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MyFitnessPal Community

Do I keep my INSTAPOT?

amfmmama

I got an Instapot for Chirstmas, and it is sitting in my kitchen, in the box. It was bought on sale for 70.00. Is it worth keeping? Tell me your Instapot story... good, bad, ugly. GO!

Replies

WinoGelato

wilson10102018 wrote: »

Pressure vessels do bad things to food. Some folks don't notice or care. That is ok. Their choice. Everyone is entitled to a preference when it comes to food prep.

But, there is a reason that the only place one can find pressure vessels is in processed food factories (think Spam), pet food factories and prison or military mess halls. It is that the chemical changes in food caused by high temperature cooking under pressure are not desired by chefs.

For my part, I use my old school pressure cooker for two things. Dry bean soups and homemade cat food.

What bad things do you think pressure cookers do to food?

Where are you coming up with the conclusion that they only exist in factories and prison? Haven’t you ever noticed on many of the cooking competition shows when time is tight the chefs reach for the pressure cooker to bring in flavor and achieve the right texture in limited time.

I’m also not sure you understand the science behind how it works - cooking in general is a chemical reaction whether it’s done at low or high temps, and low or high pressure...

ExistingFish

The studies are out there, pressure cooking preserves nutrients and increases digestibility. The person who suggested it damaged food in some way is uninformed.

https://www.foodrenegade.com/pressure-cooking-healthy/ - has links to the studies she references. I checked a few out, but not all, it isn't something I care to spend time in-depth researching.

wilson10102018

WinoGelato wrote: »

What bad things do you think pressure cookers do to food?

Uh, place that lovely roasting chicken in the pressure cooker, turn it on for a bit, Voila! Catfood. There is a reason why you can't find a pressure cooker in a restaurant kitchen unless they are processing dry beans.

As I said, some people don't care what they eat as long as there is a lot of it. I didn't say that the stuff that comes out of pressure cooking was without nutrition.

amy19355

steveko89 wrote: »

As someone who isn't a fan of food prepared via slow cooker, crockpot, etc. I don't understand the appeal. Numerous people have insisted to my wife and I how great they are and I just kinda shrug. I'd be more inclined to explore Sous Vide methods.

Different devices for different foods and desired results:
I have sous vide and use it for large cuts of meat.
Instant pot is use the pressure cooker setting and yogurt , nothing else, for while grains, beans, and cubes pieces of meat.
I never use a slow cooker to cook anymore; it’s a very different and less satisfying result than pressure cook.

Mslmesq

You can definitely return your instant pot. And then you can regret it forever. Your choice.

Or better yet, send it to me. I already have two, but I’m sure I could still put that baby to use.

poolchicko5

Yes keep it, just look up different recipes of things you would normally cook and cook it in there. As a chef I was pretty anti the instant pot until last summer working 17+ hour days gave me no time to cook. It not only allowed my s/o to learn to cook some meals but I could just saute meat and/or veggies in there, throw in rice, seasoning and liquid and have a dish in less than 30 minutes. I think one of the struggles with losing weight is the time it takes to cook and prepare healthy meals. So the instant pot is on your side. Use it to your advantage!

Mslmesq

wilson10102018 wrote: »

WinoGelato wrote: »

What bad things do you think pressure cookers do to food?

Uh, place that lovely roasting chicken in the pressure cooker, turn it on for a bit, Voila! Catfood. There is a reason why you can't find a pressure cooker in a restaurant kitchen unless they are processing dry beans.

As I said, some people don't care what they eat as long as there is a lot of it. I didn't say that the stuff that comes out of pressure cooking was without nutrition.

Lol. Someone doesn’t know how to use their instant pot yet. So sad.

Try some indian or chinese dishes in there. You will be very surprised.

No, I would never use it to cook a whole chicken either. That’s just silly.

MelanieCN77

What's the definition of "cat food" that we're working with here? Also that of "bad things?"

These claims are following the typical pattern - vague scary pronouncement, with an off the cuff, extra brief "explanation" as poster realises they never really thought it through.

ljmorgi

wilson10102018 wrote: »

WinoGelato wrote: »

What bad things do you think pressure cookers do to food?

Uh, place that lovely roasting chicken in the pressure cooker, turn it on for a bit, Voila! Catfood. There is a reason why you can't find a pressure cooker in a restaurant kitchen unless they are processing dry beans.

As I said, some people don't care what they eat as long as there is a lot of it. I didn't say that the stuff that comes out of pressure cooking was without nutrition.

I don't like meat that's been cooked to mush either, but you can cook food to mush by any method. Learn how to use a pressure cooker correctly and you'll get better results.

ljmorgi

I just finished draining last night's homemade yogurt, and we use the Instant Pot frequently for easy hard-boiled eggs. This has all pretty much been covered, but I also use it for cooking dry beans, making soup or chili, and making steamed puddings and cheesecakes. I'm planning to make butter chicken later this week.

Hamsibian

Makes excellent stock in 2 hours without the nasty aroma in the kitchen. Roast with carrots and potatoes in 50 mins, spaghetti squash in 7, mashed potatoes in 10...it's amazing!

