Cooking Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
Monterey Spaghetti
Monterey Spaghetti has a creamy sauce made with sour cream and Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, chicken, spinach, and crispy fried onions. It is thought to have originated in the Monterey Bay area of California, and is named after the Monterey Jack cheese that is a key ingredient.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Chili
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Chili is made with ground chicken, jalapeño peppers, corn, black beans, cream cheese, and a variety of spices. The chili can be cooked in either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker; I have given instructions for both.
The chili gets its heat from the jalapeño peppers, but you can adjust the spiciness to your liking by removing the seeds from the peppers or by adding more or fewer peppers. The cream cheese adds a richness and creaminess to the chili, and the spices give it a depth of flavor.
The chili can be served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped bacon, and additional jalapeños. It is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep: 25 mins
- Yields: 7 Servings
Beef & Barley Stew (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
This Beef & Barley Stew couldn't be any easier for a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you make it in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot, the results are delicious.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 12 Servings
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes make a delicious side dish. You can make them in an Instant Pot or Stovetop. It's perfect for a barbeque or any potluck meal.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 4 - 5 Servings
Lemony Shrimp Risotto
I made this Lemony Shrimp Risotto in my Instant Pot, but have also included the stovetop instructions. I have to say, I love making risotto in the Instant Pot because it's fast and you don't have to stand there and stir it. The lemon adds a bright and tangy note to the shrimp.
- Yields: 4 Servings
Curried Lentil Soup
I made this Curried Lentil Soup in my Instant Pot, but as always, I have included the stovetop instructions. This soup is vegan and gluten-free and full of flavor. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a healthy substitute for meat. They're also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium and fiber. I dropped gave some to my step mother and she is begging me to make it again. It's really good served with naan bread.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Risotto à la Carbonara
My family is obsessed with carbonara. It's one of the things we make when there's "nothing to eat". I have made many different versions of carbonara, which apparently really pisses off some Italians. The New York Times cooked up the controversy in Italy after tinkering with the recipe for the classic Roman dish pasta carbonara. There is also Carbonara wars: why Italy is right to be mad about a French farfalle travesty. Clearly, I do not care and always "tinker" with my damned carbonara! So I made this Risotto à la Carbonara in my Instant Pot (I have also included the stovetop version). All I can say is that I saw my guest's eyes roll back in there head. It's just that good.
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Mushroom Risotto with Peas & Spinach
I often make Mushroom Risotto, but this time, I added peas and spinach at the very end. I actually made it in the Instant Pot, which is super easy and doesn't involve all the stirring. I included both instructions if you want to make it on the stovetop.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Swiss Steak
I made this Swiss Steak in an Instant Pot, but I have also included the stovetop/oven method. Swissing is a British expression used to describe how fabric is stretched between rollers or flattened. The meat in Swiss steak, typically round steak, is pounded flat for tenderizing before being browned and braised. It turns out incredibly tender and delicious. I served it over a bed of mashed potatoes.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Tomato Risotto
I saw this recipe last Friday in The New York Times. Since I had some fresh tomatoes from the garden, I decided to make this Tomato Risotto. Tomato Risotto is so good with a sprinkling of parmesan and fresh basil. I actually made it in the Instant Pot, which is super easy and doesn't involve all the stirring. I included both instructions if you want to make it on the stovetop. There's nothing like summer tomatoes picked fresh from your garden.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Serving