Mastering Pressure Cooking Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide to Operating Your Pressure Cooker
The pressure cooker, a kitchen appliance that has been revolutionising cooking since the 17th century, is a must-have for any modern home. This versatile device, attributed to French inventor Denis Papin, cooks food in about a third of the time it traditionally would.
A pressure cooker is a cooking appliance with a lid that locks, preventing steam from escaping and building pressure inside the cooker. This high pressure allows food to cook quickly and evenly, turning an inexpensive, tough cut of meat into a fork-tender delight.
Before pressure cooking, it's recommended to brown the meat for stew meat and skin-on chicken. However, dairy and thickeners like flour, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch should not be added during the cooking process. Instead, they should be added after the cooking process to thicken the dish.
When it comes to cooking times, a pressure cooker cooking time chart is available to help with cooking guidelines for various foods. For smaller cuts of meats and vegetables, increased cooking time is required. Larger cuts of meat can be cooked in less time.
For delicate foods such as eggs, delicate fish, or lightly steaming vegetables, use low pressure. On the other hand, the majority of pressure cooker recipes are timed based on high pressure.
Modern pressure cookers have time and temperature monitors to ensure safety. To convert stove top recipes to pressure cooker recipes, divide the cooking time by 3. For slow cooker recipes, multiply the cooking time in hours by 60, then divide by 10.
Never fill a pressure cooker more than 2/3 full, and fill no more than halfway when cooking rice or other expanding foods. After cooking, pressure should be released carefully, either naturally (letting the machine sit and the temperature decrease) or quick-release (releasing steam using a valve on top of the lid).
One of the advantages of pressure cooking is the intensification of flavours. Therefore, when converting a recipe, reduce the quantity of dried herbs and spices. Remember that alcohol and wine are not suitable for pressure cooking due to flammable steam.
With a pressure cooker, you can enjoy faster, tastier meals. Whether you're looking to save time or enhance the flavours of your dishes, this versatile kitchen appliance is a valuable addition to any home.
