Instant Pots have revolutionized cooking in many kitchens, offering a convenient and efficient way to prepare a wide range of meals. While they’re often associated with quick-cooking meat dishes, their versatility extends far beyond that, making them just as valuable for vegetarians. In fact, an Instant Pot can be used to cook countless vegetarian meals, from savory appetizers and main courses to sweet desserts.
This article presents a comprehensive collection of 33 mouthwatering vegetarian Instant Pot recipes, each one carefully crafted to showcase the appliance’s capabilities. The list includes several vegan options, ensuring that every dietary preference is catered for. To help you navigate this culinary treasure trove, the recipes are presented in alphabetical order, allowing you to easily find your next favorite dish.
Black Bean And Sweet Potato Stew
Whether you’re a fan of hearty, warming meals or just looking for a quick and easy dinner option, soups and stews are an Instant Pot staple that can be enjoyed by everyone – including vegetarians and vegans alike. Our first recipe, a black bean and sweet potato stew, is the perfect example of this. Not only does it take a mere 30 minutes to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also fully vegan-friendly, ensuring that all members of your family can indulge.
Brownies
While Instant Pot recipes often evoke thoughts of savory dishes, these brownies are a delightful exception. With only 40 minutes of cooking time, they emerge fudgy and moist, boasting a rich, intense chocolate flavor courtesy of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The result is a treat that rivals traditional oven-baked brownies in terms of taste and texture.
Buckwheat With Mushrooms
Buckwheat, a nutty and flavorful ingredient, offers a versatile culinary experience as it’s gluten-free, making it an excellent option for various dietary needs. This recipe not only highlights buckwheat but also combines it with a medley of aromatics, including mushrooms, onions, garlic, scallions, and vegetable stock. The dish can be served as a standalone main course or paired alongside other culinary delights.
To start, simply sauté the mushrooms before incorporating the remaining ingredients to create a harmonious blend.
Cacio e Pepe With Crispy Garlic Basil Chickpeas
Cacio e Pepe, a classic Italian dish, aptly translates to ‘cheese and pepper’. While its creamy goodness may evoke memories of macaroni and cheese, this comforting culinary creation is indeed more than just an upgraded version. The harmonious marriage of two distinct cheeses, expertly paired with tender chickpeas cooked in aromatic garlic and basil, yields a flavor profile that’s nothing short of divine. A culinary experience worth savoring.
Cauliflower And Butternut Thai Curry
Thai-style curries are a culinary delight, known for their vibrant flavors. This recipe is a perfect representation of that, as it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. In fact, you can have it ready in just 20 minutes using your Instant Pot! The curry sauce relies on coconut milk to achieve its signature creaminess, but the real game-changer is the addition of cayenne pepper and red curry paste, which add a spicy kick that will leave you craving more.
Creamed Corn
In the Southern United States, this beloved side dish is a staple that’s sure to win hearts nationwide. The harmonious blend of cream cheese, butter, and milk yields an exceptionally cheesy and creamy corn that’s bursting with flavor thanks to the judicious addition of chili pepper and garlic powder. What’s more, this recipe is remarkably quick and easy to prepare, rendering canned corn a thing of the past. With its irresistible allure, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Cream Of Mushroom Soup With Wild Rice
Indulge in the rich and creamy taste of this vegan mushroom soup, perfectly suited to warm you up on a chilly winter evening without compromising on its dairy-free nature. The best part? You can choose to prepare it either on the stovetop or using an Instant Pot, with the latter taking just 40 minutes to cook. The secret to its velvety texture lies in the clever combination of cashews and vegetable broth, ensuring that dairy is not missed.
Creamy Instant Pot Pasta
You may be surprised to learn that the Instant Pot is capable of more than just pressure cooking. Its versatility extends to cooking pasta to perfection in just a matter of minutes. Our collection of pasta recipes is already extensive, with each dish specifically designed for the Instant Pot’s unique capabilities.
While it’s true that achieving the perfect al dente texture may not be entirely possible without traditional stovetop or skillet methods, you can still cook your pasta quickly and efficiently in one pot, with only a five-minute cooking time. This creamy pasta recipe is a prime example of what’s possible. With its rich tomato-based sauce, fresh spinach, basil, and crumbly goat cheese, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Jackfruit Spiced Rice
Kathal biryani, a popular Indian recipe, gets its unique flavor from jackfruit, but feel free to substitute it with other ingredients like mushrooms, asparagus, or artichoke hearts if you prefer. The dish begins by marinating the jackfruit in a homemade blend, which will then be served alongside a flavorful basmati rice biryani. Although it requires several key components, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Lemon Vegetable Risotto
While this risotto eschews dairy altogether, its creamy texture remains undiminished. The harmonious blend of flavors is truly something special, with the zesty zing of lemon playing a key role in elevating the dish to new heights. Furthermore, the presence of an array of nutritious vegetables – including asparagus, broccoli, peas, spinach, and leeks – not only imparts a burst of flavor but also packs a potent nutritional punch, making it a veritable superfood.
