I consider the Instant Pot an incredibly empowering tool for families that love eating nutrient dense foods (and those that would love to eat more). These machines have been one of my biggest allies in the kitchen since I purchased my first one the second it arrived into New Zealand.
If you don’t own an Instant Pot yet and are interested in getting one, you probably want to know me and so many others rave about them so let me share the reasons why I'm such a fan.
For the purposes of this article, I'm going to focus on the new Instant Pot Pro 5.7L machine you can see below.
Nutrient-Dense Cooking in a Flash
The Instant Pot Pro 5.7L makes nutrient-dense cooking a breeze. Its pressure cooking feature locks in essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring that your meals are as nourishing as they are delicious. Whether you're preparing broths rich in collagen to support gut health or steaming vibrant vegetables loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, this kitchen powerhouse does it all.
In today's fast-paced world, these machines are time-saving heroes for busy parents and individuals. The pressure cooker function (what I use mine most for) slashes cooking times compared to traditional methods, meaning you can serve up great meals without spending hours in the kitchen - perfect if you forgot to take something out of the freezer in the morning.
Low Histamine Cooking
Pressure cookers are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of low histamine cooking, and when it comes to preparing histamine-sensitive foods like chicken broth, I couldn't be a bigger fan. By subjecting ingredients to high pressure and temperature in a sealed environment, they break down and extract nutrients from bones and vegetables more efficiently. This method minimizes the release of histamine and other biogenic amines, which can trigger adverse reactions in those with histamine intolerance which often includes family members dealing with eczema, allergies, hay fever and mast cell activation. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that's both nutrient-dense and less likely to provoke symptoms related to this inflammatory cascade. The pressure cooker's ability to retain these vital nutrients while keeping histamine levels in check makes it the ideal choice for crafting gut-healing and skin friendly meals.
Unlike other pressure cookers, Instant Pot is the only brand in New Zealand that has an inner pot made from premium quality 18/8 stainless steel with a flat bottom for optimal searing and sauteing, rather than a non-stick coating. This was a huge factor for me and also why I recommend to my clients and followers.
Click HERE for my Instant Pot version of my popular gut healing chicken broth recipe!
Versatility and User Friendly
The Instant Pot Pro 5.7L can accommodates a variety of cooking styles as it acts as 10 appliances in one - pressure cooker, slow cooker, sous vide, sauté pan, rice/grain cooker, steriliser, cake baker, steamer, yogurt maker and food warmer.
It also offers a range of 26 customisable programs giving you precise control over time, temperature and pressure with ease.
Creating nutrient-dense meals often requires careful planning and preparation. The Instant Pot Pro 5.7L simplifies that process, allowing you to focus more on quality interactions rather than worrying about the complexities of meal preparation. Incorporating an Instant Pot into your kitchen is more than just a culinary upgrade; it's also a commitment to the well-being of your family.
While the front panel may look a little tricky, it's actually super easy to use and the more you use, the easier it gets. Most of the time I cook in two steps - first a saute and then a pressure cook but because of the technology, it's very interactive and user friendly. You definitely don't need to be a chef to get the hang of it!
The inner pot goes into the dishwasher too, so it's easy to clean and maintain. When it's dry, I pop the power cord within the inner pot and lock the lid in place so that it's easier to move around if needed too.
Energy Efficient
These machines are designed to be energy-efficient, using up to 80% less energy than traditional electric ovens. This not only translates to cost savings but also aligns with a holistic approach to health and well-being that extends to the environment. By choosing the Instant Pot, you're making a conscious decision to use less energy while nourishing your family.
With 20% faster pre-heating time, the Instant Pot Pro 5.7L is able to come to pressure quicker than ever as well.
These machines are amazing for meal prepping and making freezer meals. You cook everything in one pot which saves time, money and effort and can get onto the salads or sides while the 'main dish' is cooking away.
Reliability and Safety
I can’t tell you how many times when the Instant Pot saved our family dinners when I was tempted by the idea of eating out but these modern appliances are also much more reliable and safe (and quieter) than the stove top pressure cookers you may have seen growing up. I was quite scared at first that there was going to be some kind of explosion but not only do my meals turn out great, I don't have to worry. Most of the time I use the Natural Release method which means when the time ends, the machines release pressure naturally - this takes around 15 minutes and releases the air slowly and quietly. Other times, I'll use the “Quick Release” method which does make a little noise but it doesn't last long.
All Instant Pot machines have built in safety features made possible through electronics. Sensors help the appliance self-regulate internal pressure and temperature and are designed to ensure it operates well within preset safety limits.
To be frank with you, I didn't think I would be a pressure cooker fan - but I am constantly surprised at how suited Instant Pots are to my way of cooking and I'm constantly discovering recipes and tips that enhance my experience. The support it's given me in the kitchen is why I'll never be without one again. Whether you’ve already owned one or still learning more about it, I hope this has inspired you to try Instant Pot for yourself. If you can't wait to get your hands on an Instant Pot, they're available in New Zealand at https://homeessentials.co.nz/collections/instant-pot and here's a little bonus - enjoy a 15% discount with the code REALFOOD15 (redeemable in-store or online), but act fast as this offer expires 14 November 2023.
This article is made possible thanks to Instant Pot New Zealand, however all opinions included are genuinely my own and I purchased three Instant Pot machines personally before they kindly gifted me an upgraded model. I hope this post helped you with any questions you may have - if you'd like to know more feel free to ask in my Healing Tribe or Real Food in New Zealand groups on Facebook! Stay in touch with me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates in real food, holistic nutrition, gut health and eczema/allergy support.