Simple Rules for Using a Pressure Cooker: The Complete Guide for Beginners
Many people are afraid to use pressure cookers, this is not unusual. If you have such fears, know that you are not alone. Anyone can be a little nervous when they see the sound of the cooker and various valves. But honestly, once you understand the way it works, you will see that it is as easy to use as water.
I have been cooking in a regular pressure cooker for the last eight years. From my own experience, it is a thing that changes the look of the kitchen. Cooking in it will save about 70 percent of your time as well as gas or electricity. And since the nutritional value of the food is maintained inside, the taste is excellent. Whether you buy a new cooker or think of using an old cooker in the cupboard, this guide is for you. I’m sharing all the tips for using a simple cooker here.
Why are people
afraid to use pressure cookers?
In fact, there is some fear in people’s minds about pressure cookers. And it’s not unusual. The old cookers that we had in the time of our parents or grandparents sometimes made a loud noise or were afraid of bursting.
But the truth is, modern pressure cookers are not like those old-fashioned cookers. Although technology has improved a lot, the previous fears remain in the minds of the people. People usually avoid cookers for 5 reasons:
- Fear of safety: Will it explode in a hurry?
- Complexity: There are so many buttons and settings, can I do it?
- Thoughts of wasting money: If I don’t buy and use it in the end!
- Hard Guide: Nothing is understood by reading the user manual or the book.
- It is very natural to worry about making a mistake while cooking or spoiling food. But the good news is that today’s modern pressure cookers are much safer than ever before and are very easy to use. This may be one of your best investments for kitchen work.
How the
pressure cooker works: simple ideas
Before we go into all the details, let’s know how this device actually works. If you understand this, your fear will be greatly reduced.
Simply put, a pressure cooker is a container whose mouth is tightly sealed from all sides. When heat is given with water inside, the steam or steam inside it cannot come out. This trapped steam creates a lot of pressure inside the cooker.
Usually, the water in the open pot starts to boil at 100 degrees Celsius, but due to that tremendous pressure inside the cooker, the water temperature rises further to about 121 degrees Celsius.
This is where the real magic happens: because the water temperature is much higher than normal, the food boils very quickly. Cooking is completed in half or less time than usual. Think of it this way: You’re creating a small enclosed world where extreme heat is rapidly penetrating the food. As a result, hard meat becomes fluffy in a short time and can be cooked quickly even if you do not soak pulses or grains beforehand. It’s really cool!
What is the Best Pressure Cooker?
Read More →Types of pressure cookers
Stovetop Pressure Cooker
- Traditional Methods: These are the common cookers we know, which are usually available at a very low price or at hand.
- Be careful: When cooking, you have to be careful by the side of the stove.
- A little scary reason: For beginners, controlling the sound or heat of the cooker’s whistle can be a bit intimidating.
- Manual Control: Here you have to control the heat by increasing or decreasing the heat of the stove with your own hands.
Electric Pressure Cooker
- Automatic system: You just have to fix the time, the rest of the work will be done by this cooker itself. When cooked, it stops on its own.
- Simple settings: It has different buttons or programs set for different foods.
- More secure: Because they are modern technology, they have an automatic pressure release system, which is much safer.
- Best for beginners: For those who are using it for the first time, this is the easiest solution.
- My advice: To be honest, I recommend most people to use electric cookers when it comes to the convenience of use. In this guide, I am mainly discussing the electric model, because it is easiest to run for those who are new. However, the general cooking rules for both types of cookers are almost the same.
The Correct Rules for Cooking in a Pressure Cooker: Step-by-Step Guide
Let‘ s take a look at the basics of cooking. I’m going to make the whole thing as easy as water for you.
Step 1: Pack all the cooking ingredients before
putting them in the cooker stove. This is simply called ‘preparation‘, which will greatly reduce your work and time.
- Chop vegetables: If you cut the vegetables to roughly the same size, then all the vegetables will be cooked equally.
- Cut the meat: Do not make the pieces of meat too large; Medium or small pieces will boil quickly.
- Measure water: Measure exactly how much water or broth you need for cooking.
- Pack the spices: Keep all the necessary spices handy.
Important tips: Water is the main function of cooking in a pressure cooker. Be sure to add at least 1 cup of water or broth to make enough steam or steam. This steam creates pressure inside and boils the food.
Step 2: Arrange the materials properly in layer by layer
One thing many people do not know – the serial or sequence of food in the cooker is very important.
- Put water first: Put at least a cup of water or broth down.
- Aromatic spices: Then add onion or garlic.
- Solid foods: Then add meat or solid vegetables (g. potatoes, carrots).
- Soft vegetables: Finally, place the soft vegetables on top.
Why do you give it this way? If soft foods are under water, they can become overcooked and melt. If you put them on top, they will be boiled in steam heat instead of water directly and will be completely cool after cooking
Step 3: Glue the lid properly
This is the step that many people worry about the most. But believe me, it’s very simple.
- Install the lid: Place the lid properly on the body of the cooker.
