Presto Stainless Steel Electric Pressure Cooker Instructions & Recipes

Instructions and Recipes

2009 by National Presto Industries, Inc.

Visit us on the web at

www.GoPresto.com

Stainless Steel Electric

Pressure Cooker

This is a Listed appliance. The following Important Safeguards are
recommended by most portable appliance manufacturers.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

To reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage, basic safety
precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions.

2. Be sure that handles are assembled and fastened properly before using
this appliance (see pages 4 and 5). Cracked, broken or charred handles
should be replaced.

3. Always check the vent pipe before use. Hold cover up to light and look
through vent pipe to be certain it is clear.

4. Always check the air vent/cover lock to be sure it moves freely before
use.

5. Do not fill pressure cooker over

2

⁄3 full. For soup, grains, and dry beans

and peas, which expand during cooking, do not fill cooker over

1

⁄2 full.
Overfilling may cause a risk of clogging the vent pipe and developing
excess pressure. See Important Safety Information.

6. Do not pressure cook applesauce, cranberries, rhubarb, cereals, pastas,
dried soup mixes, or any dry beans and peas which are not listed in the
chart on page 53. These foods tend to foam, froth, and sputter and may
block the vent pipe, overpressure plug, and air vent/cover lock.

7. This appliance cooks under pressure. Improper use may result in
scalding injury. Make certain pressure cooker is properly closed before
operating; cover handle must be directly above the body handle. See
“How To Use Instructions.”

8. Always attach heat control to appliance first, then plug cord into wall
outlet. To disconnect, turn control to OFF then remove plug from wall
outlet.

9. When normal operating pressure is reached, the pressure regulator
will begin to rock. Allow pressure regulator to rock for 1 to 2 minutes
and then slowly turn the heat control down, stopping just at the point
where the pilot light goes out. If the pressure regulator is allowed to
continuously rock vigorously excess steam will escape, liquid will be
evaporated, and food may scorch.

10. Do not open pressure cooker until the unit has cooled and all internal
pressure has been released, air vent/cover lock has dropped, and no
steam escapes when the pressure regulator is removed. If the handles are
difficult to push apart, this indicates that the cooker is still pressurized –
do not force it open. Any pressure in the cooker can be hazardous. See
“How To Use Instructions.”

11. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse control, cord, or
plug in water or other liquid.

12. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles.

13. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or in the
event the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
Do not operate if the legs become cracked or damaged. Return the
appliance to the Presto Factory Service Department (see page 65) for
examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.

14. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool
before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning.

15. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance
manufacturer may cause injuries.

16. Do not place the pressure cooker on or near a hot gas or electric burner
or in a heated oven.

17. Do not use outdoors.

18. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter or touch hot surfaces.

19. Extreme caution must be used when moving a pressure cooker
containing hot liquids.

20. Caution: To ensure safe operation and satisfactory performance,
replace the overpressure plug every time you replace the sealing ring
or sooner if it becomes hard, deformed, cracked, worn, or pitted. It is
recommended that the sealing ring and overpressure plug be replaced at
least every two years.

21. Close supervision is necessary when the pressure cooker is used near
children. It is not recommended that children use the pressure cooker.

22. Do not use this pressure cooker for other than intended use.

23. Do not use this pressure cooker for pressure frying with oil.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

THIS PRODUCT IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

Important Cord Information

Connect the power supply cord to a polarized outlet only. As a safety feature,
this appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This
plug will only fit in a polarized outlet one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electri­cian. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.

A short power supply cord (or cord set) is provided to reduce the risk result­ing from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Extension
cords may be used if care is properly exercised in their use.

If an extension cord is used, the marked electrical rating of the extension
cord should be at least 13A/125V/1625W. The extension cord should be
arranged so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can
be pulled on by children or tripped over.

Table of ConTenTs

Important Safeguards ............... Inside front cover

Introduction ..................................... 3

Handle Installation ................................ 4

Getting Acquainted................................ 6

How to Use ...................................... 8

Important Safety Information....................... 12

Cleaning......................................... 15

Care and Maintenance ............................. 17

Helpful Hints..................................... 19

Questions and Answers ............................ 21

Soups and Stocks ................................. 23

Seafood.......................................... 28

Poultry ......................................... 32

Meats ........................................... 38

Vegetables ....................................... 45

Dry Beans and Peas ............................... 52

Grains .......................................... 55

Desserts ......................................... 59

Recipe Index ..................................... 64

Service and Parts Information ...................... 65

Warranty ............................... Back cover

Stainless Steel Electric

Pressure Cooker

Instructions and Recipes

InTroduCTIon

Welcome to the world of pressure cooking. With your new Presto
Pressure Cooker, you’ll discover how fast and easy it is to prepare
a wide variety of delicious foods—especially foods that empha­size good health and nutrition along with good taste.

