Cooking vegetarian meals in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want delicious, nutritious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, the Instant Pot helps you create flavorful recipes quickly and effortlessly.
From hearty stews to vibrant curries and wholesome grains, the possibilities are endless. In this post, we’re diving into the best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes that will satisfy your hunger and nourish your body.
These recipes are not only packed with bold flavors but are also easy to customize and perfect for meal prep.
Get ready to transform your cooking routine with these simple, tasty, and wholesome vegetarian recipes designed specifically for the Instant Pot. Plus, you’ll discover tips to make these dishes uniquely yours, nutrition facts to keep you informed, and serving suggestions to elevate every meal.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen tool that preserves the nutrients and enhances the flavors of vegetarian ingredients. These recipes are:
- Quick and convenient – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping on weekends.
- Healthy and nutrient-dense – packed with vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
- Flavorful and satisfying – thanks to the pressure cooking method that tenderizes ingredients and infuses spices deeply.
- Budget-friendly – using common pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Customizable – easy to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Plus, cooking vegetarian in the Instant Pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale for added greens
Equipment
- Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Colander (if using canned chickpeas)
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, rinse and soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain before cooking. If using canned, simply drain and rinse well.
- Sauté the aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the chopped carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and soften the vegetables slightly.
- Add chickpeas, rice, tomatoes, and broth: Pour in the soaked or canned chickpeas, brown rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 22 minutes if using soaked chickpeas; if using canned, reduce cooking time to 15 minutes.
- Natural release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Add greens and finish: Open the lid and stir in spinach or kale if using. Let the residual heat wilt the greens for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and enjoy your hearty, healthy meal!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of your favorite plant-based yogurt before serving.”
- Swap grains: Try quinoa or barley instead of brown rice for variation in texture and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to heat things up.
- Use different beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or lentils work great in this recipe.
- Add coconut milk: For a creamier, slightly sweet version, substitute 1 cup of vegetable broth with coconut milk.
- Meal prep advantage: This recipe reheats well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch cooking. For more batch cooking ideas, check out Batch Cooking Recipes InstantPot Vegetarian Made Easy.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this flavorful vegetarian stew over a bed of steamed greens or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with warm whole-grain bread or naan to soak up the delicious juices.
- Add a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Top with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and richness.
More Delicious Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Cheeseless Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe That Tastes Amazing
This lasagna skips the cheese but keeps all the comforting flavors intact. Layers of roasted vegetables, marinara, and tender pasta come together quickly in your Instant Pot for a hearty dinner everyone will love.
Vegetarian Mexican Soup Recipes That Warm Your Soul
Spicy, vibrant, and packed with beans and veggies, these Mexican-inspired soups are perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave bold flavors. Instant Pot cooking makes them fast and fuss-free.
Asian Vegetarian Main Course Recipes for Every Meal
Discover a variety of Asian-inspired vegetarian dishes made easy in the Instant Pot. From fragrant curries to noodle bowls, these recipes bring a burst of umami and freshness to your table.
Conclusion
The beauty of vegetarian cooking with an Instant Pot lies in its simplicity, speed, and the rich flavors it can produce with minimal effort. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy wholesome, meat-free meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a dedicated plant-based foodie, the Instant Pot can help you create satisfying dishes that fit your lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate to get creative by mixing and matching ingredients or spices to suit your palate. And if you love these recipes, be sure to explore more fantastic vegetarian ideas on our site, including A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful vegetarian Instant Pot adventures!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipe: Chickpea Curry
Description: A flavorful and hearty chickpea curry made quickly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 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 and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft.
- Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric; cook 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth.
- Close lid and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure manually and open lid.
- Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer on sauté mode for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 45 g
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