Instant Pot Beef Stew

January 23, 2017 by

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I have been tweaking this recipe for awhile now and I finally perfected it!  I thought I had it just right but the other night I needed to make 2 batches since I was taking dinner to a friend as well.  The first batch I coated the meat with some seasoning and flour and seared in batches, then added the tomato paste and garlic, deglazed with the broths before pressurizing.  The 2nd batch I was running short on time and in a moment of adventure I threw caution to the wind and dumped everything in the pot and set it.  To my amazement you couldn’t tell the difference between both batches! This was such a hit and is my new go-to stew recipe.  I love it more than any other I’ve ever made and I’m pretty sure you will to.  And if you don’t have a pressure cooker I think you would get pretty good results cooking this on high in a crock pot for about 6-8 hours or until meat and veg are tender.
This recipe could not be any easier.  Or tastier!

INSTANT POT BEEF STEW
1 1/2 -2 lbs stew meat (I use roast, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes)
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 T tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
2-4 cups beef broth
2-4 cups chicken broth
1 T worcestershire
8 cups chopped vegetables*
(I used 5 gold potatoes, 1 parsnip, 1 onion, 3 carrots)

To thicken:
3 T cornstarch
3 T water

Place everything except thickener in the Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker)
Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.  Natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
To thicken, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water and stir in.

*Most root vegetables are a good choice here.  Peas are nice as well, but add those at the end.  If making for the freezer I would not use potatoes though, as they can get a little weird in the freezer.

Note: The vegetables will be very soft.  If you want them to have more texture, just leave out the veg and cook as directed.  Add the veg and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, natural pressure release for 10.

Why the difference in broth amount? Depends on how thick or thin you prefer your stew

Filed Under: Beef, Instant Pot (Pressure Cooking), Slow Cooker

Instant Pot Chicken Stock

October 14, 2016 by

There is no comparison between homemade chicken stock and what you can buy at the store.  I do keep chicken base on hand for emergencies but I keep my freezer well stocked, especially in the fall and winter when I make more soups.  The instant pot makes chicken stock a breeze and I found that I can reuse the bones an extra time.  The trick is mixing the first and second batch together.  Below in the picture you can see the first batch on the left, and the second on the right.  The first batch is incredibly rich and flavorful, while the second is weaker – all though still very flavorful- is more similar to the canned chicken broth in the store.
By mixing them together I find it perfect balance for soups, sauces, or just drinking plain when you’re sick.
I freeze it in quart and pint containers since I use both those amounts.
Oh, and no instant pot? Just simmer on the stove for about 8-12 hours, until desired stock is achieved.

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While most recipes will have you add vegetable scraps I found that I like making it without, all though you could if you want.  I used to add peppercorns and bay leaf but since I use the bones a second time (and didn’t want to fish out little peppercorns) they become more bitter after 2 batches.  Besides the fact that I season the broth when we go to use it.

One other trick.  I buy one or two rotisserie chickens pretty much every time I go to Costco.
I shred the meat and package in freezer bags.  Then I use the bones to make a ton of stock.  If I don’t have time within a couple of days I just freeze the bones until I do.  I even throw the skin in with them.
That precooked chicken comes in handy often for nights I need to make a quick dinner.
And if your family is anything like mine you’ve all ready had a couple of colds or flus go through the house this fall.  Being able to throw some of that cooked chicken and broth in a pot to simmer is perfect for getting everyone feeling better again.

INSTANT POT CHICKEN STOCK
Makes approx. 4 1/2 quarts (18 cups)

Bones from 1 chicken
16 cups water, divided
6 T vinegar (white or apple cider), divided

Place the bones, 8 cups of water, and 3 T vinegar in the instant pot.
Set for high pressure, 60 minutes.
When done, I use the quick pressure release and strain bones from stock.
Place bones back into pot and add another 8 cups water and 3 T vinegar.
Cook again on high pressure for 60 minutes, but allow to come down in pressure naturally this time to give it a little more cook time.
Strain bones and combine the 2 batches of stock.  Cool, then pour into freezer containers and freeze.
Keeps in fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze for up to 1 year.

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Filed Under: Freezer, Instant Pot (Pressure Cooking), Soups / Stews