5 Ways to Save Money with Your Instant Pot
If you’ve dabbled with your Instant Pot a few times or are now using it regularly after discovering a variety of recipes, you’re likely aware of its incredible potential. However, if your weekdays are too busy to cook, these simple tips will help you make the most of your Instant Pot. With a bit of planning, you can prepare meals faster, more conveniently, and even economically! Here are five methods to leverage your Instant Pot for significant time and cost savings. (See also: Budget-Friendly 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Recipes)
1. Store meals in round containers
Make the most of your time and resources by preparing homemade freezer meals. By cooking in bulk, you can create nutritious meals for the week ahead, portion them into round containers that fit perfectly in your Instant Pot, and freeze them. When it’s time to eat, simply place the container on a trivet in the Instant Pot, adding half a cup of water to steam the meal. This pot-in-pot cooking method not only saves time on hectic days but also keeps you from spending money on takeout.
2. Incorporate one-pot pasta recipes weekly
On those particularly busy evenings when preparing dinner feels overwhelming, one-pot pasta meals are a game changer. The Instant Pot allows you to cook both the meat and pasta together in less than 15 minutes, which can help you resist calling for takeout on those tiring Tuesdays.
You’ll find numerous recipes available, many relying solely on items from your pantry, so you’ll always be prepared. (See also: 10 Transformative One-Pot Dinners)
3. Steam vegetables effortlessly
Utilizing a steam basket that fits inside the Instant Pot is a great way to prepare healthy vegetable sides in approximately five to ten minutes. You can even steam frozen veggies by setting the Instant Pot to “Manual” for zero minutes, allowing them to cook perfectly while the pressure builds and releases—making them a cost-effective option.
4. Use your Instant Pot as a sterilizer
Instead of splurging on a baby bottle sterilizer that takes up counter space and may only be used for a limited time, consider using your Instant Pot for this purpose. Simply add a half cup of water to the pot, place a steamer basket inside, and arrange your baby items or pump parts in the basket, avoiding direct contact with the bottom. Then, use the steam function for one minute and let the pressure return to normal before opening. (See also: 12 Budget-Saving Instant Pot Recipes)
5. Preserve foods through canning
Canning is a traditional method of preserving food that can seem daunting to many, especially with concerns about food safety. It’s best to can high-acid foods like fruits, jams, jellies, and pickles rather than meats or low-acid vegetables. For safe canning practices using your Instant Pot, check out this helpful video.
If you haven’t yet explored the full capabilities of your Instant Pot, now is the perfect time to start. While there might be a slight learning curve in getting used to the appliance, mastering its use can result in savings on groceries, energy costs (no need to heat the house during the summer), and the elimination of other kitchen devices.
