How to Instant Pot

December 1, 2017

In his finest cookbook to date, Shumski (Will It Skillet?) demystifies the Instant Pot, a multifunction electric appliance that can act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, and more. He thoroughly explains how to operate, clean, and troubleshoot the machine, and then shares 100-plus recipes showcasing its versatility. The prospect of being able to cook dried beans and tough cuts of meat in mere minutes will prove irresistible to many readers. Dishes such as no-stir risotto, Korean-style short ribs with garlic and ginger, split pea soup, and creme fraiche were developed for six-quart models, specifically IP-DUO60 and IP-DUO Plus60. VERDICT This approachable title reveals a path to faster, less laborious meals. Highly recommended for students, small apartment dwellers, busy professionals, and anyone interested in fast, mostly hands-free cooking.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 4, 2017
Cooking-appliance expert Daniel Shumski (Will It Waffle?, Will It Skillet?) turns his attention to the Instant Pot in this collection of more than 100 recipes. Other books devoted to the Instant Pot emphasize its multiple functions, but Shumski focuses on two that users will likely use most often: pressure cooking and slow cooking, with a few recipes for maximizing the device’s rice-steaming and yogurt-making settings thrown in. Readers will appreciate Shumski’s practical approach, with recipes for Korean-style short ribs with garlic and ginger; brown rice with sesame oil; and a DIY crème fraîche. Some recipes, however, take longer in the Instant Pot than they do by traditional methods: Shumski’s meatloaf, for example, takes over four hours to prepare; a cheese fondue takes 45 minutes and calls for a pound of Velveeta. Readers will also appreciate Shumski’s thoughtful instructions on yogurt troubleshooting and the art of rice making, as well as his discussion of the unique qualities of the Instant Pot. Those on the fence about purchasing the appliance would do well to give the book a look, and those who already have Instant Pots will find Shumski’s guide useful.