15 Best Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Meals

Cooking delicious vegetarian meals doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated, especially when you have an Instant Pot at your disposal. This versatile kitchen gadget revolutionizes how we prepare meals, making it easier to enjoy hearty, flavorful vegetarian dishes with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or just someone who loves convenient cooking, these 15 best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes will transform your mealtime routine.

From wholesome soups and stews to vibrant curries and grain bowls, these recipes are packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor. You’ll find options perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing guests.

Plus, they cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Ready to dive into a world of easy, tasty, and healthy vegetarian Instant Pot cooking? Let’s explore these must-try recipes that will soon become staples in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient: Instant Pot recipes cut your cooking time significantly without sacrificing flavor or texture, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.

Healthy and Nutritious: These vegetarian recipes emphasize whole ingredients like fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains, providing balanced meals rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein.

One-Pot Wonders: Minimal cleanup and maximum taste! The Instant Pot allows you to cook complex meals in a single pot, saving time and effort.

Plus, experimenting with these recipes will expand your culinary skills and introduce you to exciting global flavors.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas (1 ½ cups dried or 3 cups canned)
• Red lentils (1 cup)
• Quinoa (1 cup)
• Vegetable broth (4 cups)
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
• Fresh spinach (3 cups)
• Carrots (2 medium, diced)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Garlic cloves (4, minced)
• Bell peppers (2 medium, chopped)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
• Cumin powder (1 tsp)
• Turmeric powder (½ tsp)
• Chili powder (optional, ½ tsp)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp)

Equipment

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger preferred)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Colander (for rinsing legumes and grains)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse the chickpeas if using dried, and soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours. Rinse quinoa and lentils under cold water to remove any residue.
2. Sauté aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add vegetables: Stir in diced carrots and bell peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes to soften slightly.
4. Season: Add cumin, turmeric, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with spices.
5. Add grains and legumes: Pour in the soaked chickpeas, red lentils, and quinoa. Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir.
6. Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 15 minutes. Once cooking is done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
7. Finish with greens: Open the lid and stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you’re short on time, canned chickpeas can replace dried ones; reduce the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes.

Variation: Swap quinoa for brown rice or barley for different textures and flavors.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of coconut milk after cooking for a creamy twist, or stir in some soy sauce and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor.

For more creative vegetarian Instant Pot ideas, check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty vegetarian Instant Pot meal pairs beautifully with a side of warm naan or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the warm spices of the dish perfectly. For a complete meal, consider adding a dollop of plain yogurt or a vegan alternative on the side.

For dessert ideas that keep the meal balanced and delightful, try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

Embracing vegetarian cooking with the Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone seeking quick, nutritious, and flavorful meals. These 15 best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create satisfying dishes that nourish both body and soul.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring plant-based options, these recipes offer variety, taste, and ease that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, with minimal hands-on time and easy cleanup, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meals.

Don’t forget to explore more vegetarian delights like our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to keep your menu exciting and diverse.

Happy cooking!

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