The pressure cooker is perfect for the way we live and eat today.
It’s ideal for preparing many of the lighter foods that help keep us
healthy and fit. It preserves flavors and nutrients, tenderizes leaner
cuts of meat and, best of all, it cooks foods three to ten times
faster than ordinary cooking methods. And, it’s even possible to
cook several foods in the pressure cooker at the same time without
the flavors intermingling.

We have included recipes for some traditional family favorites
that are especially well suited to the many advantages of pressure
cooking. For your convenience, we have also provided nutritional
information for all of the recipes in this book.

To help get started with your new pressure cooker, be sure to read
the “Getting Acquainted” section beginning on page 6.

3

Cover Handle
(indented side)

Cover Handle Mount

Center Hole

Air Vent/Cover
Lock Stem

Screw

Screw

Screw

Helper Handle

Post

Screw

Post

Body Handle

Heat Control
receptacle

Pressure Cooker
Body

Fig. A

Vent Pipe
Bottom

Indented Side

Fig. B

handle InsTallaTIon

Tools Required: Phillips type screwdriver
NOTE: The pressure cooker handles can be found inside the

pressure cooker body in individual plastic bags.

To Attach Helper Handle to Cooker Body

1. Place pressure cooker body upside down on table or counter
(Fig. A).

2. Locate bag containing short helper handle. Take out handle
and remove tape on handle which is holding screw in place.
Remove screw from handle and set aside.

3. Position helper handle, with indented side facing up, onto
threaded post on opposite side of body from heat control
receptacle (Fig. A). Insert screw into helper handle hole and
using a Phillips type screwdriver fasten handle securely to
post. When properly installed, handle should appear level with
table or counter as shown in Fig. A. Caution: Overtightening
can result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles.

To Attach Body Handle to Cooker Body

1. Locate bag containing long body handle. This is the handle
that has one screw hole. Take out handle and remove tape on
handle which is holding screw in place. Remove screw from
handle and set aside.

2. For easier handle installation, position cooker body so heat
control receptacle extends over edge of counter slightly.

3. Position long body handle, with  facing down, onto threaded
post which is under heat control receptacle (Fig. A).

4. Insert screw into handle hole and using a Phillips type screw­driver fasten handle securely to post. Caution: Overtightening
can result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles.

To Attach Cover Handle to Cooker Cover

1. Locate bag containing cover handle. This handle has three
holes, two of which contain screws. Take out handle and re­move tape on handle which is holding the two screws in place.
Remove screws from handle and set aside.

2. Place pressure cooker cover on table or counter as shown in
Fig. B, so vent pipe bottom faces towards you.

3. Fit cover handle, with the indented side facing up, onto cover
handle mount so the air vent cover lock stem fits through the
center hole of the cover handle (Fig. B).

4. Insert the screws into the two holes on both sides of the center
hole. Using a Phillips type screwdriver fasten cover handle
securely to cover handle mount. Caution: Overtightening can
result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles.

Note: As noted in step 5 on page 9, the cooker is completely

closed when the cover handle is directly above the body
handle. After placing cover on cooker body, check position­ing of handles.
When properly
installed the
body handle
and cover han­dle will line
up with each
other without
interference.

4

5

Control Master
heat control

Pressure Regulator

Vent Pipe

Air Vent /Cover Lock

Cover

Stainless Steel Body

Steamer Basket

Cover Handle

Sealing Ring

Overpressure
Plug

Trivet

Body Handle

Helper Handle

Stop Tab

Sealing Ring

Stop Tab

Lock Pin

Fig. C

GeTTInG aCquaInTed

Your pressure cooker is an electric saucepan with a very special
cover that locks in place. Air is automatically exhausted and steam
is sealed inside creating pressure within the unit. Under pressure,
internal temperatures in the cooker are raised above the normal
boiling point of water, causing foods to cook faster. At 15 pounds
of pressure, a temperature of 250° F. (or 121° C.) is reached inside
the pressure cooker. These higher temperatures speed cooking,
and the moist steam atmosphere tenderizes meats naturally.

