If you own an Instant Pot, the electric device that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, hot plate, rice cooker, yogurt maker, or steamer, meal prep's about to get easier: After all, the multi-purpose kitchen appliance is great for whipping up single ingredients for later use. To get a better sense of everything your Instant Pot can do, try prepping any of the five foods below on a weekend, then read on for ways to turn them into a variety of delicious, PersonalPoints™-friendly weekday meals:
Easy instant pot recipes
1. Black beans
How to make it:
Place desired amount of dry black beans in the Instant Pot and cover completely with water. Remember dried beans double in volume and weight when cooked. Place the lid on and lock. Close the steam valve. Press Manual and set the timer for 30 minutes. Allow beans to cook and then let sit until the pressure is released (the metal float valve will sink back into the lid)—about 20 minutes. Serve, or remove from pot and place in airtight container and refrigerate.
How to use it:
2. Chicken breast
How to make it:
Place chicken breasts inside the Instant Pot and pour enough chicken broth so that the meat is completely covered. Press the slow cooker button and set the time for 4½ hours for low heat and 2½ hours for high heat. When chicken is done cooking, shred meat using two forks. Transfer meat to an airtight container and refrigerate.
How to use it:
3. Hard-cooked eggs
How to make it:
Place the rack in the Instant Pot and fill with 2 cups water. Place the number of eggs you want to cook on the rack. Close and lock the lid. Make sure the steam valve is closed. Press the Manual button and set the timer for 7 minutes. When the Pot beeps, open the valve to release the steam. When there is no more steam escaping, open the pot and place the eggs in a bowl full of cold water. Store in the refrigerator for an hour. Remove eggs from the water and put in a sealed container.
How to use it:
4. Rice
How to make it:
Depending on the type of rice you are cooking, follow the package recommendations for water-to-rice ratio. Place both in Instant Pot and stir. Place and lock lid; close pressure valve. Press Manual and set time for 8 minutes. Allow rice to cook and then let it sit until the pressure is released (the metal float valve will sink back into the lid)—about 20 minutes. Serve, or remove from pot and place in airtight container and refrigerate.
How to use it:
5. Spaghetti squash
How to make it:
Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot with the rack inside. Cut spaghetti squash in half, crosswise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Place squash in the Pot with cut side up. Place the lid and lock. Close the steam valve. Press Manual and set the timer for 9 minutes. When squash is done cooking, open the steam valve to release pressure. Open lid and shred squash with a fork. Serve, or store in an airtight container.
How to use it:
