If you want to experiment with ingredients not included in the recipes in this book, the following time charts will help you get started. There are many variables that can affect timing, including size, weight, seasonings, and altitude, so consider these recommendations as a general starting point.
Beans and Legumes
See this page for soaking information and cooking instructions. If you don’t have time to soak your beans, use the unsoaked cooking times below. For every 1 cup of beans, use 1 cup of water for soaked beans and 2 cups of water for dried beans. Use 1½ cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils.
Because there is no evaporation in the Instant Pot, you need less cooking liquid to prepare grains than when using a stove top. Unless a different release time is noted in the chart below, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then move the steam release valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve drops, remove the lid.
When cooking rice, be sure to rinse it before cooking to help remove debris and surface starch. This prevents the rice from clumping together or developing a gummy texture. To reduce phytic acid and boost mineral absorption, try soaking brown rice in water for up to 24 hours in the fridge and then drain and rinse it before cooking as directed.
* Gluten-free
** Gluten-free, but due to the possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing, look for versions labeled “certified gluten-free.”
Below are general cooking times, but sticking to a recipe that gives exact cooking times ensures you don’t overcook or undercook your meat, poultry, or fish.
Vegetables cook very quickly in the Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup water into the pot and place the vegetables in a steamer basket about 1 inch above the water. (You can also cook the vegetables in a bowl placed on the handled trivet, but the cooking times will be longer.) Stay close to the device to hear the beep when it goes off. When the cooking cycle is complete, immediately move the steam release valve to Venting to quickly release the steam pressure. When the floating valve drops, remove the lid.