Whether you’re brand new to the Instant Pot or already love it and are looking for creative recipe inspiration, here are 40 fantastic vegan Instant Pot recipes to try from breakfast and dinner to sides and dessert!
This roundup also includes recommended Instant Pot models and sizes and several “how to” guides for cooking staples in the Instant Pot.
The Instant Pot makes cooking easy and there are so many awesome plant-based recipes you can make in it. Whether you’re brand new to the Instant Pot or already love yours and are looking for creative recipe inspiration, here are 40 fantastic vegan Instant Pot recipes to try from breakfast and dinner to sides and dessert!
An Instant Pot is the premier multi-function electric pressure cooker. It’s one of the most popular kitchen gadgets and is both safe and easy to use. It comes in several different sizes and models (more on that below). You can pressure cook almost anything (pressure cooking is the mostly commonly used function), as well as saute, steam, slow cook, ferment, bake, and braise.
Why you should trust me!
Because I am an Instant Pot aficionado! And the author of the acclaimed The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook, which has 3000+ reviews and an overall 4.7 rating on Amazon. Over the course of writing my cookbook, I tested well over 100 vegan Instant Pot recipes, many of them a half dozen times or more. I also share lots of delicious vegan Instant Pot recipes on my blog and YouTube channel.
Should I get an Instant Pot?
Do you feel like you spend too much time in the kitchen?
Do you wish you could easily batch cook staples like grains, lentils, and beans in a foolproof manner?
Would you like to be able to make soups, stews, chilies, and curries that have rich, depth of flavor but that don’t require hours of slow simmering?
Do you wish you could safely leave a finished meal in a pot for hours and come home to a warm meal?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely get an Instant Pot!
All of the major Instant Pot models come in three main sizes: 3-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart. The 6-quart size is definitely the most popular and is sufficiently large for most needs.
I recommend a 6-quart to most people because most Instant Pot recipes you’ll find online and in cookbooks were tested in 6-quart pots. This means you won’t have to do any conversions. For instance, if you make a recipe in the 8-quart Instant Pot, you usually need to add more liquid. And if you have a 3-quart model, you’ll need to cut most recipes in half (and some recipes, such as pot-in-pot recipes will be difficult or impossible to make).
If you’re a first-time buyer, I recommend getting the 3-quart size only if you have a very small kitchen or are a student living in a dorm. And if you regularly cook for a bigger family, the 8-quart might make more sense.
One last point. Newer models, like the Duo Nova (more on that below), come in an even larger size: the 10 quart. For all your very large family needs!
Which model Instant Pot should I get?
Instant Pot regularly introduces new models, so it can be confusing to know which model to purchase. The recommended models for beginners (as of January 2021) are the Duo Nova or the Duo (affiliate links). These two models are mostly similar, except the newer Nova has an automatic sealing lid (very useful) and an updated display.
If you want a few extra features, the Duo Evo Plus (affiliate link) is an excellent option (it’s the model I currently have). The major additions? It features sous vide and bake settings and has 48 smart programs. The smart programs mean you can add in a given quantity of rice/beans/soup and the Instant Pot will automatically set the optimal time and temperature.
About the recipes listed here
You’ll find options for breakfast, main courses, side dishes, and dessert! I’ve included several of my own favorite recipes, along with inspiration from around the plant-based internet, including lots of globally-inspired vegan recipes and a few how-to posts on cooking basics.
Also, a note about cook time. Some of these recipes have time ranges, and the time range might seem longer than you expect (especially for my own recipes). This accounts for the time the Instant Pot takes to come to pressure and to depressurize.
My Instant Pot Peanut Butter Oatmeal is wholesome, vegan, gluten-free, and budget-friendly. A simple dump-and-go Instant Pot recipe that’ll make morning breakfast a lot easier. Great for meal prep too!
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 45-55 minutes
These Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from The Live-In Kitchen features sweet potatoes easily cooked in the instant pot, then stuffed with almond butter, maple syrup, blueberries, and chia seeds.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 20-25 minutes
This Miso Breakfast Oatmeal with kale and avocado from Love and Good Stuff is the perfect way to start your day if you love a savory breakfast!
Cuisine: FusionCook Time: 20-25 minutes
This Instant Pot Buckwheat Porridge from Veggie Primer is naturally sweetened with bananas and the creamy consistency of rice pudding!