WinoGelato

wilson10102018 wrote: »

WinoGelato wrote: »

What bad things do you think pressure cookers do to food?

Uh, place that lovely roasting chicken in the pressure cooker, turn it on for a bit, Voila! Catfood. There is a reason why you can't find a pressure cooker in a restaurant kitchen unless they are processing dry beans.

As I said, some people don't care what they eat as long as there is a lot of it. I didn't say that the stuff that comes out of pressure cooking was without nutrition.

If I want roast chicken I will take the 1-2 hours to cook it in the oven at home. I haven’t cooked a whole chicken in the IP but I know people who have and shred the chicken for use in all sorts of meals and they rave about the rapid cook time and results. I don’t have cats so I have no idea if the IP would be a good cooking vessel for making food for them.

I repeat it doesn’t seem like you really know much about the Instand Pot or pressure cookers and it seems you are willfully misconstruing what people here are saying. No one has said it is the ideal cooking method for all foods.

I’m also not sure why you are conflating people talking about reasons to keep and enjoy an Instant Pot with eating high volumes of food with no regard for taste.

amfmmama

poolchicko5 wrote: »

Yes keep it, just look up different recipes of things you would normally cook and cook it in there. As a chef I was pretty anti the instant pot until last summer working 17+ hour days gave me no time to cook. It not only allowed my s/o to learn to cook some meals but I could just saute meat and/or veggies in there, throw in rice, seasoning and liquid and have a dish in less than 30 minutes. I think one of the struggles with losing weight is the time it takes to cook and prepare healthy meals. So the instant pot is on your side. Use it to your advantage!

A chef! Tell me your favorites!

amfmmama

wilson10102018 wrote: »

Pressure vessels do bad things to food. Some folks don't notice or care. That is ok. Their choice. Everyone is entitled to a preference when it comes to food prep.

But, there is a reason that the only place one can find pressure vessels is in processed food factories (think Spam), pet food factories and prison or military mess halls. It is that the chemical changes in food caused by high temperature cooking under pressure are not desired by chefs.

For my part, I use my old school pressure cooker for two things. Dry bean soups and homemade cat food.

@wilson10102018 Why do you hate your cat!?!?!

nowine4me

Handiest kitchen gadget ever!! Toss your crock pot, wok, rice maker, etc. it does it all with no fuss and easy clean up.

kshama2001

Hamsibian wrote: »

Makes excellent stock in 2 hours without the nasty aroma in the kitchen. Roast with carrots and potatoes in 50 mins, spaghetti squash in 7, mashed potatoes in 10...it's amazing!

I LOVE the aroma of stock cooking! I'm glad I'm in a bigger place where my bedroom is farther away from the kitchen. I make stock overnight in the crock pot and the yummy smell used to wake me up when I lived in the smaller place.

My recipe for stock:

1. Collect bones in gallon zip lock bag in freezer. (It's nice to get a few beef bones along with the mostly chicken bones. Chicken wing bones are prized.)
2. When bag is mostly full, put bones in crock pot.
3. Cover with water.
4. Cook on High for an hour then turn to low and cook overnight.

kshama2001

WinoGelato wrote: »

wilson10102018 wrote: »

WinoGelato wrote: »

What bad things do you think pressure cookers do to food?

Uh, place that lovely roasting chicken in the pressure cooker, turn it on for a bit, Voila! Catfood. There is a reason why you can't find a pressure cooker in a restaurant kitchen unless they are processing dry beans.

As I said, some people don't care what they eat as long as there is a lot of it. I didn't say that the stuff that comes out of pressure cooking was without nutrition.

If I want roast chicken I will take the 1-2 hours to cook it in the oven at home. I haven’t cooked a whole chicken in the IP but I know people who have and shred the chicken for use in all sorts of meals and they rave about the rapid cook time and results. I don’t have cats so I have no idea if the IP would be a good cooking vessel for making food for them.

I repeat it doesn’t seem like you really know much about the Instand Pot or pressure cookers and it seems you are willfully misconstruing what people here are saying. No one has said it is the ideal cooking method for all foods.

I’m also not sure why you are conflating people talking about reasons to keep and enjoy an Instant Pot with eating high volumes of food with no regard for taste.

Or make roast chicken by spatchocking - 5 pound chicken in 50 minutes. https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10706093/spatchcocked-chicken-where-have-you-been-all-my-life

kshama2001

wilson10102018 wrote: »

Pressure vessels do bad things to food. Some folks don't notice or care. That is ok. Their choice. Everyone is entitled to a preference when it comes to food prep.

But, there is a reason that the only place one can find pressure vessels is in processed food factories (think Spam), pet food factories and prison or military mess halls. It is that the chemical changes in food caused by high temperature cooking under pressure are not desired by chefs.

For my part, I use my old school pressure cooker for two things. Dry bean soups and homemade cat food.

If you're serious about the cat food, I will take a recipe - just got a cat.

nutmegoreo

I was very much hesitant, because I remember the old stove top pressure cooker during my childhood and being a little fearful of it.

