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Cooking in a pressure cooker

Also searched as: pressure cooker, instant pot, pressure cooking

In short: A pressure cooker holds the steam in. Under pressure the water gets about 120 °C hot, and everything cooks much faster.

Picture it

Like a shortcut over the mountain: the same route, but much less time.

How it’s done

Sequence · Step 1 of 4
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Add at least the stated amount of liquid; fill no more than two thirds.

All steps as a list
  1. Add at least the stated amount of liquid; fill no more than two thirds.
  2. Close the lid and heat on high until it shows pressure.
  3. Turn the heat down so the pressure just holds; count the cooking time from now.
  4. Let the pressure drop or release it as instructed, and only then open.

Rules of thumb

  1. About a third of the normal cooking time, as a guide.
  2. Pulses and grains foam: fill only halfway.
  3. Never force it open.
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Sources · 2