Precautions And Introduction To The Use Of Electric Pressure Cooker And Pressure Cookers

Electric Pressure Cooker notes:

1. Read the instruction manual. This is one of the most important things to do before starting pressure cooking. Every pressure cooker is different and has its own set of instructions that you need to follow. You should know the safety features of your pressure cooker, such as the location of the steam release valve and button, and whether the body of the pressure cooker feels cool to the touch while cooking.

2. Add enough liquid. When you use a pressure cooker, you need enough liquid in the pot to reach the pressure and cook the food properly. The liquid rule in pressure cooking is to always add at least 1 cup of liquid unless the recipe states otherwise. The liquid will help create enough steam to cook the food.

3. Start with simple recipes. Pressure cooking can be intimidating, so it's wise to start with a few simple recipes to get you comfortable with this cooking method.

4. Use this cooking method to add flavor. A pressure cooker can lock in flavor and help preserve the texture of food, creating tastier meals. Use the inner pot to sauté vegetables or roast meats to add flavor to the dish before pressure cooking.

5. Use the pressure cooker for desserts and side dishes. If your pressure cooker has a ceramic pot, you can cook a main dish and a side dish at the same time. It's perfect for one-pot meals. But did you also know that you can make desserts in a pressure cooker? Get a springform pan for fuss-free cheesecake and custard that won't crack.

Notes for pressure cookers:

1. Do not open the pressure cooker while cooking. Most modern electric pressure cookers create pressure inside, making it impossible for a person to turn them on. However, you shouldn't try to open it while you're using it anyway. If you need to turn on the cooker while cooking food, turn it off and release the pressure before turning it on.

2. Don't release the pressure until the time is right. Follow the recipe steps when releasing stress. There are two options, the recipe will tell you to either release the steam manually or wait for it to release naturally. If you release the pressure too soon, your food may not be fully cooked.

3. Do not overfill the pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are not meant to be filled all the time. Do not fill the pressure cooker more than the maximum level, which is usually ⅔ full. Overfilling may clog the steam relief valve or create excessive pressure.

4. Do not add thickeners. Pressure cookers draw steam from the liquid in the pot, so it's important not to add thickeners like cornstarch or bolognese until the food starts to cook. When you're cooking thick sauces, soups, or stews, adding thickeners too early can negatively affect the way you cook because thicker liquids release less steam. If you want to make a thicker soup or sauce, add the thickener after the food is done cooking.

5. Don't give up after a bad experience. If you're struggling with a pressure cooker, don't give up. It takes time to learn a new way of cooking and find what works best for your cooking habits.