The Ultimate Guide on How to Use a Pressure Cooker for Beginners
How does a pressure cooker work?
Water is more effective in transmitting heat than air. The pressure cooker works on this principle. It is a pot of boiling water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. It is physically impossible to boil water at such high temperature without extreme pressure. Hence the name pressure cooker. The pressure inside the pot drastically increases which facilitates faster cooking. A relief valve opens when the pressure reaches the desired level, releasing steam.
Instructions for preparing the pressure cooker:
Step 1: Use the rack if necessary for the specific recipe.
Step 2: Pour the required amount of liquid into the cooker and add the food.
Step 3: Carefully examine the vent pipe for clogs by holding up the cover against the light.
Step 4: After placing the cover on the top of the cooker, line the cover and body handle in the same line and surely close it.
Step 5: Attach the pressure regulator or the whistle on the vent pipe.
Instructions for cooking:
Step 6: As the ingredients get heated the whistle starts to rock. Observe.
Step 7: Regulation of flame will keep the heat stable and the whistle in a slow steady motion. Cooking begins from this point of time.
Step 8: Cook till the time mentioned in the recipe. Reducing the pressure as directed.
Step 9: As soon as air vent drops the pressure regulator must be removed.
Step 10: Take off the lid and the food is ready to be served.
Tips and Warnings
• Cooling the gasket in chilled water and heating the edge of the lid under warm water will make the new gasket easier to insert.
• Push the gasket into the place with fingers. Sharp tools may damage it. If damaged the seal won't be safe.
• Replacing the pressure plug is recommended by certain pressure cooker manufactures when replacing the gasket.
• Pressure cookers must not be stored with their lids closed.
• Clean properly and dry out the body perfectly to prolong the life of the utensil.
• Keep an eye on the handles and the other external parts as they require repairing. Otherwise loosening of such parts may lead to accidents.
All pressure cooker manufacturers provide a user manual along with the product which allows the user to fully understand the capacity and usages of the utensil. It is very important to learn about the safety measure before using a pressure cooker as it works under high pressure. Accidents might happen if not handled properly.