Ultimate Instant Pot® Beef and Couscous Delight

Ingredients

• 1. A pound of lean ground beef, exceptionally trimmed,
• 2. Half a teaspoon of salt, with a hint of sea breeze,
• 3. Equally, half a teaspoon of freshly crushed black peppercorns,
• 4. Three-quarters of a cup of finely chopped onion, like confetti,
• 5. A teaspoon of finely minced garlic, releasing its aroma,
• 6. Divided into one and a quarter cups, the essence of chicken broth,
• 7. One cup of finely diced crimson bell pepper, vibrant as a sunset,
• 8. A cup of pearl couscous from the land of Israel,
• 9. One teaspoon of dried parsley, reminiscent of a summer garden,
• 10. A teaspoon of soy sauce, the low-sodium variety like a whisper of flavor,
• 11. A dash of red pepper flakes, to titillate the taste buds,
• 12. A package of baby spinach, a verdant addition for those who desire.

Step 1

To begin, fire up your trusty multi-functional pressure cooker (like the famous Instant Pot®) and opt for the Saute function to warm things up. Toss in the ground beef and generously season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sizzle and stir until the beef transforms into a beautiful brown and crumbly texture, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Then, introduce the onions to the mix and sauté until they turn soft and somewhat see-through, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the garlic and let it dance in the pot until its lovely aroma fills the air, usually about 30 seconds.

Step 2

Now, it's time to add a touch of flair to the dish. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pot and let it simmer and reduce for about 3 minutes. Follow this up by incorporating the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, red pepper, pearl couscous, fresh parsley, a dash of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3

Seal the deal by closing and locking the lid of the pressure cooker. Opt for high pressure per your cooker's instructions and set the timer for a tantalizing 6 minutes. Allow the pressure to build up, usually taking around 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4

When the time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method as per your cooker's guidelines, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Unlock the lid and throw in a handful of vibrant spinach. Give it a good stir, then loosely cover the pot with the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to soak up the remaining liquid. Before serving, taste a spoonful and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt if your taste buds desire.