Introduction to Indian Cooking with an Instacooker
The charm of Indian cuisine lies in its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and the complexity of its dishes. However, the traditional methods of Indian cooking often demand time which busy individuals might not have. Enter the Instacooker - your modern-day ally in creating authentic Indian dishes with much less effort and time. Here’s how you can make several popular Indian dishes using this innovative kitchen tool.
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish known for its creamy, mildly spiced sauce and tender chicken. Here’s how you can prepare it in an Instacooker:
- Marinate: 500g chicken (thighs or breasts), 1 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp garam masala, salt, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook:
- Add 2 tbsp butter or ghee to the Instacooker on sauté mode, cook onions until soft.
- Add marinated chicken, 2 cups tomato puree, 1 cup heavy cream, and additional spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. Secure the lid and cook under high pressure for 8 minutes.
- After cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes, then release pressure, open the cooker, and stir in some fresh cream, kasoori methi, and more butter if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
🌟 Note: You can adjust the spice level in butter chicken by modifying the amount of chili powder and garam masala used.
Chana Masala
Chana Masala or chickpea curry is both healthy and flavorsome. Here’s how you can whip up this protein-rich dish:
- Soak 2 cups of chickpeas overnight or use canned.
- In the Instacooker:
- Heat oil on sauté mode, fry 1 diced onion, add garlic and ginger paste, followed by a mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder.
- Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and water to cover. Secure lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 35 minutes if using dried chickpeas (10-12 if using canned).
- Once cooked, allow natural pressure release, then adjust seasoning with salt, garam masala, and perhaps a squeeze of lemon.
Pulao - Vegetable and Rice Medley
Pulao is a one-pot dish that combines spices, vegetables, and rice. Here’s how to make it:
- In the Instacooker:
- Heat oil, sauté sliced onions until golden.
- Add whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves), then add vegetables of your choice. Stir in 2 cups of basmati rice, mix with spices.
- Pour in 2.5 cups of water, a teaspoon of salt, and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick-release pressure and fluff with a fork.
Dal Makhani - Creamy Lentil Delight
Dal Makhani is a luxurious lentil dish known for its rich and creamy texture. Here’s how to cook it:
- Soak 1 cup of black urad dal and 1⁄4 cup of kidney beans overnight.
- Cook in the Instacooker:
- Add soaked dal, beans, salt, and water, cook under high pressure for 30 minutes.
- After cooking, manually release pressure, mash some of the dal to thicken, then add in butter, cream, and tomato puree, spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and simmer.
Summing up: Making Indian Cuisine Accessible
Indian cooking can be both an art and a science, with the Instacooker simplifying the latter while preserving the former’s soul. With these quick recipes, busy cooks can enjoy authentic flavors of India without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe, while simplified, retains the essence of traditional Indian cooking through the use of indigenous spices and ingredients, making it possible to savor a delicious, home-cooked meal on even the busiest of days.
What is the advantage of using an Instacooker for Indian recipes?
+
An Instacooker allows for quicker cooking times by using high pressure, which infuses flavors deeply into the food while reducing the traditional cooking time significantly.
Can I make traditional Indian breads like naan or roti in an Instacooker?
+
No, Indian breads like naan or roti require traditional oven techniques or stovetop cooking methods. However, you can make the accompaniments like curries and dal much faster.
Is there a way to adjust the spiciness level in these recipes?
+
Absolutely, you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or choosing milder varieties of chilies.