Lentil Gumbo
This vegan gumbo offers the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition, allowing you to indulge without any dietary concerns. Free from grains, it’s also gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities. The absence of meat and seafood means that this gumbo is not only vegan-friendly but also packed with protein-rich ingredients. As you’d expect from a traditional gumbo, the foundation of this dish lies in a rich roux.
However, what sets it apart is the addition of an array of colorful vegetables, including tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and celery. The inclusion of red lentils adds both texture and nutritional value to the mix. When combined with a variety of aromatic spices and flavors, you’re left with a hearty vegetarian gumbo that’s sure to satisfy.
Lentil Soup
We’re thrilled to share our second lentil recipe in a row, as these versatile legumes form the foundation of numerous mouthwatering vegetarian dishes. In this instance, they come together to create a rich and satisfying soup. The addition of coconut milk lends a creamy texture, though feel free to omit it for a lighter consistency if that’s your preference.
A touch of warmth is introduced by the judicious use of curry powder and turmeric, adding depth and complexity to this already flavorful soup.
Mac And Cheese
The humble macaroni and cheese gets a modern twist with this Instant Pot recipe. What’s surprising is just how effortlessly you can make this comfort classic in the Instant Pot – it’s just as easy as any other method! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: the pasta and sauce cook together in harmony, resulting in a 25-minute culinary delight that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Mujadara
Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and aromas, and this particular dish is no exception. A hearty and wholesome concoction, it’s a cinch to prepare in the Instant Pot, making it an ideal choice for busy families or individuals looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. At the heart of this recipe are rice and lentils, staples that can be augmented with a variety of ingredients depending on personal preference or regional traditions.
The real magic happens when you combine these fundamental components with a blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the dish. And because the beauty of Moroccan cooking lies in its flexibility, feel free to customize your experience by adding your preferred garnishes – whether it’s a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of creamy yogurt.
Mushroom And Kale Risotto
Risotto is a beloved dish for us, and its signature creamy texture comes from using Arborio rice. For our mushroom and kale risotto, we recommend combining various mushroom varieties with a rich stock as the foundation. Feel free to add more vegetables to suit your taste, such as carrots, peas, celery, or zucchini, to create a hearty and flavorful dish.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Innovative twists on classic dishes are always exciting, and this vegetarian stroganoff recipe is no exception. By replacing traditional beef strips with sautéed mushrooms, we’ve created a hearty, creamy, and warming dish that’s perfect for vegetarians. The recipe combines earthy mushrooms with pasta, pungent garlic, rich vegetable broth, tangy sour cream (or vegan alternative), and a blend of aromatic seasonings.
With this simple substitution, you can easily convert the recipe to vegan-friendly, making it accessible to everyone. Get the recipe now!
Pasta Primavera
A seasonal delight, this Italian-American classic is a vibrant celebration of colorful vegetables, perfect for spring and summer feasts or anytime of the year with the right mix of ingredients. To create this flavorful dish in your Instant Pot, simply fill it to the brim with an assortment of vegetables showcasing their natural hues. Consider combining bell peppers, peas, tomatoes, asparagus, and zucchini for a delightful medley that’s sure to please.
Portobello Pot Roast
While it may seem counterintuitive to create a vegetarian pot roast without the use of meat, this portobello variation proves that it’s not only possible but also incredibly flavorful. By substituting tender portobello mushrooms for traditional beef or pork, we can achieve a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. In fact, our vegetarian pot roast recipe requires just 30 minutes of cooking time, thanks to the aid of an Instant Pot.
Simply combine sliced portobello mushrooms with aromatic carrots, potatoes, and onions, then add in some vegetable stock and carefully curated seasonings. The result is a rich and savory pot roast that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Potato Leek Soup
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to brighten up the evening. And with an Instant Pot, making a delicious potato and leek soup is a breeze. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its rich and creamy texture, paired with a depth of flavor that’s simply divine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – all you need are some humble ingredients like leeks, potatoes, garlic, vegetable stock, and a splash of cream.
And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of cheese at the end adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Pumpkin Lasagna Soup
As the fall season sets in, there’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of vegan goodness to cozy up with. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors, packed with the richness of pumpkin and satisfyingly hearty. While it may require a slightly longer preparation time due to the number of ingredients involved, we assure you that the end result will be well worth the extra effort. Additionally, this recipe incorporates tofu, so be sure to drain and prepare it while your soup is simmering away.
