How to Use a Pressure Cooker in 2020 ?

In modern homes and kitchens as well as in business establishment cafeterias and canteens, a pressure cooker is always a usual sight. There is no doubt about the amplified possibilities in modern cuisine preparation when pressure cookers are used.

These seemingly simple kitchen devices have largely impacted and transformed cooking to become one of the most passionate global inspirations. Lots of people acknowledge and accept the impactful joy cooking brings into their lives. So how do you ensure the joy keeps multiplying and leads to better moments in the kitchen.

Steps to Using a Pressure Cooker Optimally and Correctly

1. Read Instructions Before Attempting to Use It
2. Check and Ensure Functionality of All Parts
3. Ensure Optimum Water Level Maintenance
4. Ascertain Pressure Valve Release Functionality

1) Read Instructions Before Attempting to Use It

Instruction manuals are vital in relating and explaining all the service functionality piece by piece. Modern pressure cookers use steam pressure to cook and prepare meals. If there is no sufficient water in the pressure, there is no way steam can be generated. And so, pressure cookers cannot be used unless sufficient water is added to the food substances. That’s why reading and understanding operation instructions inform and educate on the best amount of water to add for various food items to be prepared.

2) Check and Ensure Functionality of All Parts

Evey pressure has a unique function and role to play for its safe, functional use. And so checking fine assemblage, lid seals or gaskets, pressure valves, lock pins, and other airtight vents ensure smooth and easier use.

Therefore, it is vital to keep the pressure cooker clean and in perfect working condition. Replace and repair worn out parts (in case of old pressure cookers) as well as service readiness (incase of new pressure cookers). For instance, it might require replacing rubber gasket or lid seal to ensure a perfect lid seal that prevents pressure escape. Ensuring pressure valves are free from debris helps ensure service functionality.

3) Ensure Optimum Water Level Maintenance

Almost all pressure cookers have a minimum and maximum watermark level on the inside of the cooking chamber. Water, when heated, helps create steam pressure which expands results in excessive cooking heat. However, overfilling the pressure cooker leads to food ejection from the pressure release valve, which may look unpleasant. Lack of pressure escape means a thorough and proper checking of the pressure cooker for safe operation is required. Pressure needs sufficient room in the cooking chamber for steam buildup.

Pressure Cooker Water Level Mark Guide for Various Foods:

Soup and Casserole: not more than ½ full

Vegetables and Meats: under 2/3rds full

Cereals, Pulses, Rice and Pasta: 1/3 full.

When water is at the minimum required levels the pressure cooker performs optimally to give fast and efficient cooking.

4) Ascertain Pressure Valve Release Functionality

Steam pressure is the source of pressure cooker fast food preparation advantage. However, sometimes pressure valve malfunction, seal or gasket loosening and other composites may be underperforming hence affect overall performance.

Pressure cookers are amazing and exceptional time savers while cooking. Food prepared in pressure cookers tends to get ready within a third of conventional cooking time using stoves or in the ovens. Moreover, with several quick-cooking benefits, it also ensures lesser essential vitamin and mineral loss in the food, which means faster meal preparation, nutrition retention, safe and hygienic food taste. It’s easy to cook tasty vegetables as well as retain their high nutrition character.

Different Types of Pressure Cooker Release

(A) Natural Pressure Release
(B) Fast Pressure Release
(C) Cold Water Pressure Release

(A) Natural Pressure Release

Pressure or steam is susceptible to malfunction or even harm if forced out of the pressure cooker chamber or pot. That is why the natural pressure release proves to be both beneficial for the food being cooked and for the proper pressure cooker functioning. They are especially vital for hard foods that require more heat to get ready and soft. It may take some, but gradually the pressure releases the built-up pressure through the escape valve.

(B) Fast Pressure Release

However, most modern pressure cookers incorporate an option for the fast release and expulsion of steam and pressure. They are usually located on the lid regulator valve or the automatic pressure valve pin. It is usually gradual but steady and fast, especially for fast cooking foods like cereals and pulses.

(C) Cold Water Pressure Release

Applying cold water means a fast condensation from the outside, which impacts the expanded inner chamber of the pressure cooker. However, this only works for non-electric pressure cookers. It is fast, reliable, and efficient. There are many pressure cooker models in the market that combine easy-to-read timers and dummy-proof lock systems. Many great choices in quality, design, and simple pan layouts come with long handles and easy-to-use functionality.

However, all pressure cookers function moving though there are huge price differentials between brands, models, and function-based designs (electric and non-electric models).

Pressure cookers are great for fast streaming, stewing, braising, cooking, and preparing hard foods. Moreover, when cooking hard ingredients like dry pulses, pressure cooker recipes must consider cooking time to be taken.

5. Open or Unlock the Pressure Cooker Lid and Pressure Valve

These are a step that follows after confirming that the pressure is fully flushed out from the pressure cooker hot chamber or pot. Open or unlock the interlocking lid to allow the last steam residue to escape and for further cooking or food preparation.

The interlocking lid, gasket, and pressure valve are the best ways to determine when the pressure cooker should be opened. When there is absolutely no hissing sound from the pressure valve, it means there is less pressure on the inside.

Before opening the pressure cooker, tap and move the pressure valve regulator, when there is absolutely no steam escape or hissing noise, it means all the pressure is expelled. However, for new pressure cooker models, it requires moving the valve stem, and if there is no sound of evaporating steam, there is no pressure left in the pressure cooker chamber.

6. Food Can Be Taken Out and Prepared or Served

Pressure cooked food is usually very moist and hot.

Essentially, pressure cookers prepare and cook food in a relatively faster time than the conventional or traditional cooking way. There is less energy use and saving time for other tasks and pursuits. Pressure cookers bring benefits with endless possibilities and options. More so, it is easy to prepare delicious food in a short time. Pressure cookers are also best for cooking simple inputs and ingredients, which ultimately turn normal foods into delicious meals.

Sandy

Hey there, my name is Sandy and I am the voice of this website & the person behind.