Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Instant Pot Pumpkin Stew is not just a recipe—it's a magical journey of flavors that will transport you to a cozy autumn evening with just one spoonful! Imagine a rich, creamy stew that combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with hearty vegetables, all prepared in under 40 minutes using the miracle of modern cooking technology. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or someone craving a comforting meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic, and dicing carrots into uniform small cubes.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of oil. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in vegetable broth and pumpkin puree, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent base.
- Add diced carrots, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode at high pressure.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the stew to develop rich flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Once cooking completes, perform a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open lid, stir stew, and adjust seasoning if needed. Let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a dollop of cream.
Tips
- Uniform Chopping: Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Sautéing Secret: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. The caramelization adds depth of flavor to your stew.
- Spice It Up: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or a pinch of cayenne for extra warmth.
- Liquid Ratio: Always maintain the proper liquid-to-solid ratio in your Instant Pot to prevent burning and ensure perfect pressure cooking.
- Natural Release Matters: Allowing a 5-minute natural pressure release helps ingredients meld together and intensifies flavors.
- Garnish Game: Elevate your stew with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or a swirl of cream for added richness.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
