Instant Pot Pepperpot

Instant Pot Pepperpot

4 servings
Instant Pot Pepperpot is a quick and easy way to make Guyana's national dish! If you love pepperpot at Christmas but just don't have the time for laboring over a hot stove for hours or even days, then this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients

  • mixed beef

    bone-in and boneless cuts of beef

    2 lb
  • cow heel
    2 lb
  • Vinegar
    1 c
  • Water
    7 c
  • garlic powder
    1 tbsp
  • onion powder
    1 tbsp
  • salt
    2 tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • oil

    suitable for cooking

    2 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    ¼ c
  • cassareep
    1 c
  • cinnamon
    2 stick
  • whole cloves
    1 tsp
  • inches dried orange peel
    2
  • wiri wiri pepper
    2

Directions

  1. 1

    Season the mixed beef with 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and set aside.

  2. 2

    Mix together 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water in a large bowl. Add cow heel and steep for 30 minutes. Then drain and rinse with clean water.

  3. 3

    While the cow heel is steeping, set your instant pot to sauté. When hot add the oil to the instant pot and when the oil is hot add the seasoned mixed beef and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until the beef is brown on all sides. Then remove from the pot and separate the bone-in beef from the bone-less beef and set aside.

  4. 4

    Add the cow heel to the instant pot, followed by the remaining seasoning (except for the cinnamon, cloves, orange peel and pepper), all of the sugar, 1/2 of the cassareep and 5 cups of water. Mix to dissolve the sugar. Then seal up the instant pot and pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Vent the instant pot using the rapid release function, then add the sautéed bone-in beef from earlier. Seal up the instant pot and continue to pressure cook for another 30 minutes.

  6. 6

    Vent the instant pot using the rapid release function and add the sautéed boneless beef, the cinnamon sticks, clove, and the remaining cassareep to the instant pot. Seal up the instant pot and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.

  7. 7

    Then vent the instant pot again, using the rapid release function, then add the peppers and orange peel. Mix well and allow the pepperpot to rest for at least 8 hours before serving.

Instant Pot Pepperpot

Instant Pot Pepperpot

105 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the deep, complex flavors of Guyana's national dish, Pepperpot, without the traditional multi-day commitment? This Instant Pot Pepperpot recipe is your answer, transforming a beloved holiday meal into an accessible weeknight (or weekend!) delight. You'll find yourself making this rich, savory stew far more often than just at Christmas.

Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this recipe lies in its use of the Instant Pot, which drastically cuts down on the simmering time usually required for tenderizing tough cuts of meat like beef and cow heel. This method ensures all the incredible flavors of the cassareep, cinnamon, cloves, and wiri wiri pepper meld beautifully under pressure, delivering an authentic taste in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a labor-of-love dish with modern convenience.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly unique culinary experience. This Pepperpot offers an incredibly rich, dark, and slightly sweet stew, thanks to the star ingredient, cassareep. The mixed beef and cow heel become incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth, infused with aromatic spices like garlic, onion, and a gentle warmth from cayenne and black pepper, uplifted by a hint of vinegar. The whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and dried orange peel contribute a subtle, fragrant complexity that distinguishes this dish. It's a deeply satisfying and comforting meal, perfect for a cozy evening.

Customization & Variations

While beef and cow heel are traditional, you can certainly experiment with other bone-in cuts of beef like short ribs or oxtail for added richness. For a milder spice, you can reduce the number of wiri wiri peppers or omit them entirely. If you're looking for an even deeper spice profile, a touch more cayenne pepper can be added to your liking. The robust nature of Pepperpot also makes it suitable for adding root vegetables like yams or eddoes in the last stage of cooking, though this recipe focuses on the traditional meat-forward experience.

Serving & Context

Instant Pot Pepperpot is a hearty and celebratory dish, traditionally enjoyed for special occasions like Christmas, but its newfound ease makes it perfect for any gathering or a comforting family dinner. It's most commonly served with a warm slice of Guyanese plait bread or freshly baked crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce. White rice is also a popular accompaniment, providing a neutral canvas for the stew's intense flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions