All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
OMG, you have to try the Instant Pot, a friend texted me in early December.
Mellissa Sevigny via ibreatheimhungry.com
You know I dont smoke, I replied, wondering how well she really knew me.
A magical machine like this actually exists?
I cant lie: The machine is a bit intimidating.
Courtesy of Meagan Morris
So many buttons and options; so many things to screw up.
So I figured this would be the perfect time to try the Instant Pot.
Could I do the same as the food bloggers?
Courtesy of Meagan Morris
There was only one way to find out.
I went into the week with no real plan, other than to not burn everything I made.
An easy, quick win!
Courtesy of Meagan Morris
Hard-boiled eggs are a staple in my diet, but peeling them is such a drag.
Not in the Instant Pot.
Another easy win with enough leftovers for the next few nights.
Courtesy of Walmart
My successful first day had me feeling pretty cocky as I ventured into day two.
I conquered pasta and eggs, so why not jump to yogurt?
Or, maybe I was just blinded by all the visions of delicious yogurt in my head.
Either way, this one was a serious fail on the first try.
My pot was tied up all day in my failed yogurt attempt, so I couldnt make anything else.
At least I had my leftover pasta and eggs.
I didnt cry over crappy yogurt, though.
It still took over 18 hours from start to finish, but the taste made it worth the wait.
I always keep it pretty basic when I cook for myself.
Not with the Instant Pot.
Still less time than the rice cooker, but more tedious to prepare them separately.
Day five was dedicated to applesaucetons and tons of applesauce.
Once it was done, I blended the chunks with an immersion blender.
It was the best applesauce Ive ever had, hands down.
I left my piece of resistance for day seven: pesto chicken pasta.
I was still able to do everything in the Instant Potincluding cooking the chickenthanks to the saute button.
And it turned out pretty great, if I do say so myself.
Is the Instant Pot the end-all, be-all of cooking appliances?
That alone will save me $20 a week.