It is important to become familiar with the various parts of the
pressure cooker (Fig. C) and to read the “HOW TO USE” section
beginning on page 8 before using the unit for the first time.

Fig. D

Before the first use, remove the sealing ring (Fig. D) by simply
pulling it out of the inside rim of the cover.

Wash sealing ring, cover, body (with the heat control removed),
trivet, and steamer basket (Fig. C) in hot, sudsy water to remove
any packaging material and white manufacturing lubricant. Do

not immerse Control Master



heat control or let the heat con-

trol come in contact with any liquid. Rinse all parts with warm

water and dry. Then, replace the sealing ring, being careful to fit it
under the stop tabs and the lock pin (Fig. D) which are located on
the inside rim of the cover.

6

7

Loop Ends

Position the trivet in the cooker so
the loop ends point down and rest
on the cooker bottom.

Vent
Pipe

Fig. E

Fig. F

Control Master heat control

Probe

Pilot Light

Heat Selector

Helper
Handle

Fig. H

Fig. I

Fig. J

 Mark

 Mark

Fig. G

Note: Cover is shown in open
position. Rotate clockwise to close.

how To use

To assure the very best results every time, carefully follow these
step-by-step instructions for pressure cooking. You may find it
helpful to refer back to Fig. C on page 6.

1. Place pressure cooker on a dry, level, heat resistant surface in
center of countertop.
Note: To avoid steam damage to the finish of cabinets, posi­tion pressure cooker so that it is not directly under cabinets.

2. Prepare ingredients according to the directions in the pressure
cooking recipe you have selected.
If a larger quantity is desired,
you may increase the ingredients
by

1

⁄2. Be sure not to overfill the
pressure cooker (see page 12 for
guidance on filling).

Pour liquid into the cooker body,

as specified in the recipe or time­table. This liquid is usually water.
However, some recipes will call
for other liquids, such as wine.

3. Place the trivet and steamer bas­ket into the cooker, if called for
in the recipe (see Helpful Hints
on page 19 for guidance on when
to use). If using the trivet, posi­tion it in the cooker so the loop ends point down and rest on
the bottom of the cooker (Fig. E).

4. IMPORTANT: Look through the vent pipe to make certain
that it is clear (Fig. F) before placing cover on cooker body.

Holding the body handle with your left hand and the cover

handle with your right hand, align the  mark on the cover

with the  mark on the body
handle and place the cover on the
cooker body (Fig. G).

5. Place one hand on the cover near
the helper handle and apply a
slight downward pressure. Place
the thumb of your other hand
under the body handle and wrap
your fingers around the cover
handle. Then rotate the cover
clockwise until the cover handle
lines up with the body handle.

The pressure cooker is com­pletely closed when the cover
handle is directly above the
body handle (Fig. H).

6. Place the pressure regulator on
the vent pipe (Fig. I). The pres­sure regulator will fit loosely on
the vent pipe. It will not touch the
top of the pressure cooker cover.

7. Insert the Control Master



heat
control probe into the cooker
so the two electrical pins on the
cooker are fully inserted into the
heat control (Fig. J). Plug cord
into outlet.

CAUTION: Do not let cord hang

or drape over edge of counter or
table within reach of children.

8. Turn heat control to 400°.
Note: When using the pressure
cooker for the first time, a slight
odor or light smoking may occur

8

9

Air Vent/Cover
Lock in UP Position.
Pressure in Unit.

Air Vent/Cover Lock
in DOWN Position.
No Pressure in Unit.

Fig. K

Fig. L

as manufacturing residue evaporates. This is normal during
initial use.

Cooking pressure is reached when the pressure regulator be-

gins a rocking motion. Cooking time starts at this point.

NOTE: The air vent/cover lock may move up and down a few

times when cooking first begins as it automatically exhausts
air from the
pressure cooker.
Steam will be
noticeable. This
is normal. When
pressure begins to
build, it slides up,
locking the cover
on. Once the
cooker has sealed, the air vent/cover lock will remain in the up
position until pressure is released

(Fig. K).

9. Allow pressure regulator to rock vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes
and then slowly turn the heat control down, stopping just at
the point where the pilot light goes out. As cooking proceeds,
the heat control will cycle on and off periodically to provide
the heat needed to maintain the proper cooking pressure. The
pilot light will go on and off and the pressure regulator will
rock occasionally, indicating that pressure is being main­tained.

Note: If the pressure regulator does not rock every 2 to 3 min-

utes, it is likely that the heat control temperature has been set
too low. Turn the heat control up slightly until the pilot light
comes on.

Important: To prevent excessive liquid loss, do not allow

pressure regulator to rock vigorously for more than 3 to 4
minutes. If the pressure regulator is allowed to continuously
rock vigorously, excess steam will escape. Therefore, too

much liquid will evaporate and food may scorch. In addition,
if the cooker boils dry, the cooker will overheat causing it to
discolor. Do not leave pressure cooker unattended.

10. Cook for the length of time indicated in the recipe or time­table.

11. When cooking time is complete, turn heat control to OFF.
Unplug heat control from wall outlet and then from cooker.

12. Reduce pressure according to the recipe or timetable instruc­tions. If the instructions say “Let the pressure drop of its own
accord,” set the pressure cooker aside to cool until pressure
is completely reduced. If the instructions state, “Cool cooker
at once,” with the heat control
removed, cool the pressure cooker
under a running water faucet
(Fig. L) or pour cold water over
it until pressure is completely
reduced. Pressure is completely
reduced when the air vent/cover
lock has dropped.

If the air vent/cover lock remains

in its raised position, there is still pressure inside the pressure
cooker. Continue to cool until the air vent/cover lock drops.

13. After pressure has been completely reduced, remove the
pressure regulator by grasping the black plastic cap. Always

remove the pressure regulator before opening the cover.

14. To open the cover, turn it counterclockwise until the  on the
cover aligns with the  mark on the body handle. Then, lift
the cover toward you to keep any steam away from you. If
the cover turns hard, there still may be some pressure in the
unit. Do not force the cover off. Continue to cool the pressure
cooker until steam no longer is escaping from the vent pipe
and the air vent/cover lock has dropped.

15. Food is ready to serve.

10

11

2

⁄3 fill line

1

⁄2 fill line

Fig. M

ImporTanT safeTy

InformaTIon

Cooking under pressure enables you to prepare food both quickly
and deliciously. If used properly, your pressure cooker is one of
the safest appliances in your kitchen. To ensure safe operation,
make sure you always observe the following simple rules when­ever you use the pressure cooker:

1.

Never overfill the pressure cooker. — The pressure regula­tor is designed to maintain cooking pressure at a safe level.
It relieves excess pressure through the vent pipe as it rocks
back and forth. Many foods tend to expand when cooked. If
the cooker is overfilled, expansion of food may cause the vent
pipe to become blocked or clogged. If the vent pipe becomes
blocked, it cannot relieve excess pressure.

Do not fill the cooker above the

2

⁄3 fill line when cooking most

foods. When cooking foods that foam, froth, or expand,

such
as rice, grains, dry beans and peas, or foods that are mostly
liquid, such as soups, never fill the cooker above the

1

⁄2 fill

line.

For your convenience, both the

2

⁄3 and 1⁄2 full levels are marked
by indentations on the side
of the pressure cooker body
(see Fig. M). The upper
marking indicates the

2

⁄3

full level and the lower the

1

⁄2 full level. In addition, in
each section of the recipes
you will find instructions on
the maximum fill level for
each type of food.

Reminder: When cooking any food, do not let any portion

extend above the maximum fill mark. When cooking rice,
grains, dry beans and peas, soups, and stews, the cooker
should never be more than

1

⁄2 full.

2. Always add cooking liquid. — If an empty pressure cooker
is heated or if a cooker boils dry, the cooker will overheat
excessively causing possible discoloration and/or damage to
the cooker.

3. Always look through the vent pipe before using the cooker
to make sure it is clear. — If the vent pipe is blocked, it
cannot function as it should and thus cannot relieve excess
pressure. Pressure may then build to unsafe levels. To clean
the vent pipe, see page 15.

4. Always fully close the pressure cooker. — The cooker is
fully closed when the cover handle is directly above the body
handle. Your pressure cooker has specially designed lugs on
the cover and body which lock the cover in place when the
cooker is fully closed. However, if the cooker is not fully
closed, the lugs cannot lock the cover onto the body. It’s pos­sible that pressure could build inside the cooker and cause
the cover to come off and result in bodily injury or property
damage. Always be sure the cover handle is directly above
the body handle (see page 9, Fig. H). Do not turn past handle
alignment.

