Astro Vegan Cafe Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

If you’re a fan of delicious, wholesome vegan meals and love the convenience of an Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! Astro Vegan Cafe has become a cult favorite for plant-based eaters craving bold flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Today, we’re diving into a selection of Astro Vegan Cafe Instant Pot recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. These recipes combine the ease of pressure cooking with the vibrant, fresh ingredients Astro Vegan Cafe is known for, bringing you hearty, comforting dishes without the fuss.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these Instant Pot recipes will inspire your kitchen creativity. From savory stews to protein-packed bowls, each recipe is designed to be quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.

Plus, cooking with the Instant Pot saves time and enhances flavors, making these meals a win-win for anyone looking to eat plant-based without compromising taste or convenience.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Astro Vegan Cafe Instant Pot recipes stand out because they marry convenience with vibrant, wholesome ingredients. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking accelerates the cooking process, locking in nutrients and intensifying flavors.

You’ll enjoy meals that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours in just a fraction of the time.

These recipes feature a variety of plant-based proteins, fresh vegetables, and spices that create rich, satisfying dishes perfect for any season. They’re not only easy to follow but also versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand.

If you’re looking for healthy, hearty, and flavorful vegan meals that fit into a busy lifestyle, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned, drained)
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander (if using dried chickpeas)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add spices: Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their aroma.
  4. Add vegetables and liquids: Add diced carrots, chopped kale, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, brown rice, and vegetable broth. Stir everything gently to combine.
  5. Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to pressure cook on high for 25 minutes if using dried chickpeas, or 10 minutes if using canned chickpeas.
  6. Natural release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Final touches: Open the lid, stir in lemon juice and nutritional yeast (if using) for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve and garnish: Spoon the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

For creamier texture, add 1/4 cup coconut milk after pressure cooking and stir well.

You can swap brown rice for quinoa or barley depending on your preference. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.

If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño during the sauté step.

To save even more time, use canned chickpeas and pre-chopped frozen veggies. This recipe also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Simply portion out leftovers and freeze in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 55 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 10 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

This hearty vegan stew pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or a simple side salad for a light contrast.

For a cozy brunch or snack, try it alongside a sweet treat like the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe. And if you want a comforting dessert after your meal, the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe is a perfect choice.

More Astro Vegan Cafe Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Curry

  • Ingredients: Red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, spinach, vegetable broth.
  • Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot. Add curry powder and toast briefly. Mix in lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Pressure cook for 10 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and fresh spinach after cooking.
  • Why it’s great: Creamy, spicy, and packed with protein, this curry is a fast, comforting meal.

Instant Pot Vegan Chili

  • Ingredients: Black beans, kidney beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, vegetable broth.
  • Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, add spices. Combine beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and broth. Pressure cook for 15 minutes and serve with avocado or vegan sour cream.
  • Why it’s great: Rich and smoky, this chili is perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in.

Instant Pot Vegan Mushroom Risotto

  • Ingredients: Arborio rice, mushrooms, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, white wine (optional), nutritional yeast, fresh parsley.
  • Instructions: Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Add rice and toast slightly. Pour in broth (and wine if using). Pressure cook for 6 minutes. Stir in nutritional yeast and parsley before serving.
  • Why it’s great: Creamy, decadent, and easy—risotto made simple with the Instant Pot.

Conclusion

Astro Vegan Cafe Instant Pot recipes are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful, wholesome vegan meals with minimal effort. These dishes are not only nourishing but also bursting with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized.

Whether you’re making the hearty chickpea stew, the spicy lentil curry, or the comforting mushroom risotto, the Instant Pot helps you create restaurant-quality meals right at home. Plus, the convenience of these recipes means you can focus more on enjoying your food and less on prep time.

Give these recipes a try and discover how easy and rewarding vegan Instant Pot cooking can be!

📖 Recipe Card: Astro Vegan Cafe Instant Pot Chickpea Curry

Description: A flavorful and easy vegan chickpea curry made in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal packed with spices and plant-based protein.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat coconut oil.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne; cook 1 minute.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth; stir well.
  5. Close lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
  6. Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
  7. Stir in coconut milk and salt; simmer on sauté for 3 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Marta K

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