Instant Pot is a modern, multi-functional kitchen appliance that is gaining immense popularity due to its quick and convenient cooking abilities. It can handle a wide range of ingredients and dishes, from soups and stews to rice and desserts.
While the Instant Pot has a lot of versatility, there are some foods that should never be cooked with it, as they can damage the machine and even pose a safety hazard. In this article, we will discuss some of the items that you should avoid cooking in your Instant Pot, as well as some alternatives for these items.
Foods That Expand During Cooking
The Instant Pot has gained immense popularity among food enthusiasts due to its convenience and speedy cooking. However, there are some foods that should not be cooked in an Instant Pot. Foods that expand during cooking, such as rice, grains, and legumes, should be avoided in this appliance.
Instant Pot cooks at high pressure, which creates a sealed environment inside. As the pressure builds up, foods that expand during cooking may clog the valve on the top of the pot, leading to pressure buildup. This can be extremely dangerous, as it may cause the Instant Pot to release hot steam. Additionally, overcooked grains and legumes may turn mushy, compromising their taste and texture. To avoid such mishaps, it is advisable to cook these foods conventionally on a stove.
Items That Release Excess Liquid
When it comes to cooking with an Instant Pot, high liquid content foods can be a real challenge. The pressure cooker system inside the Instant Pot often cooks food rapidly, which is perfect for certain meals, but can wreak havoc on items that produce excess liquid during cooking. If you’re planning to use your Instant Pot, it’s essential to avoid ingredients that will produce excess liquid and throw off the cooking process.
Examples of items that release excess liquid include pasta and rice. Both of these foods can easily turn your recipe into a mushy mess. Vegetables like zucchini or cucumbers and fruits like watermelon should also not be cooked in an Instant Pot, unless you are making them into a puree or sauce. Stick to ingredients like meats, potatoes, and hardy vegetables like carrots and onions for the best Instant Pot results. Understanding what to exclude in an Instant Pot recipe will make sure you’re not only eating delicious meals, but you’re also optimizing the cooking process to work correctly.
Ingredients Certain to Clog the Pot
The Instant Pot is an incredible appliance that can cook a wide variety of foods. However, there are certain ingredients you should never put into it, as they are guaranteed to clog the pot. These include creamy or starchy foods such as thick sauces, custards, puddings, and gravies. The thick consistency of these foods can cause them to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn, which can damage the appliance and affect the taste of your food.
Another ingredient that is certain to clog the Instant Pot is uncooked pasta. Although it is tempting to add raw pasta to a dish and let the pressure cooker do the job, it can create a sticky mess that is difficult to clean. The pasta will absorb too much liquid and expand, becoming mushy and clogging the pot’s small vents. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it to the dish once it’s done. In short, always stay mindful of what ingredients you’re adding to the Instant Pot to avoid clogging the appliance.
Materials Incompatible with Pressure Cooking
When it comes to pressure cooking in an Instant Pot, it is important to know which materials are incompatible with this cooking method. Certain materials like plastic, aluminum, and non-stick coatings can be potentially hazardous when exposed to high heat and pressure.
Plastic can melt or release harmful chemicals when heated, whereas aluminum can react with acidic ingredients, altering the taste of the food. Similarly, non-stick coatings can break down and release toxic fumes when subjected to high temperatures, making them unfit for use in pressure cooking. To avoid any mishaps, it is advisable to use only stainless steel or ceramic cookware when preparing food in an Instant Pot.
Food That Tends to Burn in Instant Pot
Instant Pot is the modern-day pressure cooker that has revolutionized cooking. Cooking healthy and quick meals have never been easier. However, not all foods are suitable to be cooked in an Instant Pot. One of the concerns that most users face is burning food. Certain types of food have a tendency to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn, which can lead to food wastage and even damage the pot.
Some of the foods that tend to burn in Instant Pot are pasta, grains, cheese, and dairy-based dishes. These foods usually require stirring and can release foam or starch, causing burns at the bottom. Dairy products can curdle and stick to the bottom of the pot, resulting in a burnt and bitter taste. To prevent burning, it is essential to cook these foods with enough liquid and avoid stirring them while cooking. Cooking at lower pressure and not overcooking these foods can also prevent burning, ensuring perfectly cooked dishes every time.
Dishes with Dairy Products or Sauces
When it comes to using your Instant Pot, there are certain types of dishes that are not suitable for cooking. Dishes containing dairy products or sauces, for instance, should be avoided as they can cause certain complications that can detract from the functionality of your instant pot.
Dairy products and sauces tend to curdle or split when exposed to high heat, which is why they are not recommended for use in instant pots. This can cause spoilage of the entire dish, resulting in a waste of both time and resources. However, if you must cook a dish that contains dairy or sauce, it’s advisable to add them near the end of the cooking process when there is less heat in the pot, to avoid spoilage. Overall, it’s important to take extra care when cooking with dairy or sauce in your Instant Pot to prevent any undesirable outcomes.
Surprising Items That Should Stay Out of Instant Pot.
The Instant Pot is a great appliance that makes cooking fast and easy. However, there are some surprising items that should stay out of the Instant Pot. One of the items to avoid putting in the Instant Pot is dairy products. This includes milk, cheese, and cream. Dairy products tend to curdle easily when exposed to high heat and pressure, which can lead to a mess in the Instant Pot. It’s best to add dairy products after the cooking process is complete.
Another surprising item that should stay out of the Instant Pot is pasta. While pasta can be cooked in the Instant Pot, it’s not recommended. The pressure cooking method can cause the pasta to become mushy and overcooked. It’s better to stick to boiling pasta in a pot on the stove for the best results. Other items to avoid include thickening agents like cornstarch and flour, which can cause the pot to clog or burn. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when using the Instant Pot.
Verdict
Given that the Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen gadget that can cook a wide variety of foods, it can be tempting to try to cook just about anything in it. However, there are certain foods that should not be put in the Instant Pot. These include delicate vegetables like lettuce and spinach as well as dairy products, thick sauces and whole grains.
While it may be disappointing to have to forego Instant Pot cooking for certain foods, it is important to keep in mind that using the right cooking method for different foods helps to ensure the best results. Moreover, by following the recommended guidelines and avoiding putting certain foods in the Instant Pot, you can safeguard your appliance and prolong its lifespan. Ultimately, keeping this in mind will enable you to enjoy safe and efficient cooking with your Instant Pot for years to come.