Are you looking for a simple yet delicious side dish? Look no further! This recipe for Instant Pot potatoes and carrots will satisfy your taste buds with its creamy, tender goodness. Whether you’re serving it with chicken, sausage, or pot roast, these buttery vegetables are the perfect complement to any meal.
The Trick to Perfectly Cooked Potatoes and Carrots
Cooking potatoes and carrots in a pressure cooker can be a bit tricky. The cooking time largely depends on the size of the vegetables. That’s why you’ll find various cooking times for Instant Pot potatoes and carrots in different recipes. Smaller potatoes and carrots cook faster, while larger chunks require more time.
To ensure even cooking, it’s essential to cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces. If you’re using pre-cut baby carrots and small potatoes cut into quarters, they will cook perfectly in just 3 minutes. It’s that easy!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Perfection
For this recipe, you can use red, gold, or purple potatoes. Small potatoes are the easiest to work with since you can simply cut them into uniform chunks. If you have larger potatoes, aim for 1-inch square or slightly smaller pieces. Anything larger won’t cook within 3 minutes. Creamer potatoes, those adorable tiny ones, can be left whole.
When it comes to carrots, pre-cut baby carrots are a great option because they are all the same size. If you prefer cutting whole carrots, aim for ½-inch to ¾-inch thick rounds. Alternatively, cut them into 2-inch-long pieces, resembling baby carrots in size.
Simple Steps to Flavorful Success
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Begin by deciding whether you’d like to boil or steam the potatoes. Boiling them directly in the cooking water will result in a slightly watery texture, while using a trivet for steaming preserves more flavor. If you choose to boil, add 1 to 2 cups of water.
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For small potato chunks, a brief 3-minute cooking time is enough. However, if you’re leaving small potatoes whole, extend the cooking time to 6+ minutes. Larger potato chunks require closer to 10 minutes for that perfect tenderness. Remember, if the potatoes are undercooked, you can always give them another minute or two under pressure.
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Instant pot baby carrots are a breeze to cook since they are all uniform in size. If you’re only cooking carrots, 2 minutes will yield tender yet firm carrots, while 3 minutes will give you slightly softer ones. Quick release the pressure for a delightful bite. For whole carrots, aim for ½-inch-thick rounds or cut them into 2-inch long pieces to mimic baby carrots.
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Whether you choose to directly cook the carrots in water or steam them on a trivet, they will turn out delicious. Keep in mind that steamed carrots will have a slightly drier texture.
Need More Instant Pot Inspiration?
If this Instant Pot potatoes and carrots recipe has your mouth watering, you’ll be thrilled to know there are even more options to explore. Try Instant Pot lemon garlic chicken breast with potatoes and carrots or Instant Pot vegetable stew for a satisfying meal. And don’t forget about the easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes (no draining required)!
Conclusion
Cooking creamy, tender potatoes and carrots has never been easier than with the Instant Pot. This versatile side dish pairs perfectly with a wide range of main courses, adding a touch of comfort to any meal. So fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to indulge in these delightful vegetables.
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