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 30 minutes
This Naturally Sweetened Instant Pot Apple Butter from Healthy Little Vittles requires just 8 ingredients and is refined sugar-free. No need to peel the apples!
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 30 minutes
This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is not your ordinary lentil soup! It’s hearty, rich, and flavor-packed yet healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. Thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s so easy & quick to make. This soup is great for meal prep and freezing.
Lasagna meets fall pumpkin flavors in my Instant Pot Pumpkin Lasagna Soup. If you love easy Instant Pot soups, this cold weather comfort food is the perfect vegan dinner to make! Includes a wildly amazing 5-minute vegan ricotta!
Cuisine: Italian-InspiredCook Time: 30 minutes
In this Garlic And Herb Instant Pot Cauliflower from Watch What U Eat, a whole cauliflower head gets flavored with fresh garlic and herbs and then cooked in the Instant Pot. Plus, a delicious gravy that brings everything together.
Cuisine: American-InspiredCook Time: 25 minutes
This Instant Pot Ethiopian Lentil Stew from Cook with Manali is spicy, flavorful and makes a comforting meal. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Cuisine: EthiopianCook Time: 25-35 minutes
This vegan lentil gumbo from Cotter Crunch is wholesome, savory, and filling. It’s also budget friendly and full of flavor!
Cuisine: CajunCook Time: 35-40 minutes
My Instant Pot White Bean Stew is healthy, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and has no added oil. And it’s a dump-and-go recipe, so it comes together with zero hands-on cooking!
Cuisine: MediterraneanCook Time: 55 minutes
This Instant Pot Vegan Chili Mac And Cheese from Healthier Steps is a hearty, one-pot comforting dish. It features elbow pasta, kidney beans, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and spices cooked in flavorful broth, and finished off with vegan shredded cheese.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 30-35 minutes
This spin on biryani from Full of Plants is made with quinoa instead of rice and is infused with Indian spices and features smoky tofu and caramelized onions.
Cuisine: Indian-InspiredCook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
This Instant Pot Minestrone Soup from Feasting at Home is loaded with healthy veggies and beans and is a fast and healthy weeknight dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes.
Cuisine: Mediterranean, ItalianCook Time: 35-45 minutes
My vegan Instant Pot Chana Masala is packed with authentic Indian flavor and rivals any restaurant dish, but is easy and quick to make! A fan favorite from my cookbook :)
Cuisine: IndianCook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
This Instant Pot Vegan Chili from Choosing Chia is loaded with protein, vegetables, two types of beans, and savory spices!
Cuisine: SouthwesternCook Time: 30 minutes
This Vegan Instant Pot Italian Pasta from The Vegan 8 is easy and fast to make and requires just 8 simple ingredients. It’s oil-free, vegan, and topped with a delicious vegan parmesan cheese and fresh basil!
Cuisine: ItalianCook Time: 35 minutes
My jackfruit curry is so flavorful and packed with warm and aromatic Indian spices, jackfruit, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk, and is both vegan and Paleo yet incredibly creamy! A fun and unique way to use jackfruit!
Cuisine: IndianCook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
This flavorful and healthy Instant Pot Pad Thai Stir Fry from Hummus Sapien (reprinted from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook, by Megan Gilmore) is packed with veggies and uses ingredients you already have on hand!
Cuisine: ThaiCook Time: 30 minutes
These Instant Pot Vegan Sloppy Joes from Pass the Plants are easy to put together for a hearty Meatless Monday meal or any night of the week.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 1 hour
This Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon from Vegan Richa is hearty and comforting, and served over a potato cauliflower mash. The cauliflower and potatoes get steamed while the mushrooms are cooking, all in the Instant Pot!
Cuisine: French-inspired, AmericanCook Time: 45-50 minutes
My Instant Pot Butternut Squash Lentil Curry is brimming with warming Indian spices and earth yet subtly sweet butternut squash. It’s hearty, healthy comfort food at its finest (and easiest).
Cuisine: Indian-InspiredCook Time: 1 hour
This Instant Pot Pinto Bean Stew from Feasting at Home is a hearty vegan stew that is earthy, smoky, and subtly spicy.