- Rotate: Rotate clockwise with light pressure until there is a ‘click’
- Don’t force: The lid is supposed to stick very smoothly. If you have to get stuck or forced, you know something is wrong.
Check the sealing ring or rubber: Check that the rubber inside the lid is clean and properly placed. If not properly sealed, pressure will not be created in the cooker.
Step 4: Choose the cooking time and method No matter what model your cooker is, the main rule is:
- High pressure: Use it for solid meats, pulses, or grain foods that take longer to boil.
- Low Pressure: It is suitable for fish, seafood or soft vegetables.
Modern electric cookers have separate buttons for certain foods, which makes your job easier. For example:
- Chicken: 8-15 minutes
- Beef: 20-35 minutes
- Lentils or beans: 20-30 minutes
- Rice: 4-8 minutes
- Vegetables: 2-5 minutes
A pro tip: It’s wise to keep the cooking time a little short at the beginning. Because if the food is a little raw, it can be fixed in the oven later; But if it is too boiled and melted, it is not possible to fix it.
Step 5: Turn on the cooker If everything is fine, press the start button. Depending on the model of your cooker, this button may have “pressure cook“, “manual“, or something else written on it. When the button is pressed, the cooker will start working one by one:
- It will first heat the water or liquid inside.
- It will create steam and create pressure inside (it may take 5-10 minutes).
- Start cooking food over high heat.
- Count backwards until the cooking time is over (g.: 5, 4, 3…) In this way, time will decrease.
When pressure is created inside the cooker, it can be understood on the screen or through lights. Some models tell you by beeping at the beginning of cooking. So don’t be afraid, let the cooker do its job.
Step 6: Pressure or Steam Extraction Rules (Most Important!)
There are three ways you can take out the air or steam inside the cooker after cooking is finished:
Natural Release of Air:
- Rule: When the cooking is finished, turn off the cooker and wait for a while.
- Time: This may take 10 to 20 minutes. As a result, the air or steam inside will gradually go out on its own.
- When to do it: This method is best for solid meats, broth, or stews.
- Why: Because even after closing the cooker, the food continues to boil in the inner steam, which helps to soften the food completely.
Quick Release:
- Rule: Turn the top valve of the cooker or press the specified button.
- Time: All the steam will be out in just 1 to 2 minutes.
- When to do: It’s best for soft vegetables, fish, or seafood.
- Warning: Hot steam comes out very quickly at this time, so do not keep your face on top of the cooker. Keep your hands and mouth away.
Combination Release:
- Rule: Wait for about 10 minutes as usual, then press the button to quickly drain the rest of the air.
- Benefits: This will save you time and also maintain the quality of the food. In all, this process takes about 10 minutes.
The taste and quality of the food will depend on the method by which you are blowing the air. It is very important to know this rule to use the cooker safely.
Step 7: Open the lid and enjoy the food
When the steam or pressure inside the cooker is completely drained, when:
- Unlocking: Most electric cookers will automatically unlock when the pressure drops.
- Open it carefully: Open the lid with your body slightly shifted to the opposite side while opening it.
- Beware of steam: Even if the lock is open, there may be some hot steam inside, so be careful.
- Check: Make sure the food is properly cooked.
- Enhance the taste: If you feel less salt or pepper, you can mix it at this time.
- Serving: Serve hot and taste the delicious food!
Easy recipe
for beginners: chicken-rice (chicken and rice)
Some tips for those who are using a pressure cooker for the first time:
Knowing these things before you start cooking will make your job a lot easier:
1. Be sure to add water or broth: It is always necessary to have some water or liquid to create steam or steam inside the cooker. Without it, there will be no pressure. Usually, you have to give at least 1 cup of water, but there is no harm in giving a little more. Remember, food in excess water will not be completely wet in the shopshop; Because the cooker mainly cooks with the help of steam.
2. Don’t fill the cooker more than two-thirds: this is the most important rule for safety. It is always necessary to keep some empty space inside the cooker for the accumulation of steam. If you fill up with excess food or water, you will not be able to create pressure properly inside, which can be dangerous.
3. Check the rubber or sealing ring regularly: The rubber inside the cooker lid is actually the life of the cooker. If it’s not right, the steam will run out and the cooking won’t work properly. If it becomes loose, torn, or does not sit in place, the cooker will not whistle or create pressure inside. It is better to replace this rubber everyone to one and a half years.
Tips: Remove the rubber and clean it thoroughly after each cooking. Even if a small food particle is stuck, the lid will not be sealed properly.
4. Don’t cook anything difficult at the beginning: Don’t try a recipe that’s too complicated or too complicated for the first time. At the beginning, roll your hands with dal, rice or a simple recipe of one-pot. Once you have mastered the way the machine works, cook as many complex as you like.
5. Use a different timer: Even if you have a timer in your electric cooker, keep the timer on a watch or mobile on the side. Especially at the end of cooking, it is very useful to understand how long the cooker is waiting (natural release), it is very useful.
Get to know
your model
Each brand of pressure cooker in the market is different. For example, the work style of ‘Instant Pot‘ and other local brands may be slightly different. So after buying the cooker, give it some time to read the manual or manual that comes with it. I’m serious! Once you understand all the options or functions of the cooker, it will be much easier for you to cook.
Rules for Safe Use of Pressure Cookers
We all have some fear for safety. But to be honest, today’s modern pressure cookers are much safer. Just follow these simple rules to use safely:
Some important tips:
- Check the rubber: Before starting cooking, check that the rubber on the lid is clean and that it fits properly.
- Don’t force open the lid: Never try to open the lid when there is air or pressure inside the cooker. Wait until the steam that has accumulated inside is completely gone. Remember, modern cookers have safety locks, so there is no need to force them to open.
- Beware of hot steam: The steam stored inside the cooker is very hot, so be careful when opening the lid. Keep the cooker vent or mouth away from your hands and mouth when exhaling air.
- Do not give food out of size: There is a max line inside the cooker. Never put food or water on the stain.
- Keep the vent clean: The hole through which the air comes out, many times the food particles can get stuck. Keep it clean regularly.
- Use a stand: Use an iron stand or trivet with a cooker. There is no fear of burning the food under it.
Modern safety measures (why you can rest assured):
Modern cookers are designed in such a way that there is almost no danger in them
1. Automatic lock: It cannot be opened if there is pressure inside.
2. Excessive pressure control: When the pressure inside becomes too high, the automatic valve opens and expels excess air.
3. Anti-Block Shield: It has additional protection measures to prevent any food from getting stuck and blocking the way out of air.
Simply put, with the advancement of technology, there is no fear of bursting today’s cookers. So there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a pressure cooker
| Advantages | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Excellent speed: that’s the biggest advantage. It reduces cooking time by about 50-70 percent, which is a big deal for busy people. |
| 2. | Cost-effective: Cooking is faster, so the cost of gas or electricity is much lower. |
| 3. | Nutritional value: Vitamins and nutrients in the food are not wasted because it takes less time to cook,but rather stick to the food. So the food is healthy. |
| 4. | Excellent Taste: The taste and color of the food is fine due to the fact that it is cooked over a lot of heat. Even some foods are more delicious when cooked in a pressure cooker than in ordinary pots. |
| 5. | Hassle-free cooking: By setting the cooking time, you can do other things safely, especially if you have an electric cooker. There is no need to stand next to the stove repeatedly. |
| 6. | All types of cooking: pulses, rice, meat, vegetables or soups – almost all types of food can be cooked effortlessly. |
| Some disadvantages (what you need to know) | |
|---|---|
| 1. | It takes time to learn: Understanding the cooking time properly can be a little difficult in the beginning. You can’t reduce or increase the time if you want. |
| 2. | Cost is high in the beginning: If you want to buy a good quality pressure cooker, you have to pay a little more money at the beginning. Depending on the model, it can cost between Rs 5000 and Rs 30,000 (or more). |
| 3. | Fixed quantity: Since you are cooking in a certain size of pot, you may have to finish the job several times to cook for many people at once. |
| 4. | Not for all foods: Crispy fried or very soft pastries are not good in a pressure cooker. |
| 5. | Primary inertia: To be honest, it’s normal to be a little scared when you see the sound of the cooker or steam coming out for the first time. |
Should you buy a pressure cooker?
For whom it will be most beneficial, the following is given:
This is perfect for you if you are:
- Busy employees: Those who return home after work all day have to prepare dinner very quickly.
- Family Cooks: Those who cook for the whole family every day.
- Meal prep or preparation in advance: Those who like to pack food for the whole week during the holidays.
- Affordable cooks: Those who want to reduce gas or electricity consumption (because it makes cheap meat also very tasty at a low cost).
- Small Kitchen: Those who have less space in the kitchen and want to do all the work using a pot.
Who wouldn't buy it for?
You can avoid pressure cookers if:
- If you like to cook slowly in the oven or oven for a long time (there’s nothing wrong with that, everyone’s preferences may be different!)
- There is no shortage of time: You have a lot of time on your hands and you prefer the traditional method to the simple method of cooking.
- Eating out: If you don’t cook much at home.
- Reluctance to use new technology: If you are not comfortable using new electronic equipment.
My truth is that if you love to cook and want to save time at the same time, you should at least try a pressure cooker. Between 5 and 7 thousand rupees, you will get a good quality electric model. If you cook it just 3-4 times, you will become adept at using it. Then you will see how comfortable it has made your cooking!
Using a pressure cooker is not a difficult task. Once you understand its basic rules and safety issues, everything is as simple as water. Especially modern electric cookers are a blessing for busy people like us.
The fact is: if you are tired of wasting hours of time cooking, but do not want to discount the taste of food, then the pressure cooker is the best solution for you.
After successfully cooking food for the first time, all the fears in your mind will go away. Then you will wonder why you have been without it for so long! So dare to start today with a simple recipe. Don’t worry too much and just follow the safety rules. Believe me, your experience of cooking will change
