Cooking vegan meals can sometimes feel time-consuming, especially when juggling a busy schedule. The Instant Pot changes that by offering quick, hands-off cooking that locks in flavor and nutrients. If you want to enjoy delicious, plant-based dishes without spending hours in the kitchen, these 30 easy vegan Instant Pot recipes will inspire your next meal.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Vegan Cooking

The Instant Pot combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more into one appliance. This versatility makes it perfect for vegan cooking because:

• Saves time: Beans, grains, and tough vegetables cook faster under pressure.

• Enhances flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies spices and herbs.

• One-pot meals: You can make soups, stews, curries, and even desserts without extra pots.

• Energy efficient: Uses less electricity than an oven or stovetop for long cooking.

  
  

With these benefits, the Instant Pot helps you prepare healthy vegan meals quickly and easily.

10 Quick Vegan Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are comforting and filling. Here are some easy recipes to try:

• Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup

Red lentils and sweet potatoes cook together with garlic, ginger, and curry powder for a warming meal.

• Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach simmer with cumin and smoked paprika.

• Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup

Butternut squash blends with coconut milk and lime juice for a creamy, tropical twist.

• Black Bean Chili

Black beans, bell peppers, and corn combine with chili spices for a hearty chili.

• Minestrone with Pasta

Mixed vegetables, beans, and small pasta shapes cook quickly in a tomato broth.

These recipes take 30 minutes or less and can be frozen for later.

8 Flavorful Vegan Curries

Curries are rich in spices and perfect for the Instant Pot:

• Chickpea Tikka Masala

Chickpeas simmer in a creamy tomato sauce with garam masala and coconut milk.

• Thai Green Curry with Tofu

Tofu cubes cook with green curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

• Red Lentil Dal

Red lentils cook down with turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds for a simple dal.

• Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Sweet potatoes and chickpeas blend with curry powder and coconut milk.

• Cauliflower and Potato Curry

Cauliflower florets and potatoes cook with curry spices and tomatoes.

These curries pair well with rice or flatbreads.

7 Hearty Vegan Grain Bowls and Sides

Grains are a staple in vegan diets, and the Instant Pot makes cooking them easy:

• Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Quinoa cooks with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, topped with avocado.

• Brown Rice and Mushroom Pilaf

Brown rice cooks with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs.

• Barley and Vegetable Medley

Barley combines with carrots, celery, and peas for a chewy, nutritious side.

• Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Farro cooks quickly and mixes with roasted veggies and a lemon vinaigrette.

• Polenta with Tomato Sauce

Creamy polenta cooks in the Instant Pot and serves as a base for a rich tomato sauce.

These dishes are great for meal prep or as side dishes.

5 Vegan Instant Pot Desserts

Yes, you can make desserts in your Instant Pot too:

• Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake

A rich, gooey chocolate cake that cooks quickly under pressure.

• Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk

Creamy rice pudding made with coconut milk and cinnamon.

• Apple Cinnamon Compote

Apples cook down with cinnamon and maple syrup for a sweet topping.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake

A dairy-free cheesecake with pumpkin puree and cashew cream.

• Poached Pears in Red Wine

Pears gently cook in spiced red wine for an elegant dessert.

These desserts are simple and satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Instant Pot Meals

• Use dried beans and soak when possible: Soaking reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.

• Layer ingredients properly: Place dense vegetables and beans at the bottom for even cooking.

• Adjust liquid amounts: Vegan recipes often need less liquid than meat-based ones.

• Use the sauté function: Brown onions, garlic, and spices before pressure cooking for deeper flavor.

• Release pressure carefully: Natural release helps beans and grains finish cooking gently.

  
  

Experiment and Customize

The beauty of vegan Instant Pot cooking is how easy it is to swap ingredients. Use whatever vegetables, beans, or grains you have on hand. Adjust spices to your taste. Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten dishes before serving.

Try these recipes as a base and make them your own.