7 Tips for Using a Pressure Cooker

Whenever we have a new device to use in the kitchen or with existing cookware as well we often think about the best practice to be followed while using it. With reference to the pressure cooker we have you covered, since we have curated a list of do’s and don'ts and tips that are tried and tested while using a pressure cooker.

Always add some amount of water: You can never cook in a pressure cooker without adding water. Pressure cookers are cooking gadgets based on the concept of steam and pressure being created in the cooker. By not adding water there will not be any scope for pressure or steam to be created while you are using the pressure cooker, hence your food will get charred or probably cause your cooker to explode. Hence it is mandatory to add some quantity of water when you are cooking in a pressure cooker.

Watch the quantity of food you add to your pressure cooker: This is probably the most important step where we often go overboard while filling contents in a pressure cooker. Make sure you leave room on the top, for the steam and pressure that collects and initiates the cooking process. Fill the pressure cooker ⅓ to have a better cooking experience, this will help your food to cook properly and avoid any spilling of contents.

Close your pressure cooker carefully: The next most important step in the process is securing the gasket in place and ensuring the cooker is closed properly from all sides, which will have your food cooking thoroughly. In case of some space being left while closing the pressure cooker will cause the steam to gradually release and the whistle of the cooker will not blow. This will hamper your judgment of cook time leaving your food over or under cooked. Thus securing your pressure cooker lid and making sure your whistle is in place plays an important role in the process of cooking.

Never Self release the Whistle: Even if you are in a hurry and need your food out of the pressure cooker as soon as possible DO NOT release the whistle of your pressure cooker by hand. It can be dangerous since a huge amount of heat and steam accumulates which is released abruptly when the whistle is released. Hence, the best practice is to allow the cooker to cool entirely and then gently check the whistle before opening the lid.

Count the Number of Whistles: This is probably as complex as, “who came first the chicken or the egg” we seldom remember the number of whistles that have been released from the pressure cooker. In fact we often ask our family members if it was the second or the third whistle. This makes it confusing for us while cooking since we either tend to turn off the stove too early or too late. So keeping a check on the number of whistles is vital to ensure that our food gets cooked adequately.

Do not use it to store food: It's important to note that cookware is meant for cooking. It's different from serveware which is meant for serving and storage containers which are meant for storing food. Do not store food that is left over in the pressure cooker such actions destroy the cookware in the long run. So once the process of cooking is completed then you need to transfer the food to a serveware or a storage container. This will ensure that your pressure cooker lasts for a long period of time.

Care while washing and storing: Always wash the pressure cooker once you have removed the food from it, you can separately remove the whistle and the gasket and wash them under running water. Any mild detergent can be used for the purpose of washing, but once washed dry it and store all the parts of the pressure cooker together so that the next time you cook you have everything in place .

These are some of the tips that we recommend when using a pressure cooker. Today numerous delicacies are cooked in the pressure cooker from biryani to cakes and cookies. Our home chefs have experimented and shared their experiences on the digital platforms. However these basics of use are the very foundation of using a pressure cooker.