Cold Weather Vegan Instant Pot Recipes for Cozy Nights

When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to lift your spirits. But for those of us committed to a plant-based lifestyle, finding truly satisfying cold weather comfort food can be a little tricky—especially when you want something quick, easy, and nourishing.

That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This magical appliance takes the guesswork out of cozy vegan cooking, letting you create flavorful stews, soups, and casseroles in a fraction of the time.

In today’s post, I’m sharing three of my favorite cold weather vegan Instant Pot recipes that are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re snowed in, coming in from a chilly walk, or just craving something soul-soothing, these recipes are the perfect answer.

So grab your favorite blanket, fire up your Instant Pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No need to spend hours in the kitchen—let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with plant protein, grains, and robust flavors, these dishes will keep you full and satisfied.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These recipes make generous servings and taste even better the next day.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples and seasonal produce.
• Family Approved: Even non-vegans will ask for seconds!
• Allergy-Friendly: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free diets.

“A steaming bowl of vegan stew on a frosty night is just pure, plant-powered happiness.”

Cold Weather Vegan Instant Pot Recipes

Creamy Vegan Lentil Stew

Ingredients

Equipment

• 6-quart Instant Pot (or similar pressure cooker)
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a splash of water or oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the tomato paste, and stir to coat the veggies. Let cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the potatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 12 minutes.
5. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the coconut milk and chopped greens. The residual heat will wilt the spinach/kale.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the greens: Use chard, collards, or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have.
• Add more veggies: Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips are wonderful additions.
• Boost the protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans after cooking.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash from this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for extra warmth.
• Make it creamy: Blend half the stew before adding the greens for a thicker texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings. For reference only.)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty whole-grain bread or a slice of Soft Gluten-Free Vegan Bread.
• Add a simple green salad for a lighter touch.
• Top with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Pair with a warming cup of herbal tea for the ultimate cozy meal.

Conclusion

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean boring or bland vegan meals! With these Instant Pot recipes, you’ll enjoy all the comfort, warmth, and nourishment you crave—without spending hours over the stove.

The Creamy Vegan Lentil Stew is just the beginning; keep reading for more ideas to keep your winter menu fresh and exciting.

Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, these dishes will quickly become staples in your kitchen. For more inspiration, check out our roundups like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Stay warm and happy cooking!

Instant Pot Creamy Vegan Potato & Leek Soup

Ingredients

• Leeks – 2 large, sliced (white and light green parts only)
• Yukon gold potatoes – 4 medium, peeled and diced
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot – 1 large, diced
• Celery – 2 stalks, diced
• Vegetable broth – 4 cups
• Bay leaf – 1
• Dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Unsweetened plant milk – 1 cup (soy, oat, or almond)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (optional for sautéing)
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

Equipment

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Immersion blender or standing blender
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil (or water), then sauté leeks, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add potatoes, broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Seal the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure. Remove the bay leaf.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. (Or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.)
6. Stir in the plant milk and lemon juice. Heat on Sauté mode for 2-3 minutes if needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a chunkier soup, blend only half and stir the rest back in.
• Use cauliflower instead of some potatoes for lower carbs.
• Top with homemade croutons or a swirl of Cauliflower Vegan Cheese Sauce for extra flavor.
• For extra protein, stir in white beans after blending.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hearty salad or roasted vegetables.
• Serve with toasted bread or vegan dinner rolls.
• Top with vegan bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

Conclusion

Potato and leek soup is a timeless comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to veganize in the Instant Pot. Its velvety texture and subtle sweetness make it a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Double the batch and freeze leftovers for a chilly night when you need dinner in minutes!

For more creamy vegan soups, check out our Best Vegetarian Creamy Soup Slow Cooker Recipes to Try or experiment with the Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings collection.

Instant Pot Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes – 2 large, peeled and cubed
• Black beans – 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
• Red bell pepper – 1, diced
• Onion – 1 large, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes – 1 can (15 oz)
• Vegetable broth – 2 cups
• Chili powder – 2 teaspoons
• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
• Oregano – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Frozen corn – 1 cup
• Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, vegan sour cream

Equipment

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

1. Select Sauté mode. Add onions, pepper, and garlic, sautéing 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Seal the lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Allow for a 5-minute natural release, then quick release.
5. Stir in the frozen corn and lime juice. Let sit 2 minutes to heat through.
6. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite vegan toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute kidney beans or pinto beans if preferred.
• Add chopped zucchini or carrots for extra veggies.
• For a smoky kick, add a diced chipotle in adobo.
• Want it thicker? Mash some of the sweet potatoes after cooking.
• Serve over cooked quinoa for more protein and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips.
• Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
• Pair with a light green salad for balance.

Conclusion

There’s nothing like a pot of chili to make your kitchen feel warm and inviting on a cold day. This Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili is a true crowd-pleaser—hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor.

Your Instant Pot makes it a breeze, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the cozy season.

Don’t forget to check out more satisfying plant-based recipes like Bamia Recipe Palestinian Vegetarian Style Made Easy and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for more inspiration.

Stay warm and happy cooking!

Final Thoughts: Embrace Hearty Vegan Instant Pot Cooking

With recipes like these, cold weather becomes something to look forward to! The Instant Pot takes the hassle out of plant-based comfort food, giving you more time to relax and enjoy every steaming bowl.

Whether you’re craving stew, soup, or chili, these vegan Instant Pot recipes will nourish your body and soul all winter long.

Bookmark this post and come back whenever you need a dose of vegan coziness. And don’t forget to explore even more delicious ideas in our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals collections.

Stay cozy and keep cooking with compassion!

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