Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these easy-to-make and mouth-watering recipes! In this collection, we’re sharing 20 delicious and authentic dishes that showcase the rich flavors and aromas of the region. From classic chicken shawarma to hearty lentil soup, and from succulent shrimp to savory stuffed grape leaves, there’s something for everyone in this Mediterranean-inspired Instant Pot repertoire.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a quick and easy meal solution, these recipes are sure to delight your family and friends. With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can whip up a flavorful feast in no time. So, let’s dive into the world of Mediterranean cuisine and discover the perfect blend of spices, herbs, and love that makes each dish a true masterpiece.
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Lemon
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in a snap with this quick and easy Instant Pot recipe. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a zesty lemon-herb broth, infused with the savory goodness of olives.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil until shimmering.
2. Add the garlic, olives, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Cook on “High Pressure” for 10 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (including natural release)
Instant Pot Greek-Style Beef Stew
This hearty stew combines tender beef with the bold flavors of Greece, including tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef cubes (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press “Saute” on the Instant Pot and cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, beef cubes, tomatoes, broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Close the lid and set valve to “Sealing”. Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Instant Pot Mediterranean Lentil Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the comfort of lentils with the bright, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press “Saute” on the Instant Pot and heat until hot.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set valve to “Sealing”. Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set cooking time to 20 minutes at high pressure.
5. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo
Brighten up a weeknight dinner with this flavorful and fast recipe that combines succulent shrimp, aromatic lemon and garlic, and nutty orzo. This Instant Pot dish is perfect for busy days when you need a meal that’s both delicious and quick.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the lemon juice, orzo pasta, and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” mode and set the cooking time to 6 minutes at high pressure.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-18 minutes
Instant Pot Moroccan Chickpea Tagine
Moroccan Chickpea Tagine Instant Pot Recipe
This flavorful and aromatic Moroccan-inspired dish is a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and chickpeas cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. A delicious and nutritious meal for any time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 dates, pitted (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chickpeas and add them to the Instant Pot along with water, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well, close the lid, and set the valve to “sealing”.
3. Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes, followed by a natural release of 10 minutes.
4. Open the lid and add vegetable broth, parsley, lemon juice, and dates (if using).
5. Stir well, close the lid again, and pressure cook on low for an additional 5 minutes with a quick release.
6. Turn off the Instant Pot, open the lid, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Pot Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Elevate your salad game with this flavorful and nutritious Instant Pot Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! This recipe combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and add it to the Instant Pot with water.
2. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
3. Allow the pressure to release slowly before opening the lid.
4. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, red bell pepper, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Instant Pot Greek Lemon Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this easy and flavorful recipe for Greek Lemon Potatoes. The tangy zip of lemon and the warmth of garlic will complement any main course.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the cubed potatoes, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
5. Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Instant Pot Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)
Spanakorizo is a classic Greek side dish that combines the flavors of spinach, rice, and feta cheese. This Instant Pot recipe makes it easy to prepare this traditional dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”.
6. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 6 minutes at high pressure.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the spinach and feta cheese.
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Instant Pot Mediterranean Eggplant Stew
This hearty Instant Pot stew combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the tender sweetness of eggplant, all cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat oil until shimmering.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add eggplant, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set valve to “Sealing”. Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
5. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus 5-minute natural pressure release)
Instant Pot Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers
Transform bell peppers into a flavorful Greek-inspired dish with this easy and delicious Instant Pot recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in the Instant Pot.
5. Pour the meat mixture over the bell peppers, then cover the pot with a lid.
6. Close the valve and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” mode at high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Instant Pot Mediterranean Fish with Tomatoes and Herbs
This recipe combines the richness of fish with the bright flavors of the Mediterranean, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes add a pop of color and flavor to this quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into 4-6 pieces
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the fish pieces and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Add the garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir to coat the fish.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 17 minutes
Instant Pot Hummus from Scratch
Take a short cut to creamy, delicious hummus with this easy Instant Pot recipe that skips the overnight soaking and cooking time. With just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on effort, you’ll be enjoying freshly made hummus in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chickpeas and add them to the Instant Pot with 4 cups of water.
2. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
3. Release any remaining steam and open the lid.
4. Add garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and salt to the pot. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve with your favorite dippers or veggies!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (including natural release)
Instant Pot Turkish Beef and Eggplant Casserole
This hearty casserole is a flavorful twist on traditional Turkish cuisine, combining tender beef with rich eggplant and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Press “Saute” on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as needed.
5. Add the sliced eggplant, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Cook on “High Pressure” for 10 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Instant Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta with Feta
This Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta dish is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. With the convenience of an Instant Pot, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, orzo pasta, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” mode and set the cooking time to 6 minutes at high pressure.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
6. Open the lid and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or oregano if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-18 minutes
Instant Pot Greek-Style Lamb Chops
Experience the bold flavors of Greece with this tender and flavorful lamb chops recipe, perfectly cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb chops (1.5 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Feta cheese crumbles, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Sear the lamb chops until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, chicken broth, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the lamb chops to the pot, making sure they’re covered with the sauce.
7. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes + 10-minute natural release
Serve: Garnish with feta cheese crumbles, if desired. Enjoy your tender and flavorful lamb chops!
Instant Pot Tabbouleh with Quinoa
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the freshness of tabbouleh, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Enjoy a healthy and flavorful side dish or light lunch!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the quinoa in water for 3 minutes.
2. Add parsley, mint, scallions, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid and set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on “Manual” mode at high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
5. Fluff quinoa mixture with a fork and drizzle with olive oil.
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Instant Pot Mediterranean Vegetable Ratatouille
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of your Instant Pot. With a mix of tender vegetables, aromatic spices, and rich tomato sauce, this ratatouille is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
– 2 zucchinis, chopped
– 1 eggplant, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press “Saute” on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, bell peppers, zucchinis, and eggplant. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Close the lid and set valve to “Sealing”. Press “Manual” mode and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Elevate your falafel game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the convenience of an Instant Pot with the richness of tahini sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– Olive oil for serving
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and cook the onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes at high pressure.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
5. Stir together tahini, lemon juice, and water in a bowl. Serve with falafel.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Instant Pot Greek-Style Lemon Rice
Elevate your meal with this refreshing and flavorful Greek-inspired lemon rice dish, perfectly cooked to a tender consistency in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice, water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Rice” button or “Manual” mode with a cooking time of 6 minutes at high pressure.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Instant Pot Mediterranean Stuffed Grape Leaves
This recipe brings a flavorful twist to the traditional stuffed grape leaves, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and convenience of the Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
– 20-25 grape leaves (fresh or jarred)
– 1 pound ground lamb or beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Instant Pot by pressing the “Saute” button and heating the pot with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stuff each grape leaf with the meat mixture, placing seam-side down in the Instant Pot.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
7. Open the lid carefully, then serve hot garnished with lemon wedges.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to taste the Mediterranean diet like never before! This collection of 20 mouthwatering Instant Pot recipes takes you on a culinary journey across Greece, Turkey, and Morocco. From hearty stews to flavorful salads, these easy-to-make dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings for rich flavors and vibrant spices. Discover classic combinations like chicken with olives and lemon, Greek-style beef stew, and Moroccan chickpea tagine. Plus, try unique twists on familiar favorites, such as Mediterranean quinoa salad and Turkish beef and eggplant casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just looking for new recipe inspiration, this collection is sure to delight.