The pressure cooker can still scare a lot of people, but if used correctly, this utensil can help you a lot in the kitchen.
The pressure cooker is an essential utensil in any kitchen. However, even though it is very practical, the pressure cooker is still taboo for many people who are terrified of using this utensil. Which is understandable, as it can be very dangerous.
But, it need not be feared. If used correctly, the pressure cooker is very safe and can be a real help when preparing a wide range of dishes.
That’s right, in addition to speeding up food preparation, the pressure cooker is also a very versatile accessory. Therefore, it can be used in different ways to prepare the most varied foods.
Furthermore, the pressure cooker is also very economical, as it reduces the cooking time of food. The important thing is to have a good quality pan, keep its maintenance up to date and use it following the manufacturing instructions. Doing all this, there is nothing to fear.
Therefore, today we will learn more about the pressure cooker, from how it works to how to use it correctly. In addition to some tips for special dishes using the utensil.
Pressure cooker
Although it is very common in every kitchen, the pressure cooker can still be an issue for many people. How to use it correctly is one of the most common questions about this pan. Because it can be dangerous, as it is attributed to explosions and burns in the kitchen.
But it’s actually very easy to use and can be very useful in the kitchen. Its main use is to speed up food preparation. It is commonly used to cook grains and meats, making meal preparation much faster and more practical. In addition to being very economical, as it uses less energy or gas, precisely because it spends less time on the fire.
However, in addition to the traditional one, this pan can also be used in other ways. For example, did you know that you can barbecue in a pressure cooker? The main point is to know how it works. This makes it easier to use and avoid possible accidents.
How the pressure cooker works
The pressure cooker works by trapping vapors inside. As a result, the internal pressure increases and, consequently, the temperature as well. In this way, the water increases its boiling time to more than 100 degrees Celsius, and thus cooks food faster than a regular pan.
So, for the vapors to be trapped inside, the pan needs to be tightly closed and with the rubber seal in good condition, so that no vapor escapes. Furthermore, the safety lock on the handle must also be placed correctly, so as not to run the risk of it coming loose, opening the lid and causing an accident.
And, so that the internal vapors do not exceed the available space inside the pan – which could result in an explosion –, there is a valve with a pin. This pin, which is located in the lid, works as a kind of weight, which controls and maintains the pressure inside the pot constant.
Including this pin that scares a lot of people. When it starts to sizzle and smoke, it can scare whoever is cooking. But, this is a sign that the pan is working well. In fact, this means that the pin is releasing excess steam from inside the pan, to control the pressure.
How to use the pressure cooker
Before using your pressure cooker, the first thing to do is check if it has a maximum level marking. If so, you can fill the pan up to this mark.
If you don’t have this brand, the ideal is to fill only 2/3 of the pan so that it is safe to use. So, knowing this, you can now start using your pressure cooker without fear.
Below, we have other steps and precautions that can help you lose your fear of the utensil and make better use of it:
- First, place the food inside the pan. The ideal is to use water or another liquid for cooking and for the pan to work properly.
- Then cover the pan tightly. In other words, make sure the rubber is well placed.
- Cook over high heat until it starts to boil, which is when the pin starts to sizzle, indicating that the pan has reached pressure.
- Then, lower the heat and let it cook for the time indicated for each type of food.
- After this time, turn off the heat and wait for it to cool until all the pressure has released. If you prefer to speed up the process, you can place the pan under the tap to release the pressure faster.
- Only open the cooker when all the pressure has released. To know this, just notice when the pin goes down and it doesn’t make any more noise when you touch it. This means that all the pressure has released and you can open the cooker normally, without risk of accident.
Care when using the pressure cooker
First of all, you need to choose a quality pressure cooker. And this is not difficult, because there are several good brands on the market. Just choose one since you already trust it.
Furthermore, it is essential to check whether the product has the INMETRO quality seal. This is a guarantee that your pan was made in compliance with all safety standards.
Finally, just follow some basic precautions and your pan will be your best friend in the kitchen.
- First of all, Never open a pressure cooker without making sure you have removed all the internal pressure.
- If the valve pin stops squeaking while the pan is on the heat, it is a sign that it is not working properly. Most of the time, the pin may just be poorly seated. If this is the case, simply adjust the pin and return the pan to the heat.
- After use, wash the pan and all its parts well, including the pin and rubber. This is essential for its proper functioning, as some dirt can obstruct the seal or pressure control.
- Always pay attention to the rubber and ensure it is in good condition. This is because dry or brittle rubber can be dangerous. Therefore, the ideal is to change the rubber on your pan whenever necessary.
- The pressure cooker is a utensil like any other, which gets old and spoils. So, when you notice a malfunction, it’s time to change it for a new one.
Pressure cooker recipes
And finally, some recipes for what you can do in the pressure cooker besides cooking beans. Check out:
Barbecue
Who knew you could barbecue in a pressure cooker!? But, yes, it is possible. And it’s much simpler than it seems.
To do this, simply place around 30% of the weight of the charcoal food at the bottom of the pan. Then, wrap the seasoned meat, fish or vegetable in aluminum foil and poke a few holes with a fork to let the smoke in.
Finally, bring to a boil. Preparation time varies depending on the type of food and weight.
You can bake fillet or ribs, fish and even vegetables using this scheme. A kilo of beef ribs, for example, takes, on average, 50 minutes to roast. Vegetables are much faster, around 6 minutes; and fish, between 8 and 12 minutes.
Shredded chicken
The pressure cooker can be used to make shredded sausage, which is delicious and very practical. To do this, place the chicken breast with the seasoning of your choice in the pan, cover with water and cook normally.
Then remove the broth leaving only the chicken in the pan. Close and shake well. This way, the chicken will shred easily as you move it. Very simple and fast.
Ossobuco under pressure
The pressure cooker is a great option for cooking tougher meats, such as muscle, for example. In fact, this meat is very good when cooked with vegetables.
One tip is to seal the meat by coating it in wheat flour. Then, set aside and sauté the garlic, onion and seasonings with tomato paste and add the meat. Cover with water and cook for about 40 minutes. You can even use the broth to serve with risotto, polenta and even puree.
Roast potatoes
To make baked potatoes quickly, without coals, the pressure cooker is the solution. Wash the potatoes well and then place them at the bottom of the pan. Cover everything with plenty of olive oil, season with salt and herbs, and close the pan.
In this case, no water is needed, the liquid from the potato itself will help with cooking. After it reaches pressure, count 8 minutes and you can now turn off the heat and remove the steam, and it is ready to serve.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out how your pans can influence your health.
Sources: COMBRASIL Here at Cozinha Bom Gourmet
Featured image: Women’s Almanac
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