5. Never open the cooker when it contains pressure. — The
air vent /cover lock provides a visual indication of pressure
inside the cooker. When it is up, there is pressure. When it is
down, there is no pressure in the cooker and it can be opened.
If the pressure cooker is opened before all of the pressure is
released, the contents of the cooker will erupt and could cause
bodily injury or property damage.

6. Check the overpressure plug. If it is hard, deformed,

cracked, worn, or pitted, replace it immediately. — The

12

13

Fig. N

overpressure plug is a secondary pressure relief valve which
is designed to relieve excess pressure by releasing from the
cooker cover in the event that the vent pipe becomes blocked.
The overpressure plug is made of rubber, and when new, is
soft and pliable. Over time, depending on the frequency and
type of use, rubber becomes hard and inflexible. When hard
and inflexible, the overpressure plug loses its ability to act
as a secondary pressure relief valve. It should be replaced
immediately.

Should the overpressure plug ever be forced out of the cover

due to excess pressure while cooking, it is important to call
the Test Kitchen at 1-800-368-2194. Do not attempt to use
the released overpressure plug.

7. Always follow special procedures found in the instruction

book when pressure cooking rice, grains, and dry beans
and peas. — During cooking, dry beans and peas tend to froth

and foam which could cause the vent pipe to become blocked.
Therefore, dry beans and peas need to be soaked and cooked
according to instructions beginning on page 52. Using this
method will keep foam at safe levels during cooking. Like dry
beans and peas, rice and grains tend to froth and foam during
cooking; therefore, to contain foaming and frothing during the
cooking period, rice and grains must be prepared in a bowl in
the pressure cooker according to directions on page 55.

8. Never pressure cook applesauce, cranberries, rhubarb,

cereals, pastas, dried soup mixes, or dry beans and peas
which are not listed in the chart on page 53. — These foods

expand so much as a result of foaming and frothing that they
should never be cooked under pressure.

CleanInG

1. Unplug Control Master heat control from wall outlet and
then remove heat control from pressure cooker. Wipe heat
control with a damp cloth. Do not immerse heat control or

let it come in contact with any liquid.

2. Before initial use and after each subsequent use, wash pres-
sure cooker in hot, soapy water and rinse and dry thoroughly,
When washing the cover, the sealing ring should always be
removed to allow easy cleaning of the inside rim of the cover.
The sealing ring should be washed in hot, sudsy water after
each use.

If food residue adheres to the pressure cooker body, clean with

a stainless steel scouring pad, a nylon pad, or a non-abrasive
powder cleanser, such as Bon ami* polishing cleanser or
Cameo* copper, brass & porcelain cleaner. Do not use steel
wool or cleaners with chlorine bleach.

The pressure cooker may also be washed in an automatic dish-

washer. When washing in a dishwasher, you must first remove
the sealing ring and overpressure plug from the cover as these
parts must be hand washed.

Note: When washing in an automatic dishwasher the alumi-

num bottom of the pressure cooker will discolor.

3. To be sure the vent pipe is clear, hold the cover up to the light
and look through
the vent pipe.
Clean it with a
small brush or
pipe cleaner if
it is blocked or
partially blocked
(Fig. N). Also

*Bon ami polishing cleanser is a registered trademark of Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Co.
Cameo copper, brass & porcelain cleaner is a registered trademark of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

14

15

Indented Portion

Overpressure Plug Top

Metal
Shaft

Cover Handle
Hole

Rubber Gasket

Fig. P

Fig. Q

Fig. O

clean each of the openings
in the vent pipe nut, on the
underside of the cover, as
shown in Fig. N.

4. Occ a s i o n ally remove
the air vent/cover lock in
the pressure cooker cover
handle for cleaning. To
remove the air vent/cover
lock, place your finger
over the air vent hole in
the cover handle (Fig. O),
turn the cover over so the
underside is facing up,
and pull the white rubber
gasket from the air vent/
cover lock on the under­side of the cover (Fig. P).
Push the air vent/cover
lock through the top of the
cover (Fig. O) and wash
it and the gasket in hot,
sudsy water. The metal
shaft of the air vent/cover
lock may be cleaned with
a nylon mesh pad. Clean
the hole in the cover handle with a small brush. After clean­ing, reinsert the metal shaft of the air vent/cover lock from the
top side of the cover down through the cover handle hole
(Fig. O). While holding the air vent in this position, place a
finger over the handle hole (to keep the cover lock from fall­ing out) and turn the cover over. Wet the rubber gasket and
push onto the end of the metal shaft until it snaps into the
groove on the shaft.

