3 minutes. The sautéing process helps to release the flavors and aroma of the onions, garlic, and ginger, adding depth and complexity to your curry.
Add the spices and protein
Add the spices and toast them briefly
After sautéing the aromatics, it’s time to add the spices to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the measured amounts of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder over the onions, garlic, and ginger. Toast the spices briefly, stirring continuously, until they become fragrant. This step helps to unlock the flavors of the spices, intensifying the taste of your curry.
Add the protein to the pot
Once the spices are toasted, add the prepared protein to the Instant Pot. Stir well to ensure that each piece of protein is coated with the aromatic spices. This allows the flavors to penetrate the protein, resulting in a flavorful and well-seasoned curry.
Mix well to coat the protein with the spices
Take a few moments to thoroughly mix the protein with the spices. This ensures that each piece is evenly coated, resulting in a harmonious flavor distribution throughout the dish. Mixing the protein with the spices also helps in tenderizing and infusing it with the flavors of the curry.
Add the vegetables and liquid
Add the vegetables and stir
Now it’s time to add the prepared vegetables to the Instant Pot. Stir in the chopped vegetables, ensuring that they are evenly distributed among the protein and spices. This step introduces a variety of colors and textures into your curry, making it visually appealing and adding a wholesome element to the dish.
Pour in the liquid (water, broth, or coconut milk)
To create a flavorful and saucy curry, you’ll need to add the liquid to the Instant Pot. The choice of liquid depends on the type of curry base you have chosen. For tomato-based curries, water or broth works well, while coconut milk is ideal for coconut milk-based curries. Pour in the liquid slowly, allowing it to cover the ingredients without overflowing the Instant Pot.
Ensure the liquid covers the ingredients
After adding the liquid, take a moment to ensure that it covers the ingredients in the Instant Pot. The liquid acts as a medium for cooking the protein and vegetables, infusing them with the flavors of the spices and curry base. This ensures that the final result is a curry that is moist, flavorful, and well-cooked.
Pressure cook the curry
Secure the Instant Pot lid
Now it’s time to secure the Instant Pot lid. Make sure the lid is properly aligned and tightly sealed to avoid any steam from escaping during the cooking process. This ensures that the pressure can build up inside the pot, allowing the ingredients to be cooked under high pressure.
Set the pressure cooking time and mode
Adjust the settings on your Instant Pot to the recommended pressure cooking time and mode for your chosen protein and vegetables. Each ingredient has a different cooking time, so it’s important to refer to recipes or guidelines to ensure that your curry is cooked to perfection. The Instant Pot will automatically regulate the temperature and pressure to ensure even and thorough cooking.
Allow the curry to naturally release pressure
Once the pressure cooking time is complete, it’s important to allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure. This means letting the pressure decrease naturally without using the quick release function. Natural release typically takes around 10-15 minutes. This step helps to further tenderize the protein and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a perfectly cooked curry.
Thicken the curry (optional)
Mix a slurry of cornstarch or flour with liquid
If you prefer a thicker curry, you have the option to thicken it using a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with liquid. In a separate bowl, mix equal parts of cornstarch or flour with water or broth until it forms a smooth paste. This slurry will help to thicken the curry and give it a velvety texture. Adjust the amount of slurry depending on your desired consistency.
Select the sauté function and add the slurry
After mixing the slurry, select the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the slurry slowly to the curry while stirring continuously. The heat from the sauté function will activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch or flour, resulting in a luscious and creamy curry.
Stir until the curry thickens to desired consistency
Once the slurry is added, continue stirring the curry until it reaches your desired thickness. As the curry heats up, the cornstarch or flour will thicken the liquid, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Keep in mind that the curry will continue to thicken as it cools, so be cautious not to overdo the thickening process.
Adjust the seasonings
Taste the curry and add salt if needed
Before serving your Instant Pot curry, it’s crucial to taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Salt not only enhances the flavors but also helps to balance the overall taste of the dish. Add salt gradually, tasting as you go, until you achieve the desired level of seasoning. Remember that different curry bases and spices may require different amounts of salt, so trust your taste buds.
Adjust the spiciness with more chili powder or other spices
If you prefer a spicier curry, you can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or other spices. Keep in mind that spices vary in intensity, so start with small increments and taste as you go. This allows you to personalize the spiciness of the curry according to your preference and ensure that it caters to everyone’s taste.
Add a touch of sweetness or acidity if desired
To add a touch of complexity and balance the flavors, you can experiment with adding a touch of sweetness or acidity to your curry. This can be achieved by adding a small amount of sugar or honey for sweetness, or a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for acidity. These subtle additions can elevate the flavors of the curry, making it more enjoyable and satisfying.
Serve and enjoy
Garnish with fresh herbs or toppings
Before serving your homemade Instant Pot curry, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs or other toppings. Popular options include cilantro, mint, basil, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Garnishes not only add color and freshness to the dish but also provide a burst of flavor that enhances the overall experience.
Serve the curry hot with rice or naan
Curry is traditionally served hot and pairs well with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. The mildness of the rice or the slightly charred and pillowy texture of naan helps to balance the flavors and absorb the delicious sauce. Scoop generous portions of curry onto a plate or bowl, and serve with your choice of rice or naan for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot curry!
Sit down, take a moment to appreciate your culinary creation, and savor the flavors of your homemade Instant Pot curry. Curry is not only a delicious and versatile dish but also a result of your hard work and creativity. Share this meal with loved ones or enjoy it as a comforting, flavorful treat. Let the warmth and spices of the curry bring joy to your taste buds and delight to your dining experience.
Clean up
Turn off the Instant Pot
After enjoying your homemade Instant Pot curry, don’t forget to turn off the appliance. This ensures that it is safely powered down and ready for cleaning.
Allow it to cool down
Give the Instant Pot some time to cool down before attempting to clean it. This reduces the risk of burns or accidents while handling the pot.
Wash the components thoroughly
Once the Instant Pot has cooled down, disassemble any detachable components like the lid and inner pot. Wash each component thoroughly with warm soapy water, ensuring all remnants of food and spices are removed. Take care to clean any hard-to-reach areas to maintain the appliance’s longevity and cleanliness.
By following these steps, you can easily make a delicious and flavorful curry in an Instant Pot. The versatility and convenience of this cooking method allow you to experiment with different flavors, proteins, and vegetables, ensuring that you can create a curry that suits your personal preferences and dietary needs. So gather your ingredients, unleash the aromatic spices, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Dive into the world of homemade curry, and enjoy the tantalizing flavors and fragrances that will transport you to culinary bliss.
