Converting a manual pressure cooker recipe to an Instant Pot recipe is relatively straightforward since the cooking principles are similar. The main difference between the two is the control and automation provided by the Instant Pot. Here are some steps to help you convert a manual pressure cooker recipe:
Ingredients: Keep the ingredients the same. The recipe's ingredient list should work well with both manual pressure cookers and Instant Pots.
Liquid: The Instant Pot requires some liquid to generate steam and build pressure. Make sure to have enough liquid in the recipe, typically at least one cup of liquid (water, broth, sauce, etc.), unless stated otherwise in the original recipe.
Sauté Function: The Instant Pot has a sauté function that allows you to brown meat or cook aromatics directly in the pot before pressure cooking. If your manual pressure cooker recipe starts with sautéing onions, garlic, or browning meat, use the sauté function on the Instant Pot before proceeding with the other steps.
Timing: Generally, the cooking time in an Instant Pot is a bit shorter compared to a stovetop pressure cooker because the Instant Pot builds pressure faster. You can reduce the cooking time by 5-15% from the original manual pressure cooker recipe. If the original recipe called for 20 minutes of pressure cooking, try starting with 15-17 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Pressure Release: Pay attention to the pressure release method mentioned in the original recipe (quick release or natural release). The quick release method is faster and can be used in the Instant Pot as well. The natural release method allows the pressure to decrease naturally over time and should be accounted for when calculating the overall cooking time.
Liquids and Thickeners: Since there is less evaporation in the Instant Pot, you may want to reduce the amount of liquid slightly or use less thickener (such as cornstarch) if the recipe calls for it.
Adapting for Pot-in-Pot Cooking: The Instant Pot allows for pot-in-pot cooking, where you can cook certain items, like rice or desserts, in separate containers inside the Instant Pot. If your recipe requires this technique, make sure to follow the guidelines for pot-in-pot cooking in the Instant Pot user manual.
Cooking Modes: The Instant Pot often offers different cooking modes (e.g., Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, etc.). Adjust the cooking mode in the Instant Pot to match the cooking method specified in your manual pressure cooker recipe.
Stirring and Layering: Some manual pressure cooker recipes may require stirring or layering ingredients in a particular way. This aspect generally remains the same when converting to an Instant Pot recipe.
Remember that the exact conversion may vary depending on the specific recipe and the model of your Instant Pot. It's a good idea to keep notes of any adjustments you make so you can refine the recipe the next time you cook it in your Instant Pot. Always refer to the Instant Pot's user manual for specific guidelines and safety precautions.