I reviewed this email from a reader the other day and I thought some of you might share her questions. So I figured a post was in order. Here’s what she had to say:
Hi Mavis, I have finally purchased my first electric pressure cooker. I have been waiting so long to buy one as I am a huge fan of slow cookers and bulk cooking. My problem is now that I have one I don’t know where to begin. So my question is to you and your followers: What are you favorite tips and tricks for pressure cooking? Who can share their all-time favorite recipe? And do you really find your pressure cooker saves you time and money? Thanks!
~ Gerri
I LOVE my pressure cooker {here’s the one I use}. Sure when I first got it, I was afraid I’d blow my arm off or my house up or both. I am still very careful, but I’m much more comfortable around it. Good thing, too, because I use it all the time. It reduces cook time like crazy.
Electric pressure cookers are seriously amazeballs. The worry of blowing the joint up goes out the window, and instead, you are left with dinner in literally a fraction of the time. Honestly, if you are really pressed for time and need to be away from the house during the day, electric pressure cookers can be a God-send. I mean, you can cook a fall apart tender roast in about 40 minutes. That seems like all the “sell” they should need.
MaxiMatic Elite Platinum 8-Quart Pressure Cooker
Cooking with an electric pressure cooker is a bit of a different ball game, in that it largely does all of the work for you. No maintaining pressure by constantly babysitting the heat controls on your stove top. That being said, transitioning from standard cooking or crock pot cooking to a pressure cooking can be, well, a bit tricky.
There is no standard conversion for recipes, which also makes it a little tricky. Your best bet, honestly, is to reference the cookbook included in your manual. I don’t say that to cop out of answering, but because every single electric pressure canner is different.
Seriously. They all have different cook and pressure settings. There is a website that offers conversions as long as you are a registered user. It might be a helpful resource for you to try as you are getting started. You type in some basic information about your ingredients and it formulates a plan. In addition, because electric pressure cookers cook at drastically different rates {veggies take mere minutes, while meats take several}, you may have to cook mixed dishes, like stew, in two different cook cycles. Start the meat, depressurize, toss in the veggies. Done. The same general principle has to be applied to my old fashioned blow up the house pressure cooker.
Note: You can cook in a pressure cooker and canner, but you CANNOT can in a pressure cooker. This is a really important distinction.
My personal favorite pressure cooker recipe is this delicious Beef and Barley Stew. It’s fast, it’s hearty, it’s freakin awesome. {As with all new appliances, you may have to toy around with the times until you get it to your exact liking.}
I hope you don’t feel like I skirted around your question, but I do want to give you an honest to goodness answer. And now I’m turning it over to you, dear readers. What are your favorite things about your pressure cooker? Your favorite recipes? Share away!
~Mavis
I also love using it for pressure canning. Once you get the hang of it, it makes canning a breeze! Check out my tips on How to Use a Pressure Canner.
Chelsey says
My pressure cooker saves me money. I mainly use it to can, which means I’m putting fresh, delicious food in the cabinet. It does save time. You can cook dried beans to edible beans in about 20 minutes. Make sure you do you research and buy a new one. A sitting pressure cooker ages in ways you wouldn’t even know. Seals could wear down, the sides can weaken, the gage can be off, etc. New ones have less risk and more warranty. I am speaking from experience.
Tamara Reid says
Please clarify for your readers, you can cook in a pressure canner, but you cannot can in a pressure cooker. Thank you!
Mavis says
Tamara–Yes! Thank you for pointing out that distinction! I have updated the post.
Linden says
Thanks, Tamara, I was about to point out the same thing!
DebbieB says
I have an electric one that I purchased 7 years ago from a popular TV shopping channel. I love this thing and now there are things I wouldn’t even think of cooking on a stove again. Soups come out amazing in a pressure cooker. Spaghetti sauce ( no nore splatter), jambalaya and corned beef and cabbage are some of my favorites. Being electric it’s so easy, just plug in, set the timer and go. I even take it on vacation when we rent a cottage at the lake because I can’t cook without it!! My suggestion, get a pressure cooker cookbook and experiment a little. Doesn’t take long to get the hang of it.
Lauralli says
I have an electric pressure cooker that saves me lots of time! I love it! I have gotten many recipes from Barbara at http://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/. My favorite is her Zuppa Toscano soup! One of these days, I’m going to make a cheesecake in it like she does. (P.S. I don’t know Barbara except through her blogs. She’s good!)
Lisa C says
Are you using your electric pressure cooker for canning?
Gerri says
Thank you for the post and responses.
I did manage to bite the bullet and use my new 8 quart pressure cooker. The first time I used it I have to say I was pretty nervous, I added all my ingredients, set the timer and proceeded straight out the door and stayed on my porch for the entire cook time and my electric pressure cooker didn’t blow up!!
I know I can’t live or meal budget well without my crock pot but I know can’t live without this pressure cooker!!! WOW! Its a time saver, and the flavor is out of this world!
Day 1- Lasagna soup- I never made it before but its a family fav first round
Day 2- Chili- Hubby and kids said it was the best ever even though it is the exact same recipe…
Day 3- Hearty Vegetable soup- Success
Day 4- Pot roast- I’m not a huge meat fan but I gobbled this back big time
Day 5- Turkey Stock- Froze in muffin tins for later use
Day 6- Out of this world Rice pudding. I forgot how good comfort food is…
Day 7- Cooking in the kitchen 7 days a week is simply illegal!!
So yes, my pressure cooker is my new best friend. I am finding meals are a lot more easier, quicker and enjoyable. I have decided to buy my mom and daughter their own for Christmas.
HUGE THANK YOU!
Ruby Satterfield says
Regarding the cooker- canner question, {at least I think there was a question} I have had a pressure canner for many years and have canned all my garden produce, meats, and fruit, but I have not heard of the electric pressure cooker. Would you give me info about price, where they can be bought,etc. Thank you.