Tiffany Haney
Instant Pot stackable pans are a convenient way to cook multiple foods simultaneously. They are designed to fit inside the main pot of a pressure cooker, enabling Pot in Pot or PIP cooking. This method allows for the preparation of various dishes, such as lasagna, cheesecakes, steamed rice, vegetables, meat, or fish. Stackable pans are typically made of stainless steel, ensuring durability and compatibility with different Instant Pot models. They come in different tiers, usually two or three, and often include interchangeable lids and slings for fastening the pans together. The standard size for insert pans in a 6-quart Instant Pot is a 7.5-inch diameter, maximizing food volume while allowing sufficient airflow for even cooking. These stackable pans streamline meal preparation, making it easier to create balanced meals with multiple components in a single pressure cooker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal size | 7.5-inch diameter for a standard 6-quart Instant Pot |
| Number of pans | Sold in sets of two or three |
| Accessories | Wire sling, lids (one solid and one with holes for steaming) |
| Uses | Cooking rice, vegetables, meat, fish, cheesecakes, lasagna, curries, etc. |
| Benefits | Cooking multiple items simultaneously, reheating multiple items at once, preserving nutrients and vitamins |
| Price | $20-$60 |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking rice, potatoes, and vegetables
Instant Pot stackable pans are designed to fit inside the main pot of the pressure cooker as a secondary vessel for "pot in pot" ("PIP") cooking. PIP cooking is handy when you want to cook two recipes in the same pressure cooker, such as a one-pot complete meal. The ideal size for insert pans in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot is a 7.5-inch diameter, which allows for sufficient airflow for even cooking while maximising the volume of food.
You can cook rice, potatoes, and vegetables in Instant Pot stackable pans. To cook potatoes, place the Instant Pot Steamer Rack on the bottom of the pan and place one layer of washed potatoes on top. Pour in 100-250ml of water, close the lid with the valve on "sealed", and select the pressure cook mode. Set the timer for 20 minutes for medium-sized potatoes, 8 minutes for baby or new potatoes, and up to 30 minutes for larger potatoes. After the beep, turn the valve to venting to release the steam, and allow the potatoes to cool before handling.
To cook rice, you can use a trivet and a bowl that fits on the trivet, such as a Pyrex glass bowl or a stainless steel insert pan. Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional. For every cup of rice, use one and a half cups of broth or water to achieve fluffy and sticky rice. If you are cooking rice with an entrée, you will need a long-legged trivet.
Vegetables can also be cooked in Instant Pot stackable pans. The Instant Pot comes with a short rack that can be used for steaming vegetables over a cup of water.
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Making lasagna, cheesecake, and meatloaf
Instant Pot stackable pans are perfect for making lasagna, cheesecake, and meatloaf. Here are some tips and recipes for each:
Lasagna
Making lasagna in an Instant Pot is super easy and quick. You don't need to boil the noodles first, and you can use uncooked pasta, meat, and sauce to create a delicious, saucy, and cheesy lasagna. Here's a simple recipe:
- Press 'Saute' on your Instant Pot and wait until the display says 'Hot' (this should take around 3-5 minutes).
- Add a drizzle of oil and ground beef or turkey. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula and add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, stirring frequently (about 5 minutes).
- Press 'Cancel' and remove half of the ground beef into a bowl.
- Now, it's time to layer the lasagna. For the first layer, add water and break noodles in half, laying them on top.
- For the second layer, add vegetables (such as kale) and break more noodles in half, laying them on top.
- For the third layer, add the ground beef from the bowl, the remaining vegetables, and pour tomato sauce on top.
- For the fourth layer, break more noodles in half and lay them on top.
- Cook for about 7 minutes, and you'll have a delicious lasagna ready to serve!
Cheesecake
The Instant Pot is great for making cheesecake, and you can use a regular 6-inch springform pan. Here's a basic recipe:
- Place a metal trivet at the bottom of your Instant Pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water.
- Lightly oil a 6-inch springform pan, including the sides and bottom. Line the pan with foil to prevent steam leaks.
- Make the crust by pulsing graham crackers in a food processor to form crumbs, then combine with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture into the pan, packing it firmly.
- Pour your cheesecake batter into the crust, using a spatula to make it flat and even.
- Lock the lid, turn the valve to 'Sealing', and press 'Pressure Cook' on High for 27 minutes. Ensure 'Keep Warm' is off.
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes. Then, remove the lid and let the cheesecake cool in the Instant Pot until it can be lifted out.
- Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 8 hours before serving. You can top it with fruit, caramel, or chocolate sauce.
Meatloaf
Making meatloaf in the Instant Pot is a convenient way to achieve delicious results without drying it out. You can use two aluminum mini loaf pans in a 6-qt Instant Pot. Here's a simple recipe:
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, season salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Gently form the mixture into the mini loaf pans, tapping them on the counter to settle the mixture.
- Add 1.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot liner, along with a trivet, and place the filled mini loaf pans on the trivet.
- Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then do a quick release.
- For an extra touch, brush ketchup on top of the meatloaf and place it under the broiler in the oven for about 5 minutes to caramelize the sugars.
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Reheating food and preserving nutrients
Instant Pot stackable pans are designed for "pot-in-pot" (PIP) cooking, allowing you to cook multiple items in the same pressure cooker. This is particularly useful for one-pot meals, such as stacking and cooking two foods with similar cooking times in the same pressure cooker. For instance, you can cook rice or vegetables in the stackable pans while making a pot of stew, curry, or chilli in the main pot.
