14 Simple Pressure Cooker Recipes To Make Cooking a Breeze

Using a pressure cooker can save you time and make cooking easier. With the right recipes, you can whip up delicious meals in no time. This article shares 14 simple pressure cooker recipes with easy steps that anyone can follow.

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1) Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is a favourite for many. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavour. You can make it easily in your pressure cooker.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 400g diced tomatoes (canned)
• 200ml coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with yoghurt and tikka masala. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Set your pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add some oil, then cook the onion until golden.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute. Stir in the marinated chicken.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and salt. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Once done, release the pressure carefully. Stir in the coconut milk.
7. Heat through with the lid off for a few minutes.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have chicken, you can use paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. You can swap coconut milk with cream for a richer taste.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve with basmati rice or naan bread. A side salad or some roasted vegetables also work well. Enjoy your meal!

2) Beef stew with dumplings

Beef stew with dumplings is a hearty meal that’s easy to make in a pressure cooker. It’s perfect for a chilly evening. This dish is packed with flavour and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 500g beef, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g self-raising flour (for dumplings)
• 100g suet or butter (for dumplings)
• Water (for dumplings)

Instructions

1. Begin by browning the beef in your pressure cooker on a high heat. This adds great flavour to your stew.
2. Once browned, add the onion and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until they soften.
3. Stir in the carrots, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
4. Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and cook at high pressure for about 35 minutes.
5. While the stew cooks, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the self-raising flour and suet. Add a little water to form a dough.
6. After the stew has cooked, release the pressure carefully. Pinch off pieces of the dumpling dough and drop them on top of the stew.
7. Close the lid again and cook for another 10 minutes with the dumplings added.
8. When done, serve the beef stew with dumplings hot. Enjoy your warm and filling dish!

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap beef for lamb or chicken if you prefer. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips also work well. For dumplings, you can use butter instead of suet for a different taste.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve your stew with crusty bread to soak up the gravy. A simple green salad can balance the meal nicely. Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends!

3) Vegetable curry

Making vegetable curry in a pressure cooker is quick and easy. You will need a mix of your favourite vegetables, spices, and coconut milk.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in your pressure cooker on sauté mode. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion is soft.
2. Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Add the carrots, bell pepper, and cauliflower. Mix well.
4. Pour in the coconut milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 5 minutes.
6. Once it’s done, release the pressure carefully. Open the lid and stir.

You can swap in other veggies, like peas or green beans. Frozen vegetables work well too!

Side dish ideas

Serve your vegetable curry with rice or naan bread. You might also like a simple salad on the side.

4) Lentil soup

Lentil soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s easy to make in your pressure cooker. You’ll need some basic ingredients that are often already in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

instructions

1. Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water. Drain and set aside.
2. Turn on your pressure cooker and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the rinsed lentils and broth to the pot.
5. Close the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.
7. Carefully release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.

Ingredient swap ideas

You can swap lentils for other beans if you prefer. Use quinoa instead for a different texture. Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra greens.

Side dish ideas

Serve your lentil soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can add a nice touch. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious meal!

5) Pork belly with apple cider glaze

Pork belly is a delicious cut of meat that becomes tender and flavourful in a pressure cooker. The apple cider glaze adds a nice sweetness that balances the richness of the pork.

Ingredients

• 500g pork belly, skin scored
• 250ml apple cider
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the pork belly with salt and pepper.
2. In the pressure cooker, heat a little oil and brown the pork belly on all sides.
3. Remove the pork belly and set it aside.
4. Pour the apple cider into the cooker to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard. Stir well.
6. Place the pork belly back into the cooker.
7. Close the lid and cook under high pressure for 30 minutes.
8. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
9. Remove the pork and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Ingredient Swaps

If you can’t find apple cider, you can use apple juice. For a different flavour, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Side Dish Ideas

This dish pairs nicely with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A simple salad can also add freshness to the meal. Enjoy your pork belly with apple cider glaze!

6) Risotto with Wild Mushrooms

Making risotto may seem tricky, but it’s quite simple in a pressure cooker. You’ll end up with a creamy, delicious dish packed with flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup wild mushrooms, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Turn on your pressure cooker and set it to sauté mode. Add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Pour in the Arborio rice and stir it around for about a minute. The rice should begin to look translucent.
5. Add the stock and a pinch of salt. Stir everything well.
6. Close the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 6 minutes.
7. When the timer goes off, carefully release the steam. Open the lid when it’s safe to do so.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap the wild mushrooms for any mushrooms you like. Button or portobello mushrooms work well too.

If you want a creamier risotto, you can add a splash of cream.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve the risotto with a light salad or some crusty bread. Garlic bread also pairs nicely.

This risotto is comforting and perfect for any night.

7) Chilli con carne

Chilli con carne is a hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. You can whip it up easily in your pressure cooker, which makes cooking time much faster.

Ingredients

• 500g minced beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 400g tin of kidney beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons chilli powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat a small amount of olive oil in your pressure cooker.
2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft.
3. Toss in the minced beef and brown it well.
4. Mix in the bell pepper, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and kidney beans. Give it a good stir.
6. Lock the lid on the pressure cooker and cook for 20 minutes on high pressure.
7. Release the pressure carefully. Stir the chilli and check the seasoning.

Ingredient Swaps

If you’re after other options, swap the minced beef for turkey or lentils. You can also use fresh beans if you prefer.

Side Dish Ideas

Chilli con carne goes well with rice or warm bread. You could also serve it with tortilla chips and cheese for a tasty treat.

