A pressure cooker is a unique kitchen appliance that cooks food
using steam. It locks the steam inside and allows it to build, creating an
intensely hot atmosphere that cooks food quickly and thoroughly.
A pressure cooker is a safe and relatively inexpensive appliance.
It also creates options that you just won’t get with other appliances. However,
it’s often underused, with many customers buying one, realising they don’t
really know how to use it, and then letting it gather dust in a cupboard
somewhere.
In this guide we hope to remedy that issue by showing you some top
tips for getting the most out of your pressure cooker.
Don’t Overdo it with the Liquid
If you cook using a standard pot or pan, it will release a lot of
steam and may dry out quickly. As a result, you may be used to using a lot of
liquid when you cook. This isn’t the case with a pressure cooker though. Some
steam is released, but a lot of it is contained—that’s how the machine works
its magic.
To account for this, limit the amount of liquid that you use. You
will still need to use some liquid, but don’t overdo it. Many recipes call for
a single cup, but it will depend on your appliance and the food you’re cooking.
Brown it First
Your pressure cooker won’t brown your food like a traditional pan
will. If you want meat that is browned around the edges, then you’re going to
have to do this separately. Fortunately, it’s very quick and easy. Just brown
the meat or other food in a pan and then cook in the pressure cooker.
This is a great way to get more flavour out of a good cut of meat,
but it can also be used to add a charcoal taste to vegetables or to roast some
spices.
A pressure cooker is often seen as a one-pot device where you just
throw everything in and wait. This is true to an extent, but if you want to
diversify and get the best out of it then it’s best to use other methods as
well.
Don’t Submerge/Use Cold Water
Do not use a cold-water release with your pressure cooker and make
sure you don’t submerge the appliance in water either. These are essential
safety tips and will ensure the device lasts longer and you don’t cause any
accidents.
Don’t Overfill
All pressure cookers have a maximum fill line. If you go above
this line with food or liquid then you may be jeopardizing the integrity of the
machine and it will not cook the food properly. Keep a close eye on these lines
as you use your pressure cooker, giving the steam plenty of room.
Thicken Your Sauces
Countless home cooks have groaned with despair upon seeing that
their sauces are thin and watery when they come out of the pressure cooker.
This happens because there is too much water, which can be an issue even if you
closely pay attention to the number 1 tip on this list.
But don’t worry as there is a way to salvage that dish. Your
pressure cooker may not have done the job you wanted, but there’s nothing
stopping you from finishing it off.
Simply remove the lid and keep the cooker on the heat (obviously
you should not attempt to remove the lid while it is cooking or hot). It will
reach temperature again and this time the steam will not be trapped, allowing
all that moisture to escape and helping your sauce to thicken.
Summary: Trust in Pressure Cookers!
Now that you know how easy pressure cookers can be, it’s time to
dig yours out from that cupboard or finally make the purchase you’ve been
contemplating for years!
There are many affordable options out there, with the Instant Pot being one of the best reviewed
and the most popular. These appliances have a long life, despite the intense
pressure they are constantly under, and they can help you create all kinds of
wonderful dishes.
If you’re worried about the safety of these appliances, don’t be!
Accidents do happen, but the same could be said for every other appliance in
the kitchen and they are much rarer than you might believe.
If you follow a few basic safety tips, you can
limit the risk of accidents even further.
#Easy #Tips #Pressure #Cooker #Good #Blog
