One of the elements that simplifies life in the kitchen the most is the pressure cooker. With it, you can make some recipes in less time than with a traditional pot. But although it has many advantages, it is essential to know how it works so that you can make the most of it. I followed the steps in this guide to find out how to use a pressure cooker at home.
You will Need the Following:
- Rag
- Agua
How to Use a Pressure Cooker Step by Step?
To use a pressure cooker to cook correctly, you will not need many objects, but you will need to follow these steps meticulously:
1. Add the Food and Water to the Pot
Try to add enough water so that the food cooks properly.
2. Remove the Safety Valve and Close the Lid
Place the pot on a burner and turn the heat to high intensity. The pot will begin to turn the water into steam.
3. Wait for the Pot to Gain Pressure and Start Cooking the Food
This will happen when the steam starts coming out of the grill and the pressure regulator starts to vibrate. At that time, you must place the safety valve on the nozzle.
If you have a newer pressure cooker, there are markings on the valve that indicate the level of pressure inside the cooker.
4. I Reduced the Heat on the Burner
The idea is that the pot does not emit a hissing noise. Maintain this pressure throughout the cooking time. The safety valve will prevent the pressure from increasing more than necessary, which could break the pot.
5. Turn off the Heat when the Food is Cooked
At this point, you should be guided by the estimated time of the recipe you are making.
6. You have to Lower the Pressure in the Cooker
You can follow three different methods: let it release itself over time (10 to 15 minutes);Â use the quick release button (most older pots have it);Â or put the pot under cold water (discard this method if your pot is electric).
7. Make Sure the Pressure has been Released
Move the pressure regulator, and if it doesn’t make a sound, the pressure has been completely released (on newer models, you will have to move the steam valve). Finally, carefully remove the lid.
With the previous seven steps, you already know how to use a pressure cooker. If you also want to know how to cure a pot, we recommend reading our complete guide, How to cure a pot: A step-by-step guide.
How to Clean a Pressure Cooker?
Now that you know how to use a pressure cooker, we are going to tell you how to keep it clean and make it last as long as new.
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Let it soak after using it. In this way, the remains will not solidify, making it easier to remove them later.
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Apply detergent and clean with a sponge. Try to use a detergent that removes dirt easily. At Cleanipedia, we recommend Cif Bio Active, whose new formula lasts longer, guaranteeing a long-lasting foam, so that with less product you can wash many more dishes.
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Use a rag to dry it properly. In this way, you will eliminate the ugly lime and water stains that remain after cleaning it.
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To remove burned food, use water and baking soda. Fill the pot with this combination and let the mixture rest for a few hours until it softens.
If you follow these four steps, you will not have any problems knowing how to clean a pressure cooker correctly. In case you have more questions, you can read our note on how to clean burnt pots.
How to Use a Pressure Cooker: the valve
The main element that you should watch in a pressure cooker is its valve. Therefore, we leave you some tips so that you can take care of it correctly:
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To properly clean the valve, disassemble the pot into parts and clean the valve (chimney and rotor) separately. This way, you will reach all its corners much better.
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Wash the valve often to avoid clogging and check its condition before each use.
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Try not to fill the pot with food or liquids to the maximum of its capacity, since the valve can clog.
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Remember to turn the heat down to medium when the valve has risen.
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Do not open the cooker until the valve has been lowered.
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Always use the valve to ensure that the pressure does not trigger. This point is essential since otherwise, the pot can break due to high pressure.
Always keep these tips in mind to make correct use of the pressure cooker and its valve. If you have questions about the pressure cooker and want to solve some questions related to pans, we recommend reading our guide on how to cure a pan and clean it thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Use a Pressure Cooker?
What is a pressure cooker, and how does it work?
A pressure cooker is a type of pot prepared to have a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, which allows temperatures above 100 °C to be achieved. In this way, the food is cooked in much less time than in a traditional pot. The only drawback is that you must be careful that the pressure is under control with the valve since if it increases too much, it can cause an accident.
How do I use a pressure cooker?
You have to follow these seven steps: first, add the food and enough water to cook it;Â second, remove the safety valve and cover the pot;Â third, wait for the pressure regulator to start vibrating and put the valve back on;Â fourth, reduce the heat of the burner;Â fifth, turn off the heat when the food is cooked;Â and sixth, release the pressure in the cooker and uncover it.
How do I know when to turn off the pressure cooker?
The reality is that the type of recipe you are cooking will mark it for you. What you should always do, yes or no, is turn off the heat and then let the pressure gradually release from the pot to avoid any type of problem with it (10 to 20 minutes minimum).
What happens if I don’t put the valve on the pressure cooker?
If you don’t put the valve on it, an accident can happen, since with the heat, the pressure in the cooker increases, and if it doesn’t have the safety valve, it can even explode. It is also very important that when removing the valve, you are careful to do it slowly, allowing the pressure to release for 10 to 20 minutes.
