- "rock and jiggle" if it has a weighted valve and steam begins to escape to regulate the pressure.
- “whistle or hiss” if it has a modified weight valve which lifts up and down to release extra pressure.
- "signal" if it has a spring-loaded valve which will pop up to visually let you know the pan has reached pressure.
- "beep" or light up the "P" if it is a digital electric pressure cooker to let you know that it has reached pressure.
Opening it is no biggie. Pressure cooker recipes online makes this thing sound really complicated in terms on how to stop the pressure cooker from cooking. You have three options:
1. Natural Release Method - Just turn off the heat and and wait for the pressure safety-handle-locking-mechanism to disengage (10-15 minutes).
2. Automatic Release Method- Lift the valve and let the pressure exit until the pressure s-h-l-m disengages (about 2 minutes).
3. Quick Release Method- Bring the pressure cooker to the sink, and either run cold water on the top of the pan avoiding wetting valves or signals, or release pressure - as in step 2 - while running cold water over the top (20 seconds).
Store it open, sort of. When tucking your pressure cooker pan away between uses, do not lock it closed. If any humidity is trapped in there it might smell a little funky when you are ready to use it again. Place the top of the pressure cooker upside-down in the right-side-up pan. That way, all of the valves sticking out from the top are out of the way and the pan is not sealed shut.
Check the rubber and silicone. Especially, if you have not used your pressure cooker for a while, regularly check the rubber and silicone parts that they are not dry or cracked. If you don't notice anything unusual, and your user manual says it's ok, give them some love lubricate them with a little vegetable oil before use (not olive, please!). Manufacturers recommend replacing gaskets about every 18 months - depending on the frequency of use.
Don't forget Helper Handles! For the pan-in-pot cooking method, where you use a form inside the pressure cooker, make sure that you know how to pull out a steamy, hot, heavy and tight form out of the pressure cooker before you put it in! If the form does not already have a handle, make helper handles by pulling a long strip of tin foil, folding it into three and using it as a sling to insert the form. Simply fold them over the form before closing the top. Then, when cooking is finished, simply pull them up delicately to pull out the form.
Steam with almost anything. You don't need to restrict yourself to using just water to steam. In the pressure cooker you can use wine, beer, milk, broth, tomato sauce, and even the water from very watery vegetables (like mushrooms) to steam and flavor the food in your pressure cooker - no liquor, unless you want to ignite the vapor coming out of the pressure cooker.
Accessorize. Several items can help you cook in a variety of ways besides boiling, stewing and roasting. Accessories for your pressure cooker include:
- a steamer basket
- a trivet
- heat-proof container for pan-in-pot cooking
- molds for individual and complete servings
- spring-form pan. To learn more details on how to use and where to find each accessory, or a suitable replacement, visit the Pressure Cooker Accessories Page!
Taming Leafy Greens
It's tricky to pressure cook large quantities of leafy greens because they can easily overrun the maximum capacity line of your pressure cooker- threatening to clog the primary or safety valves.
Push them down and pressure cook them with the metal lid from one of your other pots (no plastic handles). A steamer basket might be too light to push down the leaves, but if that's all you've got... try it!
More Tips and Tricks: