• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Red Spatula logo
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bread & Baking
      • Quick Breads
      • Yeasted Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
      • Bars & Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts & Mini Donuts
      • Pie
    • Dinner
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Pork
      • Turkey
    • Dips & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups
    • Recipe Index
    • Recipe Search
  • Whole Grain Resources
  • Travel and Hiking
    • Hikes In The USA
    • International Travel
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Travel within United States
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bread & Baking
      • Quick Breads
      • Yeasted Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
      • Bars & Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Cookies
      • Donuts & Mini Donuts
      • Pie
    • Dinner
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Pork
      • Turkey
    • Dips & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups
    • Recipe Index
    • Recipe Search
  • Whole Grain Resources
  • Travel and Hiking
    • Hikes In The USA
    • International Travel
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Travel within United States
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Whole Grain Resources

    Effortless Kamut In The Instant Pot

    Published: Nov 15, 2023 by Amy Sandidge · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    I have long been a proponent of cooking whole grains in pressure cookers, it is just so much easier. That is the idea behind this post all about Effortless Kamut In The Instant Pot. I will share everything you need to know to get started right away.

    If you are used to cooking Kamut on the cooktop, which is what I used to do, let me show you how much easier and quicker it is to cook it in the pressure cooker. You won't look back!

    Woman holding a white bowl of cooked kamut.

    What you need to get started

    This process is going to be really simple, let me share everything you will need to get started.

    • First, you will need raw Kamut berries. I buy mine from Azure Standard. You can also find it on Amazon if you prefer shopping there.
    • Next, you will need a pressure cooker. I love my Instant Pot and use it ALL the time!
    • Salt- Kosher salt is always my preferred salt, but you can use what you like.
    White bowl with kamut grains.

    Should I soak Kamut before cooking it?

    Soaking Kamut before cooking is part of the process that can offer several benefits, but it's important to note that it's not mandatory. Here are some reasons for soaking Kamut before cooking, along with the acknowledgment that it's not mandatory:

    1. Reduced Cooking Time: Soaking Kamut can significantly reduce the cooking time. The grains become rehydrated during soaking, which means they require less time to become tender when cooked.
    2. Enhanced Texture: Soaked Kamut tends to have a more uniform and pleasant texture, with grains that cook more evenly, resulting in a better overall mouthfeel in your recipes.
    3. Enhanced Flavor: Soaking can also enhance the natural flavor of Kamut, as it allows the grains to fully absorb the cooking liquids and any seasonings you use.
    4. Prevention of Overcooking: Soaking reduces the risk of overcooking Kamut, which can lead to a mushy or overly soft texture, especially in a pressure cooker.

    Pressure cooking soaked Kamut

    1. Soak the Kamut grains in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
    2. Drain and rinse the soaked Kamut thoroughly with fresh water.
    3. Transfer the soaked and rinsed Kamut to the pressure cooker.
    4. Add enough fresh water to cover the Kamut, using a water-to-kamut ratio of 2:1.
    5. Close the pressure cooker lid, ensuring it's properly sealed.
    6. Set the pressure cooker to cook on "High Pressure" mode for 30 minutes.
    7. Allow the pressure to release all the way after the pressure release.
    8. Carefully open the pressure cooker lid.
    9. Check the Kamut for doneness; it should be tender with a slight chewiness.
    Kamut soaking in water in a glass measuring cup.
    Kamut and water in an Instant Pot.
    Cooked kamut in water in an Instant pot.

    Pressure cooking unsoaked Kamut

    1. Pour Kamut into the Pressure Cooker: Place the unsoaked Kamut grains in the pressure cooker.
    2. Add Water: Pour 2 ½ cups of water over every 1 cup of Kamut in the pressure cooker.
    3. Close the Lid: Ensure that the pressure cooker's lid is properly sealed.
    4. Set to High Pressure: Set the pressure cooker to cook on "High Pressure" mode.
    5. Cook for 45 Minutes: Start the cooking process and allow the Kamut to cook for 45 minutes.
    6. Natural Pressure Release: Once the 45 minutes of cooking are complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This usually takes a few minutes.
    7. Open the Lid: Carefully open the pressure cooker lid.
    8. Check Doneness: Verify the Kamut for doneness. It should be tender but still have a slight chewiness. If it's not done to your liking, you can return it to pressure for a few additional minutes.
    Cooked kamut in a white serving bowl with handles.

    Ways to use the cooked Kamut berries

    Salads: Kamut makes an excellent addition to salads, both cold and warm. Combine it with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing for a filling salad.

    Grain Bowls: Create hearty grain bowls by layering cooked Kamut with roasted or sautéed vegetables, protein sources like grilled chicken or tofu, and a tasty sauce.

    Soup or Stew: Add cooked Kamut to soups or stews for extra texture. It can be a great substitute for other grains like rice or pasta in soups.

