Pressure cookers

[sneezles]

Looking for recipes for pressure cookers. I recently aquired one(an elecetric one) and it's wonderful but I have used the basic recipes that came with it and would like to cook something more than basic por roast or amshed potatoes? Anyone know of any recipes?

[SueK]

I don't have recipes, but am thinking of getting a pressure cooker, so I'll be anxious to see your replies. I searched for pressure cooker recipes on this site, and there are a few, but I'm more interested in hearing people's opinions about the advantages of using one. I know Mrs. Reber just posted something about using one, so I'm just waiting to be talked into buying one! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[wendyw]

I have been the proud owner of a pressure cooker for about 5 years and I absolutely love it! I make grains and stocks in about half the time. I am at work (lunch hour of course), so I don't have the title of my favorite book in front of me (I am a cooking fanatic who owns over 100 cook books so my memory can be failing me!) One good one is: Cooking Under Pressure by Lorna Sass. I will post the info. tomorrow. Also, my grandmother used one when I was growing up and would make these fantastic Italian stuffed artichokes with garlic, parmesan, olive oil and breadcrumbs in the pressure cooker. Yes, I will post it if you would like. I also have a wonderful ratatoulle recipe as well. Watch this post for more info.

[MrsReber]

I must've gone crazy with posts- did I post something about a pressure cooker? I remember reading about them in reference to risotto and I may have posted a response somewhere. I don't own one, but risotto alone would be a reason to buy one! Sounds like it comes out perfect. I would love to have one, too. Especially in the fall when I love to make stews and hearty soups. Sounds like I need one! I don't know much about them as far as brands go, but I know there's a couple of BB members out there who do have them and love them. SueK, you should treat yourself! You can never have too many kitchen tools, that's my motto. You can certainly run out of room, but that just means you need more storage space!

Susan

[SueK]

MrsReber--you're right----I just got caught up in reading that thread about risotto and was thinking that you said you have one.
Anyway....you sold me!! And wendyw, thanks for the tip on the cookbook. I guess I'll have to go shopping this weekend and get yet another kitchen appliance!!

[kendra]

Another recommendation for the Lorna Sass book. She's also got "Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure." Kendra

[sneezles]

Thanks for all the replies and the info on the book. This is my second pressure cooker. The first one was one to use on the stove top but this one is electric and I can pre-set the cooking time, program it to keep warm for hours after cooking is done, brown in it and even steam vegies. It's wonderful!

[MrsReber]

Okay, so if I decide to buy a pressure cooker (sounds like I need one before fall comes) what should I know? Is the electric one better than one you use on the stove? Is there a brand that's really good? I don't have a clue.

[sneezles]

MrsReber
I prefer my electric one to the stovetop one I had a few years ago because the one time I didn't get the valve on right it went airborne! The electric one will indicate if the lid is not locked plus it's programmable for delayed cooking, timed cooking and will keep food wram without overcooking. It is however only a 4qt but it's big enough for my family of 5.

[phantomcg]

Sneezles:

Would you mind posting what brand your pressure cooker is? I am thinking of getting a pressure cooker this fall, but really have no idea where to start looking. I like the idea of being able to program it and really think I would like an electric one.

Thanks for any input.

Cheryl

[sneezles]

Phantomcg
The brand is Faberware and I purchased it online at the Chefs catalog site and it sells for about $130. Might seem a bit high but it does perform well and the fact that it was delivered to my door was nice to. I live in the country and it's 4 hours round trip to the "big city"

[skylarc]

I had an old (1970's) West Bend pressure cooker & didn't use it much. My mom got me a new one in February & I am addicted -- & yes, just the risotto recipe is worth having the cooker.

Almost any recipe that involves long simmering can be adapted for pressure cooking -- you have to tweak the liquids which takes some practice (you're not going to ruin the dish -- it just may be soupier than you're used to).

There are good pressure cookers made in both Germany & Spain. Mine is a Fagor (Spain) from Chef's catalog. What I do like about mine is that I have both a 4 qt. & 7 qt. pot (one lid, one steamer insert). The 4 qt. is nice for smaller dishes because it comes up to pressure faster.

[Wendy w]

I have a t-fal pressure cooker and there is a button that rises when it comes to full pressure, has 2 safety valves and you cannot open it unless the pressure comes down. I have had it about 5 years and it costs around $40.00.

The "Mercedes" of pressure cookers is a kuhn rihon (or something on that order) and that retails for about $160.00. I would like to see one demonstrated before I would spend that kind of $$. It had better sing, dance and do lots of other things!!!

[sneezles]

Wendy
My cooker has a release valve that you can hold for short intervals and then open the pot quicker instead of the 40-45 minute wait for the natural release. And yes cooking in a 4 qt is really fast-a 3# roast was done in one hour!

[Ohioan]

Wendy, any pressure cooker that's singing and dancing is probably about to explode, so get out of the room FAST! Hee hee, couldn't resist that... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Wendy w]

Ohioan, you are quite the comedian!! Sneezles, I never wait 45 minutes for the pressure to go down as I often put it under water to reduce the pressure. It does sound like I had better upgrade!

[sneezles]

Wendy
Pretty sure your method is why my old one shot the valve off and put a hole in the ceiling!