In today’s fast-paced world, everyone is looking for quick and easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste. A pressure cooker is one of the best kitchen appliances that can cut down cooking time significantly. The beauty of the pressure cooker is that it allows you to prepare meals in just a few minutes. And if you’re someone who loves quick meals, these 5 delicious recipes will be ready in just 2 whistles of the cooker! Perfect for busy days when you need to whip up something tasty without waiting forever. Let’s get cooking!
1. Simple Pulao (Vegetable Rice)
A perfect one-pot meal, vegetable pulao is a fragrant, flavorful rice dish that can be made in a pressure cooker with just two whistles.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans, potatoes)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- Whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions:
- Heat oil or ghee in the pressure cooker. Add the whole spices and sauté for a minute.
- Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute, then add tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add the chopped vegetables and rice. Stir well to combine.
- Add water and salt, then close the lid of the pressure cooker.
- Cook on medium heat for 2 whistles.
- Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot!
2. Moong Dal Khichdi
A comforting and nutritious dish, moong dal khichdi is perfect for a light yet filling meal. It’s a healthy combination of rice and lentils.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice
- ½ cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 3 cups water
Instructions:
- Wash the rice and moong dal together and set aside.
- Heat ghee in the pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they splutter.
- Add onions, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté until onions turn soft.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add the rice and dal mixture, and water. Stir well.
- Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
- Let the pressure release naturally and serve the khichdi hot with some yogurt or pickle on the side.
3. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo Gobi is a delicious and simple vegetarian curry that pairs wonderfully with roti or rice. This recipe is a quick version made in the pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 small cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in the pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add chopped potatoes and cauliflower, and mix well.
- Add water and salt, then close the lid of the cooker.
- Cook for 2 whistles and let the pressure release naturally.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with roti or rice.
4. Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
A hearty and protein-rich dish, Chana Masala is a flavorful chickpea curry that can be prepared in minutes with the help of a pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in the pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and sauté for a minute.
- Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute. Then, add tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Stir in the soaked chickpeas and add water.
- Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
- Let the pressure release naturally, then garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with rice or naan.
5. Pasta in Tomato Sauce
A quick and easy pasta recipe that you can make in your pressure cooker. The pasta cooks along with a delicious tomato sauce, making it a one-pot wonder.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pasta (penne or macaroni)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in the pressure cooker. Add onions and sauté until soft.
- Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and ketchup. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Add pasta, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Close the lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles.
- Once the pressure releases, open the lid and stir well. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.
- Serve hot with some grated cheese on top!
These recipes are perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just two whistles of the cooker, you can have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy! Whether it’s a comforting dal, a flavorful pulao, or a tasty curry, these recipes are sure to make your cooking experience fast and satisfying.