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!
Table of Contents
- What is an Instant Pot?
- Why you should trust me!
- Should I get an Instant Pot?
- Which size Instant Pot should I get?
- Which model Instant Pot should I get?
- Breakfast
- Main Courses
- Sides and Dips
- Desserts
- How-To Guides
What is an Instant Pot?
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.
![nisha vora author of vegan instant pot cookbook](https://rainbowplantlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/me-on-roof-holding-book-1-of-3-1024x1024.jpg)
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!
If you’d like to learn about all the wonderful things an Instant Pot can do, check out my Youtube video “10 reasons why the Instant Pot is a vegan’s best friend.”
Which size Instant Pot should I get?
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.
Breakfast
Instant Pot Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Instant Pot Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Miso Breakfast Oats
Instant Pot Buckwheat Porridge
Naturally Sweetened Instant Pot Apple Butter
Main Courses
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cuisine: AmericanCook Time: 1 hour
Instant Pot Pumpkin Lasagna Soup
Garlic And Herb Instant Pot Cauliflower
Instant Pot Ethiopian Lentil Stew
Instant Pot Lentil Gumbo
Instant Pot White Bean Stew
Instant Pot Vegan Chili Mac And Cheese
Instant Pot Smoky Tofu Quinoa Biryani
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
Instant Pot Chana Masala
Instant Pot Vegan Chili
Vegan Instant Pot Italian Pasta
Instant Pot Jackfruit Curry
Instant Pot Pad Thai Stir Fry
Instant Pot Vegan Sloppy Joes
Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon with Potato Cauliflower Mash
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Lentil Curry
Instant Pot Pinto Bean Stew
Instant Pot Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Instant Pot Butter Chickpeas
Sides and Dips
Instant Pot Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas & Greens
Instant Pot Baingan Bharta
Instant Pot Takeout-Style Tofu and Broccoli
Instant Pot Red Curry Quinoa Fried Rice
Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Desserts
Instant Pot Nectarine Berry Crisp
Instant Pot Coconut Rice Pudding
Date Sweetened Instant Pot Carrot Cake
Vegan Instant Pot Cheesecake
How-To Guides
How to Cook Lentils in the Instant Pot
How to Cook Beans in the Instant Pot
How to Cook White Rice in the Instant Pot
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot
Not sure where to begin? Try out my Vegan Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup recipe. It couldn’t be easier and it’s incredibly delicious. Give it a try!
![](https://rainbowplantlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pic-big-vegan-flavor-single-post-249x300.jpg)
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
40 Fantastic Vegan Instant Pot Recipes: Cauliflower Soup
![bowl of creamy vegan cauliflower soup with spoon dug in and bread dipped in on a brown table with two bowls in back.](https://rainbowplantlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Instant-Pot-Cauliflower-Soup-macro-1-of-1-500x500.jpg)
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 large head cauliflower (24-28 ounces, or ~750g), cut into large florets
- 1 cup (140g) raw cashews
- 2 (15-ounce/425g) cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups (960 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 8 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 large fresh rosemary sprig
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher 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.
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!
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!