The cooking time for making stew in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the recipe, the type of meat and vegetables used, and the size of the ingredients. However, as a general guideline, making stew in an Instant Pot typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes of actual pressure cooking time.
Here's an outline of the typical process for making stew in an Instant Pot:
Preparation: The preparation time includes chopping the meat and vegetables, seasoning the ingredients, and sautéing (if desired) before pressure cooking. This can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your efficiency in the kitchen.
Pressure Cooking: Once all the ingredients are in the Instant Pot, and the lid is securely locked, the actual pressure cooking time for most stew recipes ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. The time may vary depending on the type of meat and how large the meat and vegetable pieces are.
Pressure Release: After the cooking cycle is complete, there is usually a natural pressure release period of about 10 to 15 minutes, during which the Instant Pot depressurizes on its own. Some recipes may call for a quick pressure release, which can take a few minutes.
Total Time: When you add up the preparation time, the pressure cooking time, and the pressure release time, making stew in an Instant Pot can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour, approximately.
Keep in mind that these times are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific recipe you're using and the settings on your Instant Pot. Also, it's essential to factor in the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the actual cooking starts. This preheating time can take an additional 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe and the quantity of food in the pot.
One of the significant advantages of using an Instant Pot for making stew is that it significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop or slow-cooker methods, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and flavorful stew in a relatively short amount of time.