The pot-in-pot method can be used in the Instant Pot to cook something in an elevated dish. It’s useful for everything from desserts to preparing two dishes at once! Read on for all of the tips and tricks you need to master this unique technique.
I’ve recently become a little emphatic about the usefulness of the pot-in-pot method for the Instant Pot. The truth is, once I got over my initial fear of using the Instant Pot (so many buttons, so much steam!), I found it only moderately more useful than my slow cooker. But the pot-in-pot method has totally changed that. Once I discovered that I could cook a complete meal – main dish and side – at the same time, I was hooked. I use this once or twice a week now and love that all messes are contained right inside the machine. See below for my favorite things to cook this way!
Rice in the Pot-in-Pot Method
Rice is my go-to when using the pot-in-pot method. It’s a natural accompaniment to saucy dishes that cook so well in the main insert of the Instant Pot. I actually find that I get much more consistent results when I cook rice in the elevated pot-in-pot method than when I cook it in the main insert of the Instant Pot.
- Medium grain white rice takes 4-5 minutes
- Long grain white rice takes 6 minutes
- Brown rice takes 22 minutes
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the pot with the rice and fluff it with a fork. If the rice is not completely tender, cover it and set it aside for a few minutes – it will continue to soften.
Potatoes in the Pot-in-Pot Method
This has been one of my favorite pot-in-pot uses. Cook baby, new, or fingerling potatoes above many other dishes with 6 to 8 minute cook times. Or cook larger potatoes right ton the rack with dishes that have longer cook times. While many things like pasta and rice come out of the pot ready to serve, I find that smaller potatoes cooked this way benefit immensely from one more step. Take the potatoes out, slice them in half and saute them in some oil with salt and pepper.
This produces the most delicious crispy / tender potatoes. These are a favorite side dish at our house.
Cook Multiple Things at Once in Your Instant Pot | Pot in Pot Method
FAQ
How do you cook multiple dishes in an Instant Pot?
How do you layer things in Instant Pot?
Can you put another pot in Instant Pot?
Can you cook multiple meals in an Instant Pot?
To cook multiple meals in your Instant Pot, you will require using the trivet, which came with your pot, and possibly another pot that is safe to cook in. The trivet which came in along with the Instant Pot does tend to be short, so you could purchase a taller trivet if you feel that suits your cooking needs. There are several options you can do.
How do you cook food in an Instant Pot?
Place the first item you are cooking at the bottom of the inner pot Close the lid set your cook time and pressure, and allow the Instant Pot to cook your meals Natural Pressure Release (NPR) or Quick release (QR), your food, depending on what the recipe calls for Add your liquid to the bottom of the pot. Use a minimum of one cup
How do you Pressure Cook a 6 quart Instant Pot?
For a 6-quart Instant Pot, add at least a cup of water to the inner pot. Depending on the cooking duration, you may have to add more. Place the trivet in the inner pot. Place an oven-safe container with food over the trivet. Set the timer and pressure cook. Here are a few dishes you can make using this technique.
How to use pot in Pot in Instant Pot?
You only need 2 simple accessories to use Pot in Pot in Instant Pot: Container, Pot, or Steamer Basket: Generally, make sure your container fits inside your Instant Pot’s inner pot. This is where you’ll put your ingredients inside the Instant Pot.