How to Use a Pressure Cooker

Learning to use a pressure cooker will allow you to cook healthier meals in a much shorter amount of time. Cooking in a pressure cooker can reduce cooking time by up to 70 percent. This method of cooking retains most of the natural vitamins and minerals that are lost during other cooking methods. Using a pressure cooker not only saves time and money, but also is more convenient and produces healthier meals. Read on to learn how to use a pressure cooker.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pressure cooker
• Water
• Ingredients for the specific recipe

Preparing the Pressure Cooker

1. Insert the rack into the pressure cooker if needed for the specific recipe.

2. Pour the amount of liquid that is required by the recipe into the pressure cooker, and then add the food.

3. Check the cover vent pipe for any clogs by looking into it as you are holding it up to a light.

4. Place the cover onto the pressure cooker and make sure that the cover handle and the body handle line up evenly.

5. Put the cover onto the pressure cooker and close it securely.

6. Attach the pressure regulator onto the vent pipe of the pressure cooker.

Cooking With the Pressure Cooker

1. Heat the ingredients in the pressure cooker, watching for the pressure regulator to begin to rock slowly.

2. Adjust the level of heat so that the pressure regulator is rocking in a slow, steady motion. This is the point where cooking time begins.

3. Follow the directions for the specific recipe, cooking for the correct amount of time and reducing the pressure as directed.

4. Remove the regulator from the pressure cooker when the cover lock air vent drops.

5. Take off the cover of the pressure cooker and the food is ready to serve.

Tips & Warnings

• "Cool cooker at once" in a recipe means to immediately put it under a cold running faucet or pour cold water over the pressure cooker.

• "Let pressure drop of its own accord" means to let the pressure cooker cool on its own off of the heat source.

• Always follow any specific directions for your particular pressure cooker.

• There are many different types of pressure cookers. These directions apply for cookers with a regulator.

Resources

• Pressure Cooker Tips