Partner Spotlight: Tomato Blues
“It’s a kitchen must-have,” Anusha describes Instant Pot.
Moving to a new country brings a lot of changes, especially in the kitchen. Earlier this year, vegetarian mother of one, Anusha Rajagopal, made a big step from Singapore to Germany when her husband landed a job there. Her daughter and three Instant Pots came along, and she hasn’t looked back since.
How It Started
Anusha tried out her first Instant Pot back in 2019. She recalls being intimidated at first because of the buttons, but once she got the hang of it, she realized how much time and effort it saved her.
“It’s a game-changer.”
This newfound ease in the kitchen led her to invest in not one, but two more Instant Pots! Her appreciation for the product deepened with each new addition, and the growing weight of her Instant Pot family didn’t slow her down one bit. “I don’t need to babysit them,” she says, highlighting the convenience of the Instant Pot’s smart programs that handle the cooking process with minimal supervision.
Favorite Feature
“The fact that everything except the Instant Pot itself is dishwasher-safe,” she says. With her busy family life, simplicity is an essential ingredient in her daily routine. Even the unique combination of an air fryer and a pressure cooker caught her attention, “I have two Instant Pots without the air fryer lid, and one with it.” Anusha shares that she made buns with both versions and they turned out great.
Anusha effortlessly prepares multiple dishes at once and can batch cook large portions without the hassle of precise calculations. Not a fan of washing dishes, she loves that the Instant Pot allows her to cook everything in a single appliance, making cleanup a breeze.
She especially likes her 3-Quart Instant Pot, which she finds handy in her kitchen. Its compact size makes it incredibly versatile—not only is it perfect for preparing her vegetarian meals, but it’s also ideal for when she’s about to catch a flight. Its portability and convenience make it an essential part of her routine, allowing her to enjoy homemade meals no matter where she is.
Go-to Recipes
Anusha turned to her Instant Pot when she decided to tackle pasta, a dish that wasn’t typically part of her regular cooking routine. Though pasta wasn’t her usual go-to, the Instant Pot made the process so much easier and enjoyable that it quickly became a favorite. Now, she loves preparing a vegetarian pasta dish that’s a hit with both her family and friends. The Instant Pot’s convenience has transformed her approach, making pasta a crowd-pleaser she can whip up effortlessly.
She also loves to whip up a couple of her vegan favorites, both made effortlessly with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer. Anusha enjoys the process of cooking Vegan Nasi Lemak with this to prepare perfectly cooked coconut milk rice, peanuts, tofu, and sambal chilli, all while maintaining the dish’s traditional flavors. On the other hand, her Vegan Laksa features a rich, creamy broth infused with aromatic spices and coconut milk, pairing it with noodles and fresh vegetables. Both dishes are crowd-pleasers and definitely worth trying!
Her passion for cooking branched out, and she started to experiment with cooking from scratch. One of her favorite discoveries is how effortlessly she can make jam—the fruit breaks down beautifully, turning into a smooth, delicious spread with minimal effort. She’s also uncovered a handy yogurt hack, making it easier than ever to whip up fresh, homemade yogurt. These small wins have elevated her cooking experience, allowing her to create wholesome, homemade meals with ease.
Instant Pot’s Impact
Motherhood comes with its challenges, but its rewards are priceless. In the kitchen, the Instant Pot has become her trusted companion, helping her juggle busy days with ease. The Instant Pot didn’t just simplify her life—it also propelled her professional growth. As she became well-versed in using the appliance, friends and family began turning to her for advice, recognizing her expertise. Her blog flourished as a result, gaining credibility and attracting a larger audience, further establishing her as a trusted voice in the Instant Pot community.
Advice for New Users
For anyone considering an Instant Pot, she has some solid advice. “Start with forgiving recipes like soups or porridge before jumping into more complex dishes. It saves you from disappointment early on.”
She also recommends waiting for deals on the Duo Plus model. “It’s worth every penny—the best $300 investment I’ve ever made!”
Her biggest tip for beginners? “Go with the flow and don’t get caught up in the math. The Instant Pot is all about making cooking easy and enjoyable.”
Follow Anusha on Instagram and visit Tomato Blues for more vegetarian recipes you’ll love!