Cheese Dip Made Easy: Instant Pot Style

Preparing the Ingredients for Cheese Dip in an Instant Pot

This guide will take you through the steps to prepare the ingredients for a cheese dip in an instant pot.

Butter:

• To prepare butter, you will need to use a food processor or blender.
• Pour heavy cream into the food processor and blend on high for about 10 minutes, until the butter separates.
• Then, strain the liquid and press the butter into a bowl to remove any remaining liquid.
• Season with salt, if desired.

Cheese:

• It is best to use freshly chopped and shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can become grainy when melted.
• A combination of cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses works well, but any melting cheeses can be used.

Onion:

• Dice the onion fairly small so that it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Onions are usually cooked in some kind of fat, such as oil or butter.
• Adding a pinch of salt to the onions while cooking will help to draw out moisture and encourage softening.

Jalapeno:

• To reduce the spiciness of jalapenos, they can be roasted, which gives them a smoky flavour.
• Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid the burning sensation and irritation that can be caused by the capsaicin in the peppers.
• For roasting, hold the pepper over an open flame, or use an oven broiler or stovetop/grill flame.
• After roasting, peel the jalapenos to avoid a strange, grainy texture in your dip.

Garlic:

Garlic powder is used to season the dip.

Cumin:

• Cumin is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dishes, including meat, vegetables, soups, and marinades.
• It can be used as a flavour enhancer and adds a "warmth" to dishes.

Paprika:

• To make your own paprika, select long, skinny peppers with thin walls, such as Boldog peppers or Leutschauer peppers for added heat.
• Wash and slice the peppers, removing the seeds to prevent diluting the colour of the paprika.
• Dehydrate the peppers in a dehydrator or oven until fully dried.
• Once cooled, grind the peppers into a powder and store in an airtight jar.

Salt:

• Kosher salt is a common type of salt used in cooking, known for its large surface area and ability to cling to food.
• Salt enhances the flavour of dishes by drawing out water, allowing other seasonings to be fully absorbed.
• It is important to use salt in the right proportions and add it gradually throughout the cooking process, tasting as you go.

Cayenne:

• Cayenne peppers can be used to make a hot sauce to add to your dip.
• Chop the peppers and garlic cloves, then add them to a pot with vinegar and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Cool the mixture and blend it until smooth.

Tomatoes:

• To prepare tomatoes for a sauce, start by blanching them. Core the tomatoes and slice an "X" in the bottom of each.
• Place the tomatoes in boiling water for about a minute, then transfer them to ice water.
• Peel the tomatoes and coarsely chop or blend them to your desired consistency.

Broth:

• Making broth involves simmering meat and vegetables with aromatic ingredients for several hours.
• Skim off any foam that forms during the simmering process.
• Strain the broth to remove the solid ingredients, then chill it to easily skim off the layer of fat that forms on top.

Cream:

• Fresh cream is made by collecting the malai or top layer of boiled milk and whipping it until it reaches a creamy consistency.
• This process can take about a week, so plan accordingly.
• Homemade cream is best suited for savoury dishes, as it can develop a sour taste over time.

Now that your ingredients are prepared, you are ready to start cooking your cheese dip in the instant pot!