Introduction To The Benefits Of Using An Electric Pressure Cooker And Ways To Relieve Pressure

Why do you need an electric pressure cooker?

1. Saves time: While we've already mentioned saving time, keep in mind that since an electric pressure cooker uses less water than traditional cooking methods, it also takes less time to boil.

2. Fewer dishes: Since most Instant Pots also allow you to sauté vegetables, brown meat, and use other cooking methods, you can do it all in one pot...and end up with fewer dishes (in my book total is the winner).

3. Save Space: Being able to cook multiple foods in one appliance means you can forego some extra kitchen appliances!

4. Preserves nutrients: Did you know that cooking vegetables and other foods can cause vitamins to leach from the food? Since an electric pressure cooker cooks food quickly and evenly, your food will retain more of the water-soluble vitamins.

5. Convenience: You can cook almost anything in the Instant Pot! Meat? Very simple! Meter? Comes out perfectly every time. Corn on the cob? Totally delicious!

There are two ways to release the pressure of the electric pressure cooker:

Quick Release (QR): Releases the valve as soon as the timer goes off. This will ensure your food gets to the table faster.

Natural Pressure Release: Takes the longest, but also produces the tastiest, softest results.

If possible, you want to let your electric pressure cooker do its natural pressure relief. If a recipe calls for a quick release, I do, but if it doesn't specify how to release the pressure, I always choose to let the pressure release naturally. The food that comes out this way is super tender. It's exactly like cooking in a slow cooker, but so much faster!