Working principle of a pressure cooker

A pressure cooker is a type of “smart” pan that greatly facilitates the long and laborious process of cooking. It allows you to significantly reduce cooking time and turn the toughest foods into the most delicate dishes. You can cook soups, side dishes, meat, and desserts in it. An airtight pan limits contact with air and reduces the oxidation process of foods, thereby maximizing the preservation of vitamins, aroma, color and taste in the finished dish.

The first pressure cooker was invented back in the 17th century, and our ancestors successfully used them. Despite the fact that modern devices have come a long way, many people avoid cooking with them, perhaps because of the problems that can arise if used incorrectly. There is no need to worry - in current models, safety comes first, you just need to learn simple precautions. The operating principle of the pressure cooker has remained the same despite many changes.

Operating principle

The modern device is a special pan with a hermetically sealed lid and valves that regulate the pressure inside. When heated, steam is formed, which does not leave the sealed container and increases internal pressure, as a result of which the boiling point rises to approximately 120 degrees. This allows the food to cook faster.

At maximum pressure, valves are activated to release steam. Typically the device is equipped with service and emergency valves. In addition to devices intended for use on a conventional stove, autonomous electric pressure cookers are also produced, equipped with heating elements and a control panel.

How to use a pressure cooker correctly

After placing all the ingredients in the pan and mixing thoroughly, close the lid tightly and place on the stove. The cooking time must be counted from the moment the liquid boils. This will be indicated by steam coming out of the valves or special sensors. The heat under the pan must be reduced.

Important! Do not cook at too high a temperature. This does not speed up the cooking process, but only leads to overload of the device.

At the end of the process, you need to turn off the heat and release the steam from the pan without opening the lid. To do this, you need to set the valve to the desired position, first for slow release, then fast. It may take 5 to 20 minutes for the steam to release.

For quick cooling, you can direct a stream of cold water onto the lid, avoiding contact with the valves. The dish continues to cook as long as pressure is maintained in the pan. After use, the pressure cooker should be thoroughly washed, especially the rim and gaskets on the lid, so that stuck residues do not subsequently break the seal.

Attention! Since the degree of doneness cannot be checked during the process, it is recommended to calculate the cooking time or use recipes for pressure cookers. It should also be taken into account that the liquid practically does not boil away, and less is required than for a regular pan.

What not to do

If you forget about precautions, the cooking process can result in unpleasant surprises, since the principle of operation of a pressure cooker is associated with the formation of steam and increased pressure inside the pan. You need to remember simple rules:

1. There must be liquid in the pan, its minimum amount is about 0.5 liters.
2. You cannot fill the container more than 2/3; the rest of the space is filled with steam. Usually there is a mark on the pan for the maximum allowable volume.
3. Do not open the lid if the valve continues to release steam. Care should be taken when opening to avoid getting burned by the steam, even if it has stopped escaping.
4. You should not cook foods that cause excessive foaming (certain types of cereals, vegetables, fruits), as the valve may become clogged. It is better to bring the meat broth to a boil with a regular lid and first remove the foam.
5. Do not use a pressure cooker that has defects or cracks, including rubber gaskets.
6. It is not recommended to store and heat prepared food in a pressure cooker; it should be transferred to another container.

Currently, well-known brands of household appliances produce multicookers with pressure cooker functions. Such devices can be excellent helpers in any kitchen.