Cuisine: South AmericanCook Time: 50 minutes
This dump-and-go Moroccan Chickpea Stew from Spice Cravings features creamy chickpeas cooked with fire-roasted tomatoes and earthy spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon and paprika. A hearty vegan and gluten-free soup with a bold and rich taste.
Cuisine: MoroccanCook Time: 30-45 minutes
These Instant Pot Butter Chickpeas from My Heart Beets are just as decadent as butter chicken – rich, creamy, and hearty – but completely vegan!
Cuisine: IndianCook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
My dump-and-go Instant Pot Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Dip is a must-make for any game day, picnic, or potluck! It’s spicy, cheesy, and creamy, and you’d never guess it’s healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free! Just 10 ingredients needed.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 35 minutes
This Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup from Vegan Huggs is rich, creamy and satisfying and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 30-45 minutes
These Smoky Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas & Greens from Minimalist Baker are comforting yet nourishing, hearty, and big on flavor.
Cuisine: Southern-InspiredCook Time: 48 minutes
An easy and flavorful Instant Pot Baingan Bharta (Indian Spiced Mashed Eggplant) from Vegan Richa! Serve it as as dip with flatbread or alongside with your favorite curry or dal.
Cuisine: IndianCook Time: 30-40 minutes
My spin on Chinese takeout food features sticky, spicy and slightly sweet tofu and broccoli. Everything you love about takeout but made at home and in the Instant Pot! Turn it into a complete meal by serving over rice.
Cuisine: Chinese-InspiredCook Time: 50 minutes
This Instant Pot Red Curry Quinoa Fried Rice from Cook with Manali tastes like fried “rice” but is protein-packed and features creamy coconut milk and aromatic Thai basil.
Cuisine: ThaiCook Time: 35 minutes
My Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is thickened naturally with white beans and cashews and so luscious and creamy. It’s an easy dump-and-go Instant Pot recipe that’s made with just 10ish ingredients, so it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 25 minutes
My Nectarine Berry Crisp is an easy no-bake dessert recipe made in the Instant Pot. Jammy berries and stone fruit get cooked in the Instant Pot (just 1 minute!) and are paired with a skillet-made crisp topping.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 30 minutes
This Instant Pot Coconut Rice Pudding from Simply Happy Foodie is an easy Instant Pot dump-and-go dessert recipe that requires just 6 ingredients.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 30 minutes
This vegan Instant Pot Carrot Cake from Plant Based Instant Pot is a healthier spin on carrot make. It’s sweetened with dates instead of sugar and uses whole wheat pastry flour.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
My recipe for Vegan Instant Pot Cheesecake includes a comprehensive guide on how to bake a vegan cheesecake in the Instant Pot. Features tips for getting the perfect cheesecake taste without using dairy and the ideal Instant Pot settings for that luscious, rich cheesecake texture.
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
My in-depth guide to cooking lentils in the Instant Pot includes different lentil varieties, suggested cook times, the proper water:lentil ratio, and two easy lentil recipes to make in your Instant Pot!
My in-depth guide on how to cook beans in the Instant Pot includes suggested cook times, info on soaking beans, water : bean : salt ratios, and two easy bean recipes to make in your Instant Pot!
Check out this quick and simple method from Minimalist Baker for making perfectly fluffy white rice in the Instant Pot every time! Just 1 ingredient and about 20 minutes required
A quick and simple method from Minimalist Baker for making perfectly creamy steel cut oats in the Instant Pot. Just 1 ingredient and an Instant Pot required!
This Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is thickened naturally with white beans and cashews, so it's luscious and creamy but dairy-free. It's a quick and easy dump-and-go Instant Pot recipe that's made with just 10ish ingredients, so it's perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Stovetop instructions also included.
1large head cauliflower (24-28 ounces, or ~750g), cut into large florets
1cup(140g) raw cashews
2(15-ounce/425g)cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4cups(960 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth
8fresh thyme sprigs
1large fresh rosemary sprig
1bay leaf
5tablespoonsnutritional yeast
1 ¾teaspoonskosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For Finishing
Lemon zest
Crushed red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper)
Good-quality extra virgin olive oil
Bread for serving(optional)
Instructions
To the Instant Pot inner pot, add the garlic, cauliflower florets, cashews, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, nutritional yeast, 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook setting and set to high pressure for 7 minutes.
