Mastering Novita Steamer Pressure Cooker: A Comprehensive Guide

Novita steamer pressure cookers are a great addition to any kitchen. They can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, fish, eggs, and fruits. The pressure cooker provides the best solution for steam cooking as it encloses steam for optimal cooking results. The advantages of using a Novita steamer pressure cooker include the preservation of nutrients, a reduction in cooking time, ease of use, and precise control of the cooking time. Here are some tips on how to use a Novita steamer pressure cooker:

- Fill the pot with the minimum amount of water as indicated by the Min mark.

- Add the food to be cooked. Place the food in the perforated insert or steamer basket.

- Set the cooking stage by adjusting the temperature and time settings according to the type of food being cooked.

- No steaming off is necessary as this method does not build up pressure, allowing the pot to be opened at any time.

- At the end of the cooking time, remove the hot insert or steamer basket from the pot using a fork or oven mitts.

- To steam multiple foods with similar cooking times, place them separately in the steamer insert or in colanders.

- You can also steam rice and pasta by placing them in the steamer insert or a colander inside the pot.

- When steaming foods, allow the water to boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the pressure cooker and closing the lid.

- Choose the lowest pressure level unless otherwise instructed by the manufacturer's guidelines.

- Grease or brush the basket slightly when cooking succulent food or fish to prevent sticking.

- Use a trivet or rack to elevate smaller foods or foods that may fall apart once cooked, such as potatoes or fish.

How to steam vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes and eggs in a Novita steamer pressure cooker

Vegetables

To steam vegetables, start by adding water, a trivet, and your veggies of choice to the pressure cooker. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers are great options, but you can use any vegetables you like. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Next, cook on high pressure for 0 minutes. Do a quick release of the pressure, season as desired, and serve. The whole process should take around 15 minutes, including the time it takes for the pressure cooker to reach high pressure.

Chicken

When steaming chicken in a pressure cooker, you can either cook a whole chicken or individual pieces. For a whole chicken, place a cup of chicken broth or water in the bottom of the pressure cooker, and lower in the steamer basket. Prepare the chicken by cleaning it, patting it dry, and adding flavour through stuffing or a seasoned rub. Then, lower the chicken into the steamer basket and secure the lid. Set the cooking time according to the size of the chicken; a 3-pound chicken, for example, requires 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking, with an additional 6 minutes per extra pound.

For chicken pieces, the process is similar. Place the cooking liquid at the bottom of the pressure cooker, and put the chicken in the steamer basket above the liquid. This will result in tender, moist chicken. Alternatively, you can submerge the chicken pieces in a liquid marinade to absorb flavourful goodness.

Fish

To steam fish in a pressure cooker, you can use either a bamboo steamer or an electric steamer.

For a bamboo steamer, first, heat a pot of water on the stove. Sprinkle both sides of your fish fillets with salt and pepper, and place them on a heatproof plate. Add aromatics like lemon, chilli, and ginger on top of the fillets. Put the plate into the steamer basket and set it on the pot of boiling water. Steam the fish over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

For an electric steamer, fill the base with water and plug it in. Season a whole white fish with salt and pepper, and cut diagonal slashes across the fish. Place the fish in a steamer tray, add aromatics like ginger, and set the timer for 8-9 minutes. Check that the fish is steamed through, and remove it from the steamer.

Potatoes

To steam potatoes in a pressure cooker, cut them into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Place water into the inner pot of the pressure cooker, put the potatoes in a steamer basket, and lower it into the pot. Secure the lid, making sure it is in the "sealing" position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting. Set the cooking time to 3 minutes at high pressure, and perform a quick release of the pressure when the cooking program finishes. Check the potatoes for doneness, and remove them from the pot.

Eggs

To steam hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel, start by preparing a pot and steamer basket. If using a steamer basket, fill a saucepan with enough water to reach the bottom of the basket (about 1 inch). If not using a steamer basket, fill the bottom of a saucepan with 1/2 inch of water. Heat the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and gently place the eggs at the bottom of the steamer basket or pan. Turn the heat back on to medium-high, and cover the pot. Set a timer for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs with a still translucent and bright yolk, or 12-15 minutes for cooked-through hard-boiled eggs. When the timer goes off, remove the eggs to a bowl of icy cold water to quickly cool them down.

How to use a steamer basket with a Novita steamer pressure cooker

Using a steamer basket with a Novita steamer pressure cooker is a simple and effective way to cook a variety of foods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a steamer basket with your Novita steamer pressure cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer Basket

Before using your steamer basket, ensure that it is the correct size for your Novita steamer pressure cooker. The basket should fit snugly inside the cooker, maximising the flat surface available for cooking. If you are using a collapsible stainless steel steamer, open it up like a flower, and ensure that the centre stem is removable. This will allow you to steam a single large dish if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Fill the bottom of your Novita steamer pressure cooker with the required amount of liquid. This could be water, broth, or stock. If desired, you can add flavour to the liquid by using wine, herbs, vinegar, or other aromatic ingredients. The minimum amount of liquid needed will depend on the size and requirements of your specific pressure cooker, so be sure to check the instructions manual. As a general rule, pressure cookers require at least 1 cup (240-250ml) of liquid.