Pumpkin Walnut Chili
Our passion for chili is well-known, and the mere mention of a pumpkin and walnut chili sends our taste buds into overdrive! While these ingredients may not be traditional in a hearty bowl of chili, we urge you to push beyond your comfort zone and give this recipe a try. The foundation of this delightful dish lies in the harmonious blend of tomatoes, lentils, broth, and spices like paprika, chili powder, and peppers.
As the flavors meld together during the cooking process, be sure to introduce a spoonful of pumpkin puree and black beans towards the end. This unique twist is sure to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more.
Quinoa Burrito Bowls
In recent years, bowls have emerged as a staple dish, boasting versatility and the ability to combine an array of ingredients in one satisfying serving. One such variation features quinoa and black beans as its core components, elevated by the bold flavors of salsa and cumin’s unmistakable Mexican flair. To take this bowl to the next level, feel free to incorporate additional elements like creamy avocado, tangy guacamole, or a squeeze of lime juice – making it easy to customize to your taste.
Saag Tofu
Saag curry, a beloved Indian dish, has been reimagined in a vegan-friendly way that’s perfect for Instant Pot enthusiasts. This version replaces traditional cheese with tofu and relies on coconut milk to achieve a rich, creamy texture. A blend of warming spices, including garam masala, adds depth to the sauce. Serve this flavorful curry over rice or pair it with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Spiced Quinoa And Cauliflower Rice Bowls
One of our favorite recipes is a vibrant and refreshing bowl dish that embodies the essence of summer. The combination of quinoa, cauliflower rice, and protein-rich tofu provides a nutritious and satisfying meal. The addition of bell peppers, onions, and garlic adds a pop of color and flavor, while the warm spices of turmeric and cumin bring everything together. This quick and easy recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day.
Split Pea Soup With Harissa
Winter’s chill can be soothed by a hearty bowl of soup, especially one that celebrates the season’s best vegetables. This recipe is a perfect blend of winter’s bounty, with carrots, parsnips, and bell peppers providing natural sweetness, while split peas add a satisfying pop of freshness. A dash of Harissa pasta – a North African condiment that pairs exquisitely with peas – further elevates the dish.
The result is a soup that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds, boasting a delightful crunch and filling texture that’s sure to warm even the coldest of winter nights.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
As the seasons transition from fall to winter, squashes take center stage as a staple ingredient in many meals. Their versatility is unparalleled, serving as a main course, side, or even an appetizer. The appeal of these stuffed squashes lies not only in their presentation but also in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures within.
A medley of ingredients including wild rice, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, chickpeas, and cranberries coalesce to create a truly satisfying dish that will leave you craving for more.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Transforming a classic stuffed squash dish into a sweet and savory breakfast delight, this recipe elevates the humble sweet potato with an assortment of sweet and nutty fillings. The combination of blueberries, pecans, chia seeds, and maple syrup creates a flavor profile that’s both tantalizing and unexpected. And the best part? This mouthwatering breakfast can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy mornings.
Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup
Our final recipe addition is another soup that further highlights the incredible versatility of sweet potatoes – our second consecutive recipe featuring these nutritious vegetables. This particular creation is essentially a souped-up version of tortillas, incorporating many familiar ingredients found in traditional tortilla dishes, including corn tortillas, jalapeños, creamy avocado, smoky chipotle peppers, and ripe tomatoes.
The result is a deliciously unexpected twist on a classic flavor combination.
Vegan Burritos
For a stress-free and satisfying family dinner on a weekday, burritos are an excellent option. By utilizing the Instant Pot to prepare the filling in no time, you’ll be able to customize each burrito with your favorite toppings. The filling itself is a flavorful blend of black beans, bell peppers, kale, corn, rice, and carefully selected seasonings. To add that extra kick, you can either create your own homemade salsa or opt for a store-bought medium-style option.
Vegetarian Chili
Vibrant flavors take center stage in this vegan Mexican-inspired chili, which is as hearty as it is aromatic. A medley of legumes – including kidney beans, black beans, and lentils – provides the foundation for a rich and satisfying dish. Vegetables add a pop of color and freshness, while chili powder and cumin bring the heat. Feel free to customize the level of spice to your liking.
Vegetarian Sweet Potato And Corn Chowder
Indulge in the rich flavors of a hearty vegetarian chowder, expertly crafted for the Instant Pot. The key to this recipe’s depth is the addition of smoked paprika, which adds a subtle smokiness that complements the traditional corn chowder ingredients.
Final Thoughts
As you dive into this collection of 33 delectable vegetarian Instant Pot recipes, you’ll discover a diverse array of mouthwatering dishes that just happen to be meat-free. Each and every one can be effortlessly prepared in the Instant Pot, with many options also catering to vegan diets. Our goal is for you to savor each and every bite as much as we have!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.