Pressure Cooker Vegan Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 1, 2025

Pressure Cooker Vegan Recipes

Pressure cookers have revolutionized the way we prepare meals, offering a quick, efficient, and flavorful cooking method that locks in nutrients and intensifies flavors. For those following a vegan lifestyle, pressure cooker recipes can be a game-changer, helping to create wholesome, hearty dishes in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional cooking.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who loves delicious vegan food without the fuss, pressure cooker vegan recipes provide the perfect balance of convenience and nutrition.

Today, I’ll share some of the best pressure cooker vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with plant-based goodness, and perfect for any occasion. From rich stews to fragrant curries and vibrant grain bowls, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of your pressure cooker while enjoying healthy, satisfying meals.

Let’s dive in and explore why these dishes deserve a spot on your weekly menu!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pressure cooker vegan recipes are loved for their speed and simplicity. The high-pressure environment cooks ingredients quickly without sacrificing taste or texture, making it ideal for tougher vegetables, legumes, and grains that usually require long simmering.

These recipes maximize flavor development while preserving essential nutrients, ensuring you get a healthy and delicious meal every time.

Another great advantage is versatility. You can easily customize recipes based on seasonal vegetables, pantry staples, or your own preferences.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze since most dishes cook all in one pot. Whether you want a creamy lentil stew or a spicy chickpea curry, pressure cooker vegan recipes deliver satisfying meals that nourish your body and soul.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or any neutral oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Electric or stovetop pressure cooker with a secure locking lid
  • Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping vegetables
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
  • Serving bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Chop the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
  2. Sauté aromatics. Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode (or preheat on medium if using stovetop). Add olive oil, then sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add spices and vegetables. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release their flavors. Add carrots and bell pepper, stirring to combine.
  4. Add lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Pour in the rinsed lentils, canned tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping any bits off the bottom to prevent burning.
  5. Seal and pressure cook. Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook for 15 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Season and serve. Open the lid, stir the stew, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and enjoy. Ladle the stew into bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite side or grain.

Tips & Variations

Try soaking lentils for 30 minutes to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Tip: You can swap lentils for chickpeas or black beans; increase cooking time accordingly (about 20-25 minutes for chickpeas).

Variation: Add coconut milk after pressure cooking for a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. Incorporate spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.

Flavor boost: Stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a splash of tamari sauce after cooking to deepen umami flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 18 g
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fiber 14 g
Fat 6 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

This hearty lentil stew pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or warm crusty bread. For a lighter option, serve it atop a bed of fresh greens or spiralized zucchini noodles.

To keep meal prepping easy, store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. This stew also freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these related recipes that complement your pressure cooker meals perfectly:

Additional Pressure Cooker Vegan Recipes to Try

Pressure Cooker Chickpea Curry

A rich, aromatic curry bursting with spices and creamy coconut milk, this chickpea curry is a protein-packed delight. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Turn on sauté mode and heat oil. Cook onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
  2. Add spices and tomatoes, cooking until tomatoes break down.
  3. Add soaked chickpeas and coconut milk with 2 cups water or broth. Stir well.
  4. Seal pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
  5. Release pressure naturally, season, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Pressure Cooker Quinoa & Vegetable Pilaf

A colorful, nutritious pilaf made with quinoa, mixed vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Quick to prepare, it’s a wholesome side or main dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté cumin seeds in oil until fragrant. Add onion and garlic, cook until translucent.
  2. Add quinoa, vegetables, and broth. Stir well.
  3. Seal and pressure cook on high for 1 minute, then natural release for 10 minutes.
  4. Fluff with fork, season, garnish, and serve.

Pressure Cooker Sweet Potato Chili

This vegan chili combines sweet potatoes, black beans, and tomatoes for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor and fiber.

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Use sauté mode to cook onion and garlic in oil until soft.
  2. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Stir well.
  3. Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. Release pressure naturally, season, and serve hot.

For even more vegan inspiration, explore delicious options like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Pressure cooker vegan recipes open up a world of quick, nutritious, and flavorful meals that suit any lifestyle. By harnessing the power of pressure cooking, you can transform simple plant-based ingredients into comforting dishes that require minimal prep and cook time.

Whether you’re craving a hearty lentil stew, a fragrant chickpea curry, or a vibrant quinoa pilaf, the pressure cooker is your trusty kitchen companion for fast, wholesome meals.

With these recipes and tips, you’re well-equipped to create delicious vegan meals that satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables, legumes, and spices to keep your menu exciting.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the ease and flavor that pressure cooker vegan recipes bring to your table!

📖 Recipe Card: Pressure Cooker Vegan Chickpea Curry

Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make vegan chickpea curry prepared in a pressure cooker. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal packed with protein and spices.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Turn on the pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat coconut oil.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth; stir well.
  5. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  6. Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  7. Stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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