How to use a pressure cooker

Introduction:

All pressure cookers work the same way and all of them come with instructions written on the manuals. But sometimes, you may still face a few problems with your pressure cookers. Pressure cookers are used for making a variety of food and the food that takes long to cook in any other vessel, takes just a few minutes to cook in a pressure cooker. In fact, food cooked in cookers are far more healthier than in any regular cookware or vessel. The food is cooked in its own steam, keeping all the nutrients intact. Even though these cookers are very simple in using, you still have to be very careful while using them. Here are some really easy ways to use your pressure cooker without any hassles.

Complexity Level: Basic

Time Required: Depending on what’s being cooked (the recipe)

Estimated Cost: NIL

Resources Required:
1. Pressure Cooker
2. Ingredients needed for the specific recipe.
3. Water

Instructions:

1. Check your recipe: Check the recipe to know what all thing you will need, and how much time will be needed for the food to be pressurized. Then do all the initial preparation that has to be done before using the pressure cooker. The wash the cooker clean and put all the required ingredients in it.

2. Checking of vent pipe: Checking of vent pipe is very important. Make sure you can see through it and the pipe is unclogged. If its not clean, the pressure cannot come out of the cooker well.

3. Place the regulator and the lid: Now place the regulator on the vent pipe and carefully put the lid on the cooker. Make sure it is firmly locked. You can now start cooking it on high flame.

4. Start your cooking: Slow rocking of the pressure cooker is what you have to look for. When this starts, the actual cooking inside has begun. You now have to simmer it on low. Then switch it off after how much ever the pressuring was required in the recipe.

5. Stop when done: When the specified time is over, switch the stove off and remove from flame. Allow it to cool or simply pour some cold water over the cooker to loosen the lid. When the vent drops, you can be sure that the pressure inside has dropped to normal levels. Now remove the lid and check on your cooking.

FAQs:

1. List the cookware that can be safely used in a pressure cooker?

You can safely use earthen ware, glass, metal and all heat proof cookware in it. No plastics!

2. How to remove tough stains from the cooker?

If you are left with very tough stains on the cooker, you can clean it with boiling water and lime. Boil water and add lemon to it then sink in the cooker and let it stay for a few minutes. Then rub it with a brush that doesn’t leave scratches on the cooker.

Quick Tips:

• If cooking meat, use a large skillet to place the meat. If you do not do this, your meat pieces may fall apart while removing from the pressure cooker.

• Soak your vegetables for the whole previous night before cooking. They will taste better this way.

Things to watch out for:

• Be very careful while opening the lid of your cooker. Make sure it doesn’t have any pressure left. One way of doing this is, when opening the lid if it is even slightly firm, leave it again for a few minutes.

• Also make sure you have enough water specified in the instructions or you will end up with burnt food.