    Pilafs: Use Kamut as the base for a flavorful pilaf by sautéing it with onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices.

    Casseroles: Incorporate Kamut into casseroles and one-dish meals for added texture.

    Snack: Season cooked Kamut with herbs and spices, then roast or air-fry it for a crunchy snack.

    Dips: Blend cooked Kamut with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and herbs to make a flavorful dip or spread.

    Veggie Burgers: Combine Kamut with vegetables, beans, and seasonings to make homemade veggie burgers.

    Woman holding a white bowl of kamut grains.

    5 interesting facts about Kamut berries

    Kamut, an ancient grain, traces its origins back thousands of years to the Fertile Crescent, encompassing regions like Iraq and Iran. Known as "King Tut's Wheat," Kamut holds historical significance, with traces found in Egyptian tombs.

    The name "Kamut" finds its roots in the ancient Egyptian term "kamut," signifying "wheat." This name was trademarked specifically for unaltered, organic Khorasan wheat.

    Kamut's unique distinction lies in its oversized kernels compared to modern wheat varieties, which contribute to its characteristic texture and flavor in culinary applications.

    Embraced for its eco-friendly and sustainable attributes, Kamut is often cultivated through organic farming methods. It's recognized for its minimal soil impact compared to contemporary wheat crops.

    One notable feature of Kamut is its genetic purity. It is one of the few grains that have not been hybridized, even through its long history.

    Woman holding a white bowl of cooked kamut.

    More Kamut recipes

    I have quite a few other Kamut recipes to share with you. It is a wonderful grain with so many possibilities! Be sure to click below for more details and recipes.

    • Lemon Kamut Pound Cake
    • How to Make Kamut Flour Tortillas, Step by Step
    • Kamut Pizza Dough Recipe {Sourdough}
    • Kamut Muffins- Blueberry Crumb
    Cooked kamut in a white serving bowl with handles.

    Effortless Kamut In The Instant Pot

    Amy Sandidge
    Cooking Kamut in the pressure cooker could not be easier. Let me show you just how easy it can be.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    natural release 10 hours hrs
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course grains
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 cups

    Equipment

    • 1 pressure cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup kamut berries
    • 2 cups liquid This can be water or broth. Add 2 ½ cups if you are using unsoaked Kamut.
    • 1 teaspoon salt Less if you are using broth and it is salty

    Instructions
     

    Soaked Kamut

    • Place the kamut in a medium-sized bowl and cover it with several inches of water. Let it sit overnight or for at least 6 hours.
    • Drain the Kamut. Place the soaked Kamut, liquid, and salt into the pressure cooker.
    • Place the lid on the pressure cooker, seal it, and set it to cook on high for 35 minutes.
    • When the time is up, let it to natural release for 5 minutes. When it has been released, finish releasing it and carefully remove the lid.
    • Check the kamut for doneness. Serve as you like!

    Unsoaked Kamut

    • Add Kamut, water, and salt to the pressure cooker. Seal the lid and set to pressure high for 45 minutes.
    • Let it release naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then finish releasing the pressure and carefully remove the lid.
    • Check for doneness and serve as you like.
    Keyword instant pot, kamut, pressure cooker
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    • Whole Grain Resources
    • Pressure Cooker
    • Kamut Flour
    « Buttery And Flaky 6-Inch Pie Crust
    Fluffy Slow Cooker Brown Rice »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sue says

      July 26, 2024 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this recipe Amy!
      I started milling my own wheat berries for bread about eight months ago. About four months into making/eating the bread my blood sugar, which had been a little on the high side had gone down 10 points! But I recently started incorporating Into my diet, cooking the berries for eating. (Hard, white wheat berries, barley, and today kamut.
      I ate my kamut with a dash of salt, nutritional yeast, and a little pat of butter. (I switch between butter & olive oil) Very delicious!

      Reply
      • Amy Sandidge says

        July 26, 2024 at 9:26 pm

        I love to hear this, Sue. Cooking grains and adding them to everyday foods really is a game-changer. Love to hear how you are using them!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amy! I am a culinary school graduate creating a comprehensive collection of recipes, with a focus on incorporating whole grains. My goal is to craft dishes that resonate with the whole family. 

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Slices of grilled stuffed pork tenderloin on a white plate.
      Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
    • Breakfast Oat Groats Instant Pot Recipe
    • Virgin pina colada with a drink umbrella and pineapple wedge on it.
      Virgin Pina Colada Recipe- with Coconut Milk
    • Lemon curd in small mason jars with fresh lemons on the side.
      The Best Thick Lemon Curd
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Subscribe

    Are Whole Grains and Carbs the Big Bad Wolf?

    Subscribe and find out. I will be sending out weekly or biweekly updates on recipes I am creating!

    Thank you for subscribing!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 A Red Spatula

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.