Step 3: Add the Steamer Basket to the Pressure Cooker

Place the steamer basket inside the Novita steamer pressure cooker. If your pressure cooker has a trivet or rack, you may want to place the basket on top of it. If your steamer basket does not have feet to keep it raised out of the liquid, using a trivet is essential. Ensure that the steamer basket is secure and stable before proceeding.

Step 4: Prepare the Food

Place the food you wish to steam into the steamer basket. If you are cooking multiple foods with different cooking times, place the food that requires the most time at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source. Foods that require less cooking time should be placed at the top of the basket. If cooking succulent or delicate foods, such as fish or eggs, grease or brush the basket lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Close the Pressure Cooker and Begin Cooking

Close the lid of the Novita steamer pressure cooker and set the cooker to the desired cooking program and time. If your cooker has a steam preset, you can use that, or you can manually set the cooker to a low-pressure setting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

Step 6: Release Pressure and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure and carefully open the cooker. Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, remove the steamer basket and serve your food.

By following these steps, you can easily use a steamer basket with your Novita steamer pressure cooker to prepare delicious and healthy meals.

How to steam food without a steamer basket in a Novita steamer pressure cooker

To steam food without a steamer basket in a Novita steamer pressure cooker, you can use a few different methods and materials. Here are some options:

• Use a plate and some foil: Take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball or baseball. Place them at the bottom of your Novita cooker, then pour in about an inch of water. Place a heatproof plate on top of the foil balls and add your food to the plate. Finally, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
• Use a strainer or colander: Place your food in a large kitchen strainer or colander and put it on top of your Novita cooker with water.
• Use a cooling rack: Place a wire cooling rack in your Novita cooker, ensuring that the spaces between the wires are not larger than the food you're steaming. Add an inch of water to the cooker, place the food on the rack, and cover with aluminium foil.
• Build a pie tin steamer: Take two reusable aluminium pie tins and poke 12-16 holes in the base of each. Flatten one of the tins with a rolling pin. Place the unflattened tin upside down in your Novita cooker with a little water, then rest the flattened tin on top. Add your food to the flattened tin and turn on the heat.
• Use a splatter screen and bowl: Place a splatter screen on top of your Novita cooker and lay your food on it. Then, cover with a large bowl. This method works well for sticky rice. You can also use aluminium foil instead of a splatter screen, ensuring that it fits tightly around the cooker.

When steaming food in your Novita steamer pressure cooker, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific foods and cooking times. Additionally, make sure that the lid is secure and that the vent is closed to trap the steam inside.

How to use the steam function on a Novita steamer pressure cooker

Using the steam function on a Novita steamer pressure cooker is a great way to cook food while retaining flavour and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the steam function:

Firstly, fill the pot with the minimum amount of water required for steaming. Most pressure cookers will have a "Min" mark indicating the minimum level. You can also add flavour to the water by using broth, wine, or herbs.

Next, add the food you wish to steam into the perforated insert or steamer basket. If using an insert, place the tripod into the pressure cooker first, then put the insert on top. For steamer baskets, simply place the basket directly into the pressure cooker over the water. If your pressure cooker has multiple levels or positions, always choose the lowest setting unless instructed otherwise.

Now, set the cooking stage. Place the lid on top and lock it in place. Set the cooking crown or control panel to "Steam cooking" or the "Steam" button. The "Steam" function is usually a preset for high pressure for around 10 minutes, but you can adjust the time using the +/- buttons for finer control.

Once the cooking time is up, open the pressure cooker. Since this method does not build up pressure, you can open the pot at any time without prior steaming. Remember to use an oven mitt or kitchen towel to protect your hands from the steam when opening the cooker.

And that's it! You have now successfully used the steam function on your Novita steamer pressure cooker. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

How to use the sauté function on a Novita steamer pressure cooker

The Novita steamer pressure cooker is a versatile appliance with multiple functions, including steaming and sautéing. Here's a guide on how to use the sauté function:

Using the Sauté Function:

• Ensure you have added sufficient water to the inner pot before beginning the sauté function. This is an important step for any cooking mode in the Novita steamer.
• Add the required amount of water to the inner pot and turn on the Novita steamer.
• Locate the control panel and select the "Sauté" function. This setting will allow you to brown or sauté ingredients directly in the pot.
• Adjust the temperature as needed. You can sear meat, caramelize onions, or cook other ingredients perfectly using the sauté function.
• If you wish to steam food after sautéing, you can do so by adding a steamer basket or a metal trivet. Place the steamer basket or trivet inside the pot, ensuring it is securely positioned.
• Place the food items you wish to steam into the basket or on top of the trivet. Make sure there is enough space for the lid to close securely.
• Secure the lid on the Novita steamer. Ensure the lid is locked and the arrows on the lid and pot are aligned. This step is crucial to ensure steam doesn't escape.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed using the plus or minus keys. The Novita steamer may have preset cooking times for various food items.
• Once the cooking cycle is complete, release the pressure carefully. Cover your hand with an oven mitt or a kitchen towel to protect yourself from the hot steam.
• Open the lid and remove the steam basket or trivet. Your steamed food is now ready to be served!

The sauté function in the Novita steamer pressure cooker is a convenient way to prepare ingredients before pressure cooking or steaming. Remember to refer to the user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions