13
2.6. At the end of cooking - Steam release
When the cooking time indicated in the recipe has finished, turn off the heat and release the steam either
quickly/rapidly or slowly/naturally as indicated in the recipe or according to the type of food cooked.
Quickly/Rapidly: For stews, vegetables and fish dishes.
Press and turn the regulator and align the marking with the steam release
position to allow steam to be released quickly. Take great care as hot steam is
released through the steam outlet of the regulator. Make sure there is nothing in
the way of where the steam will travel to. If sauce or food start ejecting from the
steam outlet other than steam, the food might not be suitable for quick release,
return the regulator back to the cooking position and allow the pressure to be
reduced naturally. Take great care to protect yourself, especially your hands
and face, wear oven gloves and other protections before approaching the
pressure cooker.
Slowly/Naturally: For recipes containing rice or pasta, egg custards, puddings, dried vegetables,
pulses and stocks.
This is the natural cooling, preferred method. Using oven gloves and gripping
the handles, carefully move the pressure cooker on to a level, heat-resistant
surface and leave it to stand until the pressure has completely reduced and the
red pressure indicator valve has lowered. This process may take up to 15 minutes
(depending on the amount of food being cooked, it may vary slightly) to cool at
room temperature. DO NOT force open the pressure cooker before the pressure
has been completely released. If unsure, leave the pressure cooker to cool
a bit longer.
Cooking Time
The cooking time begins directly as the heat is turned down, once the red
pressure indicator valve rises and the pressure cooker begins to hiss to release
excess steam. Once the cooking time has finished, the hob should be turned off
and the pressure cooker allowed to cool.
Caution
a. Do not leave the pressure cooker unattended during cooking.
b. Do not touch the metal surfaces of the pressure cooker during cooking as they
will be very hot. Always use oven gloves and hold the pressure cooker by both
handles, keeping the pressure cooker level.
c. Keep the pressure cooker away from children and pets.
d. Never remove the pressure regulator until all the pressure has been released.
e. A lot of steam will come from the pressure regulator – Keep clear.
2. Using Your Pressure Cooker - Step by Step Guide