Once the 7-minute timer has completed and beeps, perform a Quick Pressure Release by switching the Pressure Release knob from Sealing to Venting.
Open the pot and remove any whole herb sprigs. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until thick and creamy, taking care to blend all the cashews. Alternatively, if you want a super silky texture, transfer the soup to a stand blender and blend until creamy and smooth (replace the center cap from the blender lid and cover with a dish towel to allow steam to escape).
Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly (I usually add a bit more salt at this stage).
Transfer the soup to bowls, and before serving, zest some lemon on top, add a scattering of red pepper flakes, and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with bread, if desired.
Hello, I’m buying this book and an Instant Pot. Do you still recommend the 6 quart Duo Evo Plus? Since this post is from 2021, I’m wondering if you’ve since upgraded to a different model you recommend to accompany the recipes in this book? Thank you!
Hi Rachel, sorry for the late response on this! I asked Nisha and this is what she had to say:
“i’m not sure if it’s called the Duo Evo Plus anymore, but the model I recommend for most folks starting out is the 6-quart Duo Plus. This works for most uses and is one of the more inexpensive models. If you want something with more bells and whistles, I’d recommend the Instant Pot Pro (6 quart) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker.”
I have complete trust in you because of the countless recipes I have tried from you. Not a single one has disappointed me, and some of them have even been so irresistible that I couldn’t resist making them repeatedly for weeks. Your recipes have been nothing short of amazing, which is why I have no doubts about purchasing your cookbook.
The reason why I should trust you? I have had so many of your recipes and among them there hasn’t been one bad one. Many of them have been dangerously addictive, causing me to not explore much further for several weeks. Because of that, I have no reservations about ordering this cookbook. I trust you fully!
Thanks for the sharing on your site the “Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon with Potato Cauliflower Mash” recipe, so flavorful and perfect for dinner. Its awesome to see your adding links to other bloggers on your site because i tried so many of your dishes and have loved them all. Esp drolling over your buffalo chickpea quesadillas always :D. Just wanna say a huge thanks!
Love this diverse lineup of recipes. Thanks for sharing. I’ve also tried this cauliflower soup and make it almost every week for easy dinners. So good!
I absolutely love the cauliflower soup recipe! It’s a weeknight staple in our house. So excited to try out recipes from some of the other bloggers you mention here!
I have a question for Nisha or anyone with the knowledge to answer, really:
For my IP Duo Evo Plus, I need to select either the high or low before sauting. I never know which to choose! I find high to be a little stressful with how quickly things move, but I’m not sure that low gets hot enough to adequately extract flavor from spices and aromatics. Articles I’ve found online deal mostly with searing meat.
Hi Ella, I also have the Duo Evo Plus. You actually have the custom option (in addition to low or high) to set it between 1 and 6. I like to set it at 4 (sometimes 3) for a medium heat. First, select the saute setting, then turn the dial to get to custom – from there, you can select the number.
Thank you for highlighting other bloggers’ recipes that you think are good. I trust your taste buds, so if you like it, I’m in! Great way to try out other flavor profiles without wondering whether I’m wasting a batch of organic food and an afternoon.
Love your recipes and your way of cooking vegan, ( not just rice & veggies etc.) Thank you so much for your posts !! Keep the recipes coming. I’m eating good & sticking to my meat free way of eating because of you ! <3
Thank you for sharing these recipes! I’m am new to using a pressure cooker and am definitely giving your recipes a try. I am especially looking forward to those you’ve noted as ‘Indian Cuisine’, I just live the artful array of spices in Indian cooking.
Thank you, stay well 🌟
Loved this! So cool that you’re supporting other bloggers. Some of them I’ve heard of and some are new to me. I love my instant pot so I’ll be checking out all of them. And of course cooking my way through any of your recipes I haven’t already made!
Thank you so much for this post! I get bored if I don’t try new things, so this gave me so many ideas and tips to do it well!
That’s awesome to hear, Mandy! You’re very welcome!
Hello, I’m buying this book and an Instant Pot. Do you still recommend the 6 quart Duo Evo Plus? Since this post is from 2021, I’m wondering if you’ve since upgraded to a different model you recommend to accompany the recipes in this book? Thank you!
Hi Rachel, sorry for the late response on this! I asked Nisha and this is what she had to say:
“i’m not sure if it’s called the Duo Evo Plus anymore, but the model I recommend for most folks starting out is the 6-quart Duo Plus. This works for most uses and is one of the more inexpensive models. If you want something with more bells and whistles, I’d recommend the Instant Pot Pro (6 quart) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker.”
I have complete trust in you because of the countless recipes I have tried from you. Not a single one has disappointed me, and some of them have even been so irresistible that I couldn’t resist making them repeatedly for weeks. Your recipes have been nothing short of amazing, which is why I have no doubts about purchasing your cookbook.
Hi Silvia, thanks for the awesome review! :) We’re so happy you enjoy the recipes and can’t wait for you to see the cookbook.
Thank you so much for your generous gift of these Awesome looking recipes! All the best to you!
You’re very welcome, Devin! All the best to you as well :)
Nisha – how could you leave out the BEST (and easiest) instapot recipe EVER!? https://rainbowplantlife.com/vegan-instant-pot-lentil-cabbage-soup/
Just change the title to 41 Fantastic Vegan Instant Pot Recipes. ;)
To anyone reading this who hasn’t tried the lentil cabbage soup – you’re welcome.
Aw, we are thrilled you love the recipe Annie!
The reason why I should trust you? I have had so many of your recipes and among them there hasn’t been one bad one. Many of them have been dangerously addictive, causing me to not explore much further for several weeks. Because of that, I have no reservations about ordering this cookbook. I trust you fully!
Aw, thank you for your kind words, Katherine! We are delighted the recipes have impressed you so far :)
Thanks for the sharing on your site the “Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon with Potato Cauliflower Mash” recipe, so flavorful and perfect for dinner. Its awesome to see your adding links to other bloggers on your site because i tried so many of your dishes and have loved them all. Esp drolling over your buffalo chickpea quesadillas always :D. Just wanna say a huge thanks!
So glad you enjoyed the roundup post :) Thank you for your kind words!
Love love love this cauliflower soup. It’s right smack in the middle of the healthy-delicious-easy venn diagram. Absolutely brilliant!
This is such a helpful list! So well organized and with lots of links to bloggers I’m not familiar with!
I’ve already tried a few of these (shoutout to that cauliflower soup – so easy!) but I’m going to give the rest a try. Thanks, Nisha!
Love this diverse lineup of recipes. Thanks for sharing. I’ve also tried this cauliflower soup and make it almost every week for easy dinners. So good!
I absolutely love the cauliflower soup recipe! It’s a weeknight staple in our house. So excited to try out recipes from some of the other bloggers you mention here!
Your work is amazing! I have shared your website and recipes with so many of my friends and family!
I have a question for Nisha or anyone with the knowledge to answer, really:
For my IP Duo Evo Plus, I need to select either the high or low before sauting. I never know which to choose! I find high to be a little stressful with how quickly things move, but I’m not sure that low gets hot enough to adequately extract flavor from spices and aromatics. Articles I’ve found online deal mostly with searing meat.
Hi Ella, I also have the Duo Evo Plus. You actually have the custom option (in addition to low or high) to set it between 1 and 6. I like to set it at 4 (sometimes 3) for a medium heat. First, select the saute setting, then turn the dial to get to custom – from there, you can select the number.
These recipes look yummy! Can’t wait to try.
You are so generous with content; thank you Nisha!
I cannot wait to try many of these.
Your blog is the best I have seen ❤️
I’ve got to try many of these.
I’m restarting this journey.
Thank u for this compilation
Thank you for highlighting other bloggers’ recipes that you think are good. I trust your taste buds, so if you like it, I’m in! Great way to try out other flavor profiles without wondering whether I’m wasting a batch of organic food and an afternoon.
Love your recipes and your way of cooking vegan, ( not just rice & veggies etc.) Thank you so much for your posts !! Keep the recipes coming. I’m eating good & sticking to my meat free way of eating because of you ! <3
Thank you for sharing these recipes! I’m am new to using a pressure cooker and am definitely giving your recipes a try. I am especially looking forward to those you’ve noted as ‘Indian Cuisine’, I just live the artful array of spices in Indian cooking.
Thank you, stay well 🌟
Loved this! So cool that you’re supporting other bloggers. Some of them I’ve heard of and some are new to me. I love my instant pot so I’ll be checking out all of them. And of course cooking my way through any of your recipes I haven’t already made!