I deleted the apps too, but unfortunately I still like to use Instagram to follow photographers I'm interested in. These uBlock Origin filter rules have made it usable without being a black hole for my attention:

    www.instagram.com##article:has( > div > div > span:has-text(Suggested for you)):style(opacity: 0% !important;)
    www.instagram.com##div:has(> span > div > a[href="/explore/"])
    www.instagram.com##div:has(> span > div > a[href="/reels/"])