Delicious Crux Pressure Cooker Recipes: 10 Quick Meals

The Crux pressure cooker has revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to whip up delicious, nutrient-rich meals in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling numerous responsibilities, or simply someone who loves a good home-cooked meal without the hassle, the Crux pressure cooker offers an array of benefits. In this article, we delve into 10 quick and tasty recipes you can prepare using your Crux pressure cooker, ensuring you enjoy flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with this easy-to-make Chicken Tortilla Soup. Here’s how to do it:

• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
• ¹⁄₂ cup of corn kernels
• ¹⁄₂ diced onion
• ¹⁄₂ diced jalapeno
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• Seasonings: cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Add all the ingredients into your Crux pressure cooker.
2. Seal the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
3. Press the soup function or cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.

⚠️ Note: Always ensure that the sealing valve is properly set to avoid any pressure escape during cooking.

2. Beef Bourguignon

Transform this classic French dish into a weeknight-friendly meal with these steps:

• 2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine (optional, can be substituted with more broth)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp of tomato paste
• Seasonings: thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Sauté the bacon in the pressure cooker until crisp. Set aside, leaving the fat.
2. Brown the beef chunks in the bacon fat, then remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in the remaining fat.
4. Return beef and bacon to the cooker, add broth, wine, tomato paste, and seasonings.
5. Set to high pressure for 35 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.

3. Lentil and Sausage Stew

For a hearty and healthy option, this stew provides protein from both lentils and sausage:

• 1 cup of green or brown lentils
• 1 lb of Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped carrots
• 2 chopped celery stalks
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
• Seasonings: oregano, thyme, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Sauté the sausage until browned, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
3. Add lentils, sausage, tomatoes, stock, and seasonings.
4. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release.

4. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Perfect for a quick seafood lover's delight:

• 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp of butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of white wine or stock
• Parsley for garnish
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, red pepper flakes

Steps:

1. Melt butter in the pressure cooker, add garlic and sauté.
2. Add wine or stock, then the shrimp.
3. Set to low pressure for 1 minute, then quick release.
4. Garnish with parsley.

5. Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Bring exotic flavors to your table with this North African inspired dish:

• 2 cans of chickpeas, drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 sweet potato, cubed
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Sauté onion in the pressure cooker with a touch of oil.
2. Add sweet potatoes and zucchini, cook for a few minutes.
3. Include chickpeas, tomatoes, stock, and spices.
4. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.

🔔 Note: This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous or flatbread.

6. Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

A sweet and tangy twist on chicken, ready in minutes:

• 6 chicken thighs
• ¹⁄₄ cup of balsamic vinegar
• ¹⁄₄ cup of honey
• 2 tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme

Steps:

1. Mix vinegar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Add chicken to the pressure cooker, pour over the mixture.
3. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, quick release.
4. Reduce the remaining sauce on sauté mode for glaze.

7. Lemon Herb Risotto

This creamy, zesty risotto is easier to make than you might think:

• 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice
• 1/4 cup of white wine
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
• Herbs: parsley, basil, thyme

Steps:

1. Heat some oil in the pressure cooker, add rice, stir until translucent.
2. Add wine to deglaze, then broth, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Set to high pressure for 6 minutes, then quick release.
4. Mix in cheese and herbs.

8. Pumpkin Soup

Embrace the essence of fall with this comforting soup:

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional)
• Seasonings: nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in the cooker.
2. Add pumpkin, stock, and seasonings.
3. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes, then natural release.
4. Blend until smooth, add cream if desired.

9. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Enjoy BBQ-style pulled pork with minimal effort:

• 2 lbs of pork shoulder
• 1 cup of BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp of brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

1. Mix all liquids and seasonings in the cooker.
2. Add pork, set to high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
3. Shred the pork and mix with remaining juices.

10. Coconut Curry Rice

Enhance your rice with flavors of curry and coconut:

• 1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 cup of water
• 1 chopped bell pepper
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 tbsp of curry paste
• Seasonings: salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Sauté onion and bell pepper in oil.
2. Add rice, curry paste, coconut milk, and water.
3. Set to high pressure for 4 minutes, then quick release.

🌾 Note: This rice dish is great as a side or a vegetarian main, paired with some naan or roti.

To summarize, the Crux pressure cooker makes preparing delicious meals both easy and quick. From soups and stews to risottos and pulled pork, these recipes showcase the versatility of the appliance. They not only save time but also retain the flavors and nutrients of your ingredients, offering a healthier option for home cooking. The convenience of setting it and forgetting it, while still achieving excellent results, is what makes pressure cooking with the Crux a game-changer in modern kitchens.

Can I use frozen meat in my Crux pressure cooker?

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Yes, you can use frozen meat in your Crux pressure cooker, but you will need to increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the meat is completely submerged in liquid for safety and even cooking.

How do I clean my Crux pressure cooker?

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After cooking, let the pot cool down, then remove the inner pot for washing with warm soapy water. For stubborn residues, you can soak it before cleaning. Wipe the lid and base with a damp cloth, ensuring no water enters the electrical components. The sealing ring can be cleaned separately or replaced if it retains odors.

What if my soup isn’t as thick as I like it?

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If your soup or stew isn’t thick enough, you can either sauté it uncovered after cooking to reduce the liquid, or thicken it with a cornstarch or flour slurry. Just ensure to mix the thickener with cold water before adding to prevent clumping.