Now, when it comes to reheating food and preserving nutrients, here are some key considerations:
Reheating Food:
- Instant Pot stackable pans can be used for reheating food. They are convenient for storing leftovers in the fridge, and you can place them directly into the Instant Pot for reheating.
- It is important to note that not all materials are suitable for reheating. For example, while Pyrex glass bowls have been used as PIP containers, there are concerns about their vulnerability to shattering due to temperature changes. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for container safety.
Preserving Nutrients:
- The cooking method significantly impacts the nutrient content of food. Some nutrients, like Vitamin C, are sensitive to heat and can break down when exposed to high temperatures or prolonged cooking.
- Steaming is one of the best methods for preserving nutrients, especially water-soluble vitamins. It reduces nutrient loss compared to other cooking techniques, although it may affect the taste of vegetables.
- Microwaving is another effective method for retaining nutrients due to its short cooking times and reduced exposure to heat. It has been shown to preserve the antioxidant activity of garlic and mushrooms and results in less vitamin C loss in green vegetables compared to other cooking methods.
- Boiling is a better option for preserving omega-3 fatty acids compared to frying or microwaving.
- When cooking meat, it is essential to consider the potential loss of B vitamins and minerals during grilling or broiling due to nutrient-rich juices dripping from the meat.
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Cooking chicken and rice together
Instant Pots are a great way to cook chicken and rice together, with minimal prep and cleanup. The Pot-in-Pot method allows you to cook multiple items at the same time, making it a convenient option for a quick, tasty, and balanced meal.
To cook chicken and rice together, you will need stackable pans or insert pans, which are designed to fit inside the main pot of the pressure cooker. The ideal size for insert pans in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot is a 7.5-inch diameter. These pans are often sold in a set of two, with a wire sling to fasten them together.
For cooking chicken and rice, the rice should be placed in the bottom pan, as it takes longer to cook. You can use either white or brown rice, but remember that white rice cooks faster. Rinse and drain the rice before adding it to the pan. For every cup of rice, add a cup of chicken broth or stock, and a pinch of salt. You can also add some extra virgin olive oil for flavour. Stir the rice and liquid together before turning on the Instant Pot to avoid a "burn" notice.
For the chicken, use thin chicken breasts, which will cook at the same rate as the rice. Marinate the chicken breasts overnight with your desired spices and sauces. Place the chicken in the top pan and secure the pans together with the wire sling.
Add two cups of water to the main pot of the Instant Pot. Enclose the stacked pans and insert them into the inner pot, ensuring they sit directly on the bottom. Set the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes on high, and allow for natural pressure release. Remember to always refer to your user manual for specific instructions for your Instant Pot model.
With this method, you can cook chicken and rice together in your Instant Pot, creating a tasty and convenient meal with minimal cleanup.
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Cooking with Pyrex glass bowls
Pyrex glass bowls can be used for cooking in an Instant Pot, a method also known as Pot-in-Pot (PIP) cooking. The Pyrex bowl is placed on a trivet inside the Instant Pot, with water added to the Instant Pot but not submerging the bowl. This method is ideal for cooking rice, as it prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Pyrex bowls are also useful for cooking cakes, reheating leftovers, and making desserts like chocolate pots de creme and creme brulee.
Pyrex glass bowls are a popular choice for PIP cooking because they are oven-safe and durable. However, there is some controversy surrounding their use in the Instant Pot. While some people use them without any issues, Pyrex manufacturers do not recommend using their products in the Instant Pot due to concerns about uneven heating, which can cause cracking or shattering. The original Pyrex products were made from borosilicate glass, which has a weak and linear expansion coefficient, but newer versions are made from soda lime glass, which is more vulnerable to shattering due to changes in temperature.
To mitigate the risk of cracking, some users suggest placing the Pyrex bowl on a rack to ensure even heating and avoiding direct contact with the bottom of the pot. It is also important to note that glass containers require different cooking times than stainless steel pans, as thick glass does not conduct heat as quickly. Therefore, recipes may need to be adjusted when using Pyrex bowls in the Instant Pot.
When using Pyrex glass bowls in the Instant Pot, it is essential to follow safety guidelines and use them at your own risk. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and warnings before using any cookware in the Instant Pot. Additionally, it is important to consider the size and shape of the Pyrex bowl, as round bowls tend to fit more efficiently in the Instant Pot than square or rectangular ones.
Pyrex glass bowls offer versatility in the kitchen, as they can also be used for storage, serving, and cooking in the oven. They are a convenient option for those seeking a minimalist kitchen setup, as they can be used for multiple purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
PIP stands for "pot in pot". It is a cooking method where you use stackable pans as secondary vessels inside your Instant Pot.
You can cook a variety of foods in stackable pans, including rice, vegetables, meat, fish, and even desserts like cheesecakes or lasagna.
Stackable pans allow you to cook multiple foods simultaneously in the same pressure cooker, saving time and effort. They are also convenient for reheating leftovers and preserving nutrients.
The ideal size for insert pans in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot is a 7.5-inch diameter. This allows for sufficient airflow and even cooking while maximizing the volume of food.
You can experiment with various combinations of foods that pair well together as a balanced meal. For example, you can cook chicken and rice together, or try a Double Decker Cheesy Taco-Stuffed Peppers + Quinoa dish.
