Home Vegan Post 7 Quick Vegan Instant Pot Recipes

7 Quick Vegan Instant Pot Recipes

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare healthy, flavorful, vegan meals in a fraction of the time. Whether you're short on time or just love the convenience of “set it and forget it,” these vegan Instant Pot recipes deliver nourishment and satisfaction in around 30 minutes or less. Each dish is easy to customize, family-friendly, and ideal for batch cooking—perfect for busy weeknights or zero-effort meal prep.

1. Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Bolognese

Why it works: Rich, meaty sauce without the meat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried green lentils (rinsed)

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 carrot, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.

  2. Add onion, carrot, and garlic; sauté for 3 minutes.

  3. Stir in lentils, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and broth.

  4. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.

  5. Natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release.

  6. Serve over pasta or zoodles.

2. Vegan Quinoa & Chickpea Curry

Why it works: High-protein, creamy, and spiced to perfection.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

  • 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes

  • 1 tbsp curry powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot.

  2. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

  3. Quick release, stir, and season to taste.

  4. Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan or rice.

3. Instant Pot Vegan Minestrone Soup

Why it works: Veggie-packed and cozy with no effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1 can kidney beans

  • 1 cup diced carrots

  • 1 cup chopped zucchini

  • 1/2 cup frozen peas

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup small pasta (gluten-free optional)

  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except pasta and peas.

  2. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

  3. Quick release, stir in pasta and peas, and simmer on sauté for 5 minutes until pasta is cooked.

4. Vegan Instant Pot Chili sin Carne

Why it works: Bold flavors, hearty texture, perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils (rinsed)

  • 1 can kidney beans

  • 1 can black beans

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 2 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

  2. Add spices, lentils, beans, tomatoes, and broth.

  3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with quick release.

5. Vegetable & Tofu Instant Pot Stir-Fry Rice

Why it works: Complete meal with protein, grains, and veggies.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown rice (rinsed)

  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, bell pepper)

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp ginger powder

Instructions

  1. Stir rice, veggies, tofu, broth, and seasonings in the pot.

  2. Cook on high pressure for 22 minutes.

  3. Quick release, fluff rice, and drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

6. Instant Pot Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew

Why it works: Comforting, fiber-rich, and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed

  • 1 can black beans

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in the Instant Pot.

  2. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

  3. Quick release, stir, and adjust seasoning.

  4. Serve over quinoa or rice, with fresh cilantro.

7. Vegan Instant Oat Porridge with Apple & Cinnamon

Why it works: Cozy, filling breakfast that prepares itself.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup steel-cut oats

  • 2 apples, diced

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 4 cups plant milk (or water)

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot.

  2. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

  3. Natural release for 10 minutes, stir, and serve warm with extra fruit or nuts.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Instant Pot Results

  • Avoid “mush” by using quick-release for pasta and rice dishes.

  • Layer flavors by sautéing aromatics first.

  • Rice ultimatums: Rinse before cooking; add 10–15 minutes after liquid.

  • Spice it up: Adjust seasoning after cooking.

  • Batch and freeze: Cool fully before freezing in containers—great for busy weeks.

Why These Recipes Are Ideal

  • Make-ahead friendly: Prep ingredients in advance for ultra-quick assembly.

  • Balanced nutrition: Each meal offers a mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

  • Kid-approved: Familiar textures and flavors make them great for families.

  • Energy-saving: Use less energy than oven or stovetop cooking.

Let Your Values Show

From protein-packed curries to cozy bowls and breakfasts, these vegan Instant Pot recipes help you eat well, live intentionally, and reduce kitchen stress—while still enjoying bold, satisfying flavor. And if you want to express your plant-powered pride beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. Their vegan t-shirts are made of soft organic cotton and are perfect for proclaiming your compassion.

Final Thoughts

The Instant Pot transforms vegan cooking by combining speed, nutrition, and simplicity. These seven recipes—lentil Bolognese, curry, chili, stir-fry rice, and comforting breakfasts—are your blueprint for weeknight success. Efficient, customizable, and delicious, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Let your Instant Pot do the work. Then dig in—and share your favorite plant-based creations while sporting your favorite vegan tee from The Dharma Store.