I have been using this thing at least weekly, and slowly experimenting with different meals. I like the single pot clean up. I like that I can set it and walk away. I like that everything I've made with it has tasted great (so far). I like that something I would normally spend a considerable amount of time on, are quick and easy (dried beans, being one of them). Today I made stew using frozen stew meat. It was lovely. You won't be able to talk me into giving it up!

youngmomtaz

The only thing I won’t do in my insta pot is chicken. It comes out bland unless I am coating it in gobs if sauce. I use it multiple times a week for other things though. Most of which are listed here so I won’t do it again. Love the thing and when it bites the dust I will replace it fairly quickly.

musicfan68

Does it really save that much time though? You have to wait until it comes up to pressure which according to a friend who has one, takes 15 minutes, then it cooks for say 15 minutes for example, then it has to depressurize for another 15 minutes. 45 minutes to make chicken? I can roast one in the oven in about the same time, and make rice in the microwave in 6 minutes.

WinoGelato

musicfan68 wrote: »

Does it really save that much time though? You have to wait until it comes up to pressure which according to a friend who has one, takes 15 minutes, then it cooks for say 15 minutes for example, then it has to depressurize for another 15 minutes. 45 minutes to make chicken? I can roast one in the oven in about the same time, and make rice in the microwave in 6 minutes.

I was skeptical at first too. Some things really aren’t faster and again, I would never use the IP for something like a whole chicken if I was craving roast chicken.

But chili and stews that you would normally cook all day in the slow cooker to develop flavors? 30 min or less in IP.

Baby back ribs that my husband babysits all day on the smoker - a reasonable alternative in winter in about 40 min total (with a 5 min finish under the broiler).

Things I haven’t made that everyone raves about - dried beans, hard boiled eggs and yogurt.

kshama2001

Re hard boiled eggs, I'm going to quote myself from another thread:

I use the hot-start method followed by a 15 minute or so ice bath and have no issues with peeling or membranes, even with fresh eggs. I don't use salt, vinegar, or poke holes.

https://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/the-secrets-to-peeling-hard-boiled-eggs.html

Re dried beans: black beans are done overnight (8 hours) in the slow cooker; no presoaking needed.

kshama2001

amfmmama wrote: »

I got an Instapot for Chirstmas, and it is sitting in my kitchen, in the box. It was bought on sale for 70.00. Is it worth keeping? Tell me your Instapot story... good, bad, ugly. GO!

I'm in no hurry to pay for one, but in your case, since you have it, I would get ATK's Multicooker cookbook, read the intro, and try a few recipes:

https://smile.amazon.com/Multicooker-Perfection-Cook-Slow-You-Decide/dp/1945256281/ref=pd_bxgy_14_2/132-8126153-8183528

If you decide against it, send it to me and I will pay for shipping

dsboohead

I just made chicken and dumpling......
SO GOOD!
Google Pillsbury instant pot chicken and dumplings. I substituted a bag of frozen mixed vegetables for the celery and carrots.
This is the epitome of comfort food

Lucy17128

I've had mine for a year and I LOVE it! There are so many things I haven't tried in it, but my favorite is quick steaming of veggies and pot roast. I haven't perfected rice in it though...not sure why.

rheddmobile

I don't like cooking meat in mine, I find it flavorless because it doesn't properly brown. However I love it for grains, hard boiled eggs, and legumes. I use it regularly for steel cut oats. Oats cooked in milk boil over very easily if you don't watch them and the instapot makes it effortless.

It's not all that fast on most foods. For example, it claims to cook steel cut oats in 9 minutes. In reality it takes about 45, the same length of time as cooking it on a stove. 10 to heat up, 25 to cook, 10 to depressurize gradually - if you do it manually it's not cooked enough. But again - no watching. Never boils over, never burns.

One consideration: if I had an emergency and had to live out of a hotel room for a month, I could cook almost anything in it.

Lorleee

Pork ribs in the Instant Pot are the best! Spaghetti and meatballs is also super easy. I haven't boiled pasta on the stovetop in over a year.

janejellyroll

wilson10102018 wrote: »

Pressure vessels do bad things to food. Some folks don't notice or care. That is ok. Their choice. Everyone is entitled to a preference when it comes to food prep.

But, there is a reason that the only place one can find pressure vessels is in processed food factories (think Spam), pet food factories and prison or military mess halls. It is that the chemical changes in food caused by high temperature cooking under pressure are not desired by chefs.

For my part, I use my old school pressure cooker for two things. Dry bean soups and homemade cat food.

I watch a lot of cooking shows and some of those chefs use pressure cookers.

janejellyroll

musicfan68 wrote: »

Does it really save that much time though? You have to wait until it comes up to pressure which according to a friend who has one, takes 15 minutes, then it cooks for say 15 minutes for example, then it has to depressurize for another 15 minutes. 45 minutes to make chicken? I can roast one in the oven in about the same time, and make rice in the microwave in 6 minutes.

I don't cook chicken in it (don't eat it), but it absolutely saves time when cooking things like beans. Even with the time to pressurize and depressurize, it's the fastest way to cook dried beans that I've ever found and you don't even have to pre-soak them. If you choose to soak them, it's even faster.