instant pot

As you can probably tell by my Sunday meal preps on Instagram lately, I’m pretty obsessed with my Instant Pot. It’s challenged me to try new recipes that I’ve had on my mind for a while, but was hesitant to make because they took so long! Now I can cook all the recipe I’ve wanted to make in about half the time thanks to my Instant Pot. This love letter is completely unsponsored, by the way, I just really am obsessed with this handy tool!

If you’re not yet familiar, an Instant Pot is a brand of a programmable pressure cooker that hangs out right on your counter like a slow cooker. Unlike a slow cooker, my favorite feature about the Instant Pot is that you can sauté in it before you lock the lid and pressure cook. Searing a big hunk of meat before cooking helps lock in those flavors, develop a deeper flavor, and bring an extra texture to the fall-apart-tender result. Sautéing your veggies before cooking something like chili will also help with even more flavor in your soups and stews.

Heads up, that’s not the Instant Pot holding the chili! I brought some over to my friends house and we reheated on the stove. It was a crowd hit!

This chili was the first recipe I ever made in my Instant Pot and I loved it for many reasons. The chili tasted like it had been simmering on the stove for hours, when in reality, it had only been cooking for about 20 minutes under pressure! Since it was my first time using the Instant Pot, I followed Food, Faith and Fitness’ recipe. I added a pinch of cinnamon, too, since she included allspice. Personally, I like a little warm spice note in chili every once in a while, but feel free to skip!

You could 100% make this with ground turkey or chicken if you’d rather. Make sure to prep all the toppings for serving. Avocado, sliced jalapeños, lime and cilantro gave a beautiful pop of color to this spread.

What kind of Instant Pot recipes would you like to see? Comment below so I can get cooking!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

It’s no secret I love meal prep, and I ALSO love giving the perfect gift to friends and family. This post is the perfect combo of the two. If you are shopping for a cook or someone who is trying to get into meal prep, I hope these ideas give you some inspo. If not, you should put these on your list ;)

Stasher Bags

$41 on Amazon

These reusable silicone bags have revolutionized my life! I started out with a few, but recently invested in a big set of the small, medium and large bag combo. Not only do I feel so much better about not wasting a million Ziplock bags each week, but these also keep my food SO fresh! 10/10 recommend and they’re perfect for a stocking stuffer!

Instant Pot

$119.99 on Amazon

I have been SO hesitant to get on the Instant Pot train, but after working on the Food Network series, Pressure Point, and hearing all my co-workers rave about it, I’m definitely asking for one for Christmas. I am looking for the 6-quart size, but there are several variations and so many different models! I am excited to experiment with this speeding up my normal meal prep recipes and cannot WAIT to go crazy with soup this winter.

Parachute x Hedley & Bennett Smock Apron

$89 from Hedley & Bennett

I have been following the Hedley and Bennett brand for a few years and just adore their founder, Ellen. Her apron company launched these smock aprons that are darling. They seem like a much more comfortable, at-home apron and I’m coveting this one. They made this particular one in partnership with Parachute (who is known for their incredible sheets!) and they JUST restocked it, so grab one while they’re still available!

Deli Storage Containers

$14.99 on Amazon

You may think it’s a silly gift, but these storage containers have totally upped my game in the kitchen! I use them to freeze homemade chicken stock and store larger batch items I’ve prepped. You can also buy ones that come in a set of three different sizes, which are great for salads, toppings, etc. I love how light they are, which makes them super easy to take on the go! They’ll make a fun little extra gift on the side.

Glass Food Storage Containers

$49.99 on Amazon

Besides the deli containers, these are my go-to storage containers for meal prep. I love how sleek the glass bowls are because they make eating leftovers + prepped food feel more sophisticated and not just convenient! The variety of sizes are great for everything you’d need in one week.

Sheet Pan Combo

$24.99 on Amazon

I use my sheet pan several times a week, especially now that it’s winter and I roast veggies every weekend. I wish I would have bought a set like this that came with a Silpat, too! They are incredible for baking cookies completely nonstick. The sheet pan is a great kitchen essential everyone should have.

GIR: Get It Right All Silicone Spatula 3 Pc Set

$34.95 on Amazon

These are my all-time favorite spatulas and I honestly wish I had one in every size and color! The spoons are incredible, too. These are one of the best gifts you could give because they maintain their quality forever! I gave some to my Dad a few years ago and I wish I would’ve kept them for myself ;)

Five Two Essential Kitchen Towels

$35-74 on Food52

I have been trying to steer away from using paper towels all the time, so instead I go through my fair share of kitchen towels. I still haven’t found my *favorites* yet, but I am super intrigued by these new ones from Food52’s collection. I love that they have a hook for hanging in the middle of the towel and come in two different fabrics (flour sack and utility).

Le Creuset 5-Quart Dutch Oven

$339.95 on Amazon

My Dutch oven is hands down the most-essential item I have in my kitchen. I use this thing at least once a week and I will have it forever. If you don’t have one, add this to your list ASAP. The heavy ceramic material is incredibly durable and versatile. Soups, stews, bread, curry, fried dishes, braised meat, stocks… the list goes ON and on for this!

Oven Meat Thermometer

$23.46 on Amazon

Ever since I saw Alton Brown use one of these oven meat thermometers on Good Eats, I knew I needed to have one. It originally was ideal for Thanksgiving turkey, but now I use it just as often for roasted chickens for meal prep, chicken breast and pork tenderloin. This would be such a great stocking stuffer!

Magnetic “Retro” Kitchen Timer

$17.15 on Amazon

Speaking of timers, I am always trying to time roasted veggies, rice, soups, eggs and million things at once on my iPhone. I’m looking into one of these cute retro timers that can hang out on my fridge and help me keep track of everything happening with meal prep at once.

What else is on your Christmas list? Comment below with any new ideas! Happy shopping!