How the Instant Pot Became My Kitchen Game-Changer

Let me tell you a story about how a single kitchen gadget completely transformed my life. It all started in 2020 when I was living in Lisbon. It was fall and I decided I needed some kitchen tools, but I found an Instant Pot. At first, I thought, “Okay, it's probably just a fancy rice cooker.” But boy, was I wrong.

The first Instant Pot I bought worked almost daily for a 2 years and a half until I moved out. And even though it was a simpler model, it was so much more than great for making rice! Little did I know it would become the MVP of my kitchen. From hearty stews to creamy soups, and even desserts, this little powerhouse did it all. It wasn't just a kitchen appliance —it was a family member.

Why the Instant Pot Changed Everything

Before the Instant Pot, meal prep felt like a chore. I'd spend hours chopping, stirring, and waiting for things to cook. But with the Instant Pot, everything changed. Here's why it became my go-to:

✅ Time-Saving Magic

I could throw in a bunch of ingredients, set the timer, and walk away. No more babysitting the stove ever again!

✅ Versatility

It wasn't just for rice. I made lentil stews, vegetable soups, vegan chili, and even pudim and cake — all in one pot. It feels like magic.

✅ Space Wise

If you live in a small place — like I do — having an Instant Pot instead of many pots in the cabinet is key because it's small, doesn't take up space, and you'll end up needing less pots to cook since this girl right here can do pretty much everything!

✅ Easy Cleanup

Fewer dishes? Yes, please! The Instant Pot meant less time scrubbing pots and pans.

✅ Nutrient-Packed Meals

Unlike boiling veggies on the stove, the Instant Pot locked in all the flavors and nutrients, making every meal vibrant and delicious.

My Favorite Instant Pot Creations

One of the first things I made was rice, of course. But then I went to look for easy online recipes and I tried this amazing lentil and rice pilaf. It was so simple — just lentils, rice, vegetable broth, and some spices. In 20 minutes, I had a protein-packed meal ready for the week. Then came the soups. Oh yeah, the soups! I'd toss in whatever veggies I had on hand, add some broth and spices, and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

But the real game-changer was learning how to make desserts and yogurt. Those are a bit more complicated, But I swear it works, and it works so well!

Here are three of my go-to recipes that you can whip up in no time:

1. Lentil, Quinoa & Rice Pilaf

Ingredients: 2/3 cup french lentils (soaked overnight), 2/3 cup brown rice, 1/2 cup quinoa, 100 ml of vegetable broth, 1 tsp cumin, 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper, 2 tbsp almond flakes to decorate.

Instructions: add everything to the Instant Pot, set to Pressure Cook for 20 minutes, and let the pressure release naturally and then, add the almond flakes on top.

2. Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients: 1 onion, 1 carrots, 500 gr of pumpkin cambotiá (or any pumpkin that's a little sweeter), 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup of plant-based milk (I prefer cashew or coconut for this recipe), 4 gloves of garlic, 1 tsp thyme, salt & pepper.

Instructions: toss it all in, set to Pressure Cook for 15 minutes, and quick-release the pressure, blend and serve.

3. Vegan Chili

Ingredients: 1 can black beans, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup corn, 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, 100 gr diced shitake mushroom, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cumin, 2 cups vegetable broth.

Instructions: sauté the onion, garlic and mushrooms with the soy sauce for 5 minutes, add the rest, and Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. One of my favorites!

My Favorite Instant Pot

I chose the Instant Pot Duo Mini because it's compact yet powerful. It's perfect for my small kitchen and makes just the right amount of food for meal prep. Plus, it's super easy to store. If you're cooking for a family or love hosting, there are larger models available, but for me, the mini is the ideal size.

If you're on the fence about getting an Instant Pot, let me tell you — it's worth every penny. Whether you're a busy person, or just someone who wants to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen, this gadget is a lifesaver — or as my mum says: it's a lifestyle upgrader!

Get yours here: Instant Pot Duo Mini 

---

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out Easy Plant-Based Cuisine — beginner-friendly cookbook packed with simple, vegan, delicious and gluten-free recipes plus practical tips for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. From quick weeknight dinners to decadent desserts, this book has your back!