Steaming Apples: Pressure Cooker Perfection

Pressure cookers are a great way to cook apples, whether you're making apple crisp, cinnamon apples, or applesauce. They're a quick and easy way to cook apples to tender perfection, and you can even make apple spice in them!

Choosing the right apples

• Firmness: Select apples that are extremely firm, as they will hold their shape better during the cooking process. All apples will break down a little when cooked, but firmer varieties will result in a less mushy texture.
• Tartness: Opt for apples that are slightly tart rather than very sweet. Tart apples tend to hold up better during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
• Variety: Granny Smith, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices for pressure cooker recipes. They tend to be firmer and tarter, making them ideal for steaming. However, you can also use other varieties like Gala or Pink Lady apples, but be aware that they may turn softer during cooking.
• Freshness: Look for apples with a green and flexible stem, as this indicates that they are truly fresh and will give you the best results. Apples with a brown and shrivelled stem have likely been stored for a longer period and may turn to puree when steamed.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, you can use any apple variety you have on hand. However, keep in mind that softer apples may cook faster and turn mushy, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Preparing the apples

First, select the right type and amount of apples. Choose firm, crisp, and tart apples such as Granny Smith, Johnathan, Jonagold, or Pink Lady apples. You will need about 3 pounds or 8-12 apples, depending on their size.

Next, wash, peel, core, and slice the apples. You can use an apple slicer, corer, or do it by hand. Aim for wedges or chunks of about 8-10 per apple or 1-inch pieces. Removing the skin is optional, but it may affect the texture and cooking time.

Then, combine the apples with other ingredients in the pressure cooker. This can include spices like cinnamon, sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup, and liquids such as water, apple cider, or juice. The amount of liquid added will depend on the specific recipe and the type of pressure cooker being used.

Finally, before cooking, ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and liquids. This can be done by stirring or tossing the apples in the pressure cooker.

Your apples are now ready to be steamed in the pressure cooker! Follow the specific instructions for your recipe and pressure cooker model for the best results. Enjoy your delicious steamed apple dish!

Cooking time and pressure

The cooking time and pressure for steaming apples in a pressure cooker will vary depending on the type of apple used, the desired texture, and the specific model of the pressure cooker. Here are some general guidelines and tips to help you achieve the best results:

• For soft and silky cinnamon "baked" apples, cook the apples for 1 minute at high pressure. This short cooking time ensures that the apples don't turn to mush.
• If you are using an electric pressure cooker, set the timer for 1 minute and let the cooker build up pressure before starting the timer.
• For stove-top pressure cookers, turn the heat to high. Once the cooker reaches high pressure, lower the heat to maintain it and then begin counting 1 minute of pressure cooking time.
• For a natural release, move the cooker off the burner and wait for the pressure to come down naturally (about 10 minutes). For electric pressure cookers, you can also disengage the "keep warm" mode or unplug the cooker and open it when the pressure indicator has gone down (this may take 20 to 30 minutes).
• If you are making apple crisp in the pressure cooker, cook the apples for 1 minute at high pressure to achieve a tender texture without turning them into mush.
• For a whole apple that holds its shape, some recipes recommend cooking for 10 minutes at high pressure with a natural release. This longer cooking time will result in softer apples that may not hold their shape perfectly but will be tender and creamy.
• When making applesauce in a pressure cooker, cook the apples for 5 minutes at high pressure. This will ensure that the apples are nice and soft, making it easier to blend them into a smooth sauce.
• You can also experiment with different types of apples to find the variety that holds its shape and texture best during pressure cooking. Firmer, crisp, and tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Jonathan, Jonagold, or Pink Lady, tend to work well for baking and apple crisp recipes.
• Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the apple slices or chunks. Larger pieces will take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Natural release method

The natural release method is a great, hands-off way to cook apples in a pressure cooker. This technique is perfect for those who want to set it and forget it, as it doesn't require any manual intervention to release the pressure. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Start by preparing your apples. Wash, peel, core, and slice your desired amount of apples. You can use a variety of apples, but firmer apples like Granny Smith, Johnathan, Jonagold, or Pink Lady are ideal for holding their shape during cooking.
• Place the apples in the base of your pressure cooker. You can add other ingredients like raisins, sugar, cinnamon, or other spices to taste. Some recipes also call for liquids such as apple cider, juice, or water to be added.
• Secure the lid of your pressure cooker and set the timer. For electric pressure cookers, cook at high pressure for about 10 minutes. If you're using a stovetop pressure cooker, turn the heat to high and wait for it to reach high pressure. Then, lower the heat to maintain the pressure and set a timer for 10 minutes.
• Once the timer goes off, it's crucial to use the Natural Release method. For electric pressure cookers, this may mean disengaging the "keep warm" mode or unplugging the cooker. Then, simply wait for the pressure indicator to drop, which can take around 20 to 30 minutes. For stovetop pressure cookers, move the cooker off the burner and let the pressure come down naturally, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
• Open the pressure cooker and serve your apples. They should be tender, creamy, and delicious! You can serve them as a side dish or dessert, and they go great with ice cream or cake.

Remember, the beauty of the natural release method is that it's flexible. You don't have to worry about rushing to release the pressure manually, and your apples will continue to cook gently as the pressure comes down. This method ensures that your apples turn out perfectly every time!

Serving suggestions

These pressure cooker apples are incredibly versatile and can be served as a sweet or savoury dish. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

• As a topping for ice cream, yoghurt, custard, or pancakes
• As a side dish with chicken, pork chops, or mashed potatoes
• Mixed into oatmeal or overnight oats
• In muffins or pancakes
• As a topping for vanilla ice cream, baked brie, or pound cake
• With homemade vanilla ice cream
• As a topping for waffles
• In apple muffins
• With Honey Almond Granola
• In an apple crisp or crumble
• With French vanilla ice cream

Frequently asked questions