When Making Candied Veggies In Your Instant Pot, Use The Sauté Feature

When you think of the instant pot, rich, slow-cooked meals may come to mind. However, this versatile kitchen appliance is not just for savory treats. It's also a fantastic tool for creating mouthwatering candied vegetables that will add a delightful twist to your culinary repertoire. With the simplicity of using the sauté setting, you can easily whip up candied vegetables that are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Candied vegetables are a fantastic fusion of savory and sweet flavors. In this culinary adventure, vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and even Brussels sprouts are transformed into delectable, caramelized bites. The process involves coating the vegetables with a sweet syrup or glaze, then cooking them until they're tender and glistening with sugary goodness.

The instant pot allows the sugars in the glaze to caramelize beautifully while preserving the vegetables' natural flavors and textures. The result? A mouthwatering medley of tender, sweet, and slightly crispy vegetables that will have you reaching for seconds.

Opt for hearty vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts, as these veggies can withstand the cooking process without turning mushy. To ensure even cooking, cut your vegetables into uniform-sized pieces. 

Preheating to the specified temperature is essential for even cooking and caramelization. Most instant pots come with a sauté setting, which is perfect for candying vegetables, as it allows you to stir and coat them in the glaze while cooking. To prevent overcrowding and ensure proper caramelization, arrange your vegetables in a single layer, and cook in batches if necessary.

About halfway through the cooking time, give your vegetables a gentle stir to ensure they're evenly coated with the glaze. This also helps prevent sticking. Keep a close eye on your vegetables as they cook. They should be tender and caramelized but not overly browned or burnt. Don't forget to get creative with your glaze. Try combinations like honey and balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and cinnamon, or a spicy sriracha and brown sugar blend for a unique twist. Once you've tried candied vegetables from the instant pot, you'll wonder why you didn't embark on this culinary journey sooner.