5. The overpressure plug can also be removed for cleaning.
Simply push on the top of the overpressure plug until it pops
out the underside of the cover. After cleaning, reinsert it by
pushing the domed side of the plug into the opening from
the underside of the cover, until the bottom edge is fully and
evenly seated against the underside of the cover (Fig. Q).
When the overpressure plug is properly installed, the word
(TOP) will be visible on the overpressure plug when viewing
the outside of the cover.

6. To bring out its luster, the outside surface of your pressure
cooker can be cleaned occasionally with a silver polish or any
other fine, non-abrasive polish.

Care and maInTenanCe

1. When not in use, store your pressure cooker in a dry place
with the cover inverted on the body. If the cover is locked on,
unpleasant odors may form inside the unit and the sealing ring
could be damaged.

2.

As is the case of all cookware, avoid chopping or cutting food

inside the cooker with a knife or other sharp utensil.

3. If the body or cover handles or the cooker legs become loose,
tighten them with a screwdriver. CAUTION: Overtightening
can result in stripping of screws or cracking of handles and
legs.

4. The sealing ring, overpressure plug, and rubber gasket of the
air vent/cover lock may become nicked, cracked, or torn with
normal use. Exposure to high heat, such as a hot burner or
oven top, will cause these parts to dry out and deteriorate.

Replace these parts immediately should any of these things

happen. Generally, it is a good idea to replace them every two
years.

16

17

Leakage between the cover and body that occurs during

cooking is usually caused by shrinkage or deterioration of
the sealing ring after prolonged use. Replace the sealing ring.
Whenever you replace the sealing ring, replace the overpres­sure plug also.

5. The formation of a small amount of moisture under the pres­sure regulator is normal when cooking first begins. It is the
result of the temperature of the regulator being lower than the
rest of the unit.

A small amount of steam or moisture may also be visible

around the overpressure plug and air vent/cover lock as
cooking begins. It should stop when pressure begins to build
and the overpressure plug and air vent/cover lock seal. If
leakage continues, clean or replace the overpressure plug
and/or air vent/cover lock assembly. The pressure cooker will
not seal if the gasket for the air vent/cover lock is cracked.

Do not operate your pressure cooker with continual leak-

age. If the preceding steps do not correct the problem, return
the entire unit to the Presto Factory Service Department (see
page 65).

6. To ensure continued accuracy of the Control Master



heat

control, avoid rough handling in use and storage.

7. If for any reason the pressure cooker cannot be opened, con­tact the Consumer Service Department in Eau Claire, WI at
1-800-877-0441.

Any maintenance required for this product, other than normal

household care and cleaning, should be performed by the
Presto Factory Service Department (see page 65).

helpful hInTs

 Your favorite recipes may be adjusted for cooking in the

pressure cooker by following the general directions in this
book for the particular type of food being cooked. Decrease
the cooking time for your recipe by

2

⁄3 since pressure cooking
is much faster than ordinary cooking methods. For example,
if your ordinary cooking method requires 45 minutes, in the
pressure cooker the cooking time will be 15 minutes. Be­cause there is very little evaporation, the amount of liquid
used should be decreased. Use about

1

⁄2 cup more liquid than
you’ll desire in your finished dish. But, remember, there must
always be water or some other liquid in the pressure cooker to
produce the necessary steam.

 Use the trivet and steamer basket when it is desirable to cook

foods out of the cooking liquid. When foods are pressure
cooked out of the liquid, flavors will not intermingle. There­fore, it is possible to cook several foods at once, as long as
they have similar cooking times. If it is desirable to blend
flavors, do not use the steamer basket and trivet.

 Many different cooking liquids can be used in a pressure

cooker. Wine, beer, bouillon, fruit juices, and of course water
all make excellent cooking liquids in the pressure cooker.

 Beautiful desserts and side dishes can be prepared in the

pressure cooker, using individual or small metal molds or
glass custard cups, which are ovenproof. Fill molds

2

⁄3 full
to allow for expansion of food, and fit them loosely into the
pressure cooker in the steamer basket. Do not fill the pressure
cooker over

2

⁄3 full.

 If a recipe says to cook 0 minutes, cook food only until the

pressure regulator begins to rock. Then cool pressure cooker
according to recipe.

18

19