8) Lamb shanks with red wine sauce

Lamb shanks cooked in a pressure cooker create a rich and delicious meal. The tender meat pairs perfectly with a tasty red wine sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 lamb shanks
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 300 ml red wine
• 500 ml beef stock
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in the pressure cooker. Brown the shanks on all sides.
3. Remove the lamb and set aside. Add onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft.
4. Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot. This gets all the tasty bits.
5. Add the beef stock and rosemary. Stir well.
6. Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Make sure they’re submerged in the liquid.
7. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes.
8. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
9. Serve the lamb shanks with the red wine sauce poured over them.

Ingredient Swaps

If you can’t find lamb shanks, you could use beef shanks instead. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with grape juice and add a splash of vinegar.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve the lamb shanks with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad work well too. These pair nicely with the rich flavours of the dish.

9) Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom stroganoff is a tasty and hearty meal that’s simple to make. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend treat. You’ll love how rich and creamy it is!

Ingredients

• 400g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250ml vegetable broth
• 200ml sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 300g pasta (like egg noodles)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat your pressure cooker on the sauté setting. Add the onions and cook until they’re soft.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Then add the sliced mushrooms.
3. Cook the mushrooms until they’ve released some moisture. This takes about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Close the pressure cooker lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. While it’s cooking, boil the pasta in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Once the pressure cooking is done, carefully release the pressure.
8. Stir in the sour cream until everything is creamy and well mixed.
9. Serve the stroganoff over the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

If you’re out of sour cream, use Greek yoghurt instead. For a twist, try adding spinach or peas for some extra colour and nutrition. You can use any type of pasta you have on hand too.

Side Dish Ideas

Pair it with a salad for a fresh touch. Garlic bread also works great on the side. Enjoy this simple and delicious meal!

10) Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry is a tasty and fragrant dish that’s quick to make in a pressure cooker. It’s full of flavour and can be made with different proteins or vegetables, depending on what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 400ml coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 300g chicken, pork, or tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 courgette, sliced
• 100g green beans, trimmed
• Fish sauce to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Start by adding the coconut milk and green curry paste to your pressure cooker. Stir them together until mixed.
2. Next, add your choice of protein—chicken, pork, or tofu. Give it a stir.
3. Toss in the sliced bell pepper, courgette, and green beans.
4. Close the lid and set your pressure cooker to cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Once done, carefully release the pressure. Stir in fish sauce to taste.
6. Serve with rice and top with fresh basil.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have green curry paste, you can use red curry paste. You can also swap out the proteins for shrimp or use more vegetables like mushrooms or carrots.

Side Dish Ideas

Thai green curry pairs well with jasmine rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing touch.

11) Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a delicious dish that’s easy to make in a pressure cooker. You’ll love how quickly it comes together.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any colour)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. In your pressure cooker, mix the soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar.
2. Add the chicken pieces, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Stir it all together.
3. Close the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before using the quick release.
5. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in after cooking.
6. For serving, you can put the chicken over rice or noodles.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have chicken, tofu or shrimp can work as great substitutes.
Feel free to switch up the veggies too, broccoli or snap peas are tasty options.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve the meal with steamed rice or fried rice. A simple salad or egg rolls can also make a nice addition. Enjoy your sweet and sour chicken!

12) Moroccan Tagine

This Moroccan tagine is a hearty, comforting dish that’s ridiculously easy to make in your pressure cooker. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or a gathering with mates.

Ingredients

• 450g lamb or chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium spuds, peeled and chopped
• 1 can chickpeas (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 250ml chicken broth or water
• 60g dried apricots (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the meat in the pressure cooker until it’s nicely coloured.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chopped carrots and spuds, chicken broth or water, and dried apricots (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high for 20 minutes.
5. If using chickpeas, add them 5 minutes before the end of cooking time.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Use courgettes or bell peppers instead of carrots and spuds. Ditch the meat and add extra chickpeas or some mushrooms for a veggie version.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve with couscous or warm pitta bread.

Add a side salad or some roasted veggies as extras.

13) Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a warm and hearty meal that’s easy to make. You can whip it up in your pressure cooker in no time. It’s filling and packed with flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried split peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ham or bacon for extra flavour

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water. This helps remove any dirt and ensures they cook well.
2. Add the peas, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to your pressure cooker.
3. Pour in the broth and stir everything together.
4. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook for about 15 minutes.
5. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid and check the peas. They should be soft and broken down. If you like a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper. If you’re adding ham or bacon, stir it in now.
8. Serve hot. You can enjoy this soup on its own or with some crusty bread.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

If you don’t have split peas, you can try lentils instead. They will cook faster but still provide a great base.

For a vegetarian option, skip the ham and use vegetable broth. You can also add in more veggies like spinach or potatoes for extra nutrition.

Side Dish Ideas

Serve your split pea soup with a side salad for a fresh crunch. You could also pair it with garlic bread for something comforting.

This soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and great for meal prep.

14) Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic comfort food. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to make in a pressure cooker.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 500g minced beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Start by heating some olive oil in the pressure cooker on sauté mode.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the minced beef. Cook until browned.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the mixture and then stir.
6. Close the pressure cooker lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
7. Once done, release the pressure carefully.
8. Cook the spaghetti as per the packet instructions.
9. Drain the spaghetti and serve it with the Bolognese sauce on top.

Ingredient Swap Ideas

You can swap minced beef for minced turkey or lentils for a vegetarian version. Also, add some chopped carrots or celery for extra veggies in the sauce.

Side Dish Ideas

Garlic bread makes a great side. A simple green salad is another fresh option.