Easy as 1, 2, 3: beginner-friendly instant pot yellow squash recipe for busy days

When the warm summer months arrive, it’s time to savor the bounty of fresh produce. Among the many delights of the season is yellow squash, a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. This Instant Pot yellow squash recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare this summer staple, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and cut the yellow squash into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and heat it until shimmering. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the Yellow Squash: Stir in the yellow squash and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and secure it. Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 2 minutes.
6. Quick Release: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully opening the pressure valve.
7. Serve: Serve the Instant Pot yellow squash hot as a side dish or as a flavorful addition to tacos, salads, or sandwiches.

Variations:

• Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the sautéed vegetables.
• Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the vegetable broth.
• Creamy Touch: For a richer texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk after pressure cooking.
• Roasted Variation: For a roasted flavor, preheat the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and roast the yellow squash cubes before adding the other ingredients.

Benefits of Yellow Squash:

• Rich in Nutrients: Yellow squash is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and fiber.
• Low in Calories: With only 28 calories per cup, yellow squash is a guilt-free addition to your diet.
• Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in yellow squash help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken: Serve Instant Pot yellow squash as a side dish to grilled chicken for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Pasta Salad: Add cooked yellow squash to pasta salads for a colorful and flavorful twist.
• Tacos: Use yellow squash as a filling for tacos, along with other vegetables and your favorite toppings.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Combine yellow squash with other vegetables in a vegetable stir-fry for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

The Bottom Line:

This Instant Pot yellow squash recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With minimal effort and cooking time, you can create a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a flavorful addition to your favorite meals, this recipe is sure to become a summer staple.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen yellow squash in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen yellow squash. Defrost it completely before cooking.
Q: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Prepare the yellow squash and vegetables up to the point of pressure cooking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, add the vegetable broth and seasonings and pressure cook as directed.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It contains no animal products.