Mastering The Power Pressure Cooker Steamer: A Beginner's Guide

Using a power pressure cooker steamer is a quick and easy way to prepare a variety of dishes. From vegetables to meat, fish, fruit, and even desserts, a pressure cooker can help you create delicious and nutritious meals in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional cooking methods. One of the key benefits of pressure cooking is that it preserves vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option for cooking your food. In this article, we will guide you through the process of using a power pressure cooker steamer, including the different settings, basket types, and cooking times. We will also offer tips and tricks to get the most out of your steamer and explore the advantages of pressure cooking over traditional steaming methods.

How to use a steamer basket

Using a steamer basket is a great way to cook vegetables, fish, eggs, and other delicate foods in your pressure cooker. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a steamer basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer Basket

Before using your steamer basket, it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions to understand how to use it properly and for how long. If your pressure cooker did not come with a steamer basket, also known as a "perforated insert," you can purchase a collapsible stainless-steel steamer that opens and closes like a flower. Choose the largest size that fits your pressure cooker to maximise the cooking surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Fill the bottom of your pressure cooker with 1 to 2 cups of water, ensuring that the water level is below the food you'll be steaming. If you're steaming a whole basket of vegetables or seafood, you can use the full 2 cups. Place a trivet at the bottom of the cooker to hold the food above the water. The trivet is a short rack that usually comes with your pressure cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Food

Layer the food in the steamer basket according to cooking time. Place the foods that take the longest to cook at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source, and the quickest-cooking foods at the top. For example, root vegetables like potatoes usually take longer to steam than green vegetables.

Avoid overfilling your steamer basket. Leave a little space at the top to ensure the lid fits securely. You don't need much space, just ensure that no food comes above the top of the basket.

Step 4: Steam the Food

Place the filled steamer basket on top of the trivet inside the pressure cooker. Secure the lid on the cooker and turn the vent to the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam inside.

Turn on your pressure cooker's steam function and set the cooking time according to the type of food you're preparing. Most vegetables steam in 1 to 5 minutes, while root vegetables and frozen vegetables may take longer.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Serve

When the timer goes off, manually release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Be careful when doing this, as the steam will rush out and can burn your skin. Open the lid and remove the steamer basket. Your food is now ready to be served!

How to flavour the water

When flavouring the water in your pressure cooker steamer, you can use stock or broth to add flavour to your food. You can also use the water to make a quick sauce for your meal, such as by thickening it with cornflour using the saute function.

If you're steaming vegetables, you can add spices, seasonings, or herbs to the water to enhance their flavour.

How to cook multiple foods at once

Cooking multiple foods at once in a power pressure cooker steamer is a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooker and Gather Your Ingredients

• Make sure your power pressure cooker is clean and ready to use.
• Gather all the ingredients you plan to cook. This method works best when cooking foods with similar cook times. For example, you could cook chicken breasts and white rice, soaked beans and white rice, or chicken thighs and brown rice.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cookware

• You will need a trivet that fits inside your pressure cooker. Most pressure cookers come with a trivet, but if yours didn't, you can purchase one separately.
• You will also need an oven-safe bowl or pot that is smaller than the diameter of your pressure cooker. Stainless steel, oven-safe glass, silicone, or ceramic/porcelain bowls or pots are ideal. Avoid using cookware that will scratch the interior of your pressure cooker.
• If your pressure cooker has a non-stick interior, use a silicone steamer basket instead of a metal one.
• If your pressure cooker didn't come with a perforated insert, consider investing in a collapsible stainless steel steamer that opens and closes like a flower. Choose one with a removable center stem so you can move it when cooking larger dishes.

Step 3: Prepare Your Food

• Rinse your rice in a fine-mesh strainer to prevent the grains from sticking together.
• Cut your meat into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• If cooking dried beans, soak them in water for at least 8 hours before cooking. Do not add salt or vinegar during soaking or cooking, as this will slow down the cooking process.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook

• Add water to the bottom of your pressure cooker. Use at least one cup of water, or follow the instructions in your specific recipe.
• Place the trivet inside the pressure cooker, on top of the water.
• Put your main dish (e.g., chicken breasts, soaked beans, or chicken thighs) directly into the pressure cooker, on top of the trivet.
• Place your oven-safe bowl or pot on top of the trivet. If using a steamer basket, grease or brush it slightly to prevent sticking.
• Add your side dish (e.g., rice, soaked beans, or rice and vegetables) to the oven-safe bowl or pot.
• Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and set the timer according to your specific recipe.
• Allow for natural pressure release as instructed in your recipe.
• Once the pressure has released, carefully remove the lid and use oven mitts to take out the bowl or pot.

Tips:

• When cooking multiple foods with different cooking times, partially cook the item that takes longer, then do a quick release of pressure. Add the second item and continue cooking both together, adjusting the timing so they finish at the same time.
• If your trivet doesn't have handles, you can make a makeshift handle by folding aluminum foil into a sling.
• You can flavor the water used for steaming with wine, herbs, vinegar, broth, or tomato sauce. You can then use this liquid as a sauce for your food.
• Tougher vegetables like potatoes are ideal for steaming, as it keeps them from soaking up too much liquid.
• Most vegetables will turn to mush if cooked for more than 1-2 minutes in the pressure cooker, so this method is perfect for making vegetable mashes or purees.

How to cook eggs

Step 1: Prepare your pressure cooker

Make sure your pressure cooker is clean and ready to use. If it's an electric pressure cooker, simply turn it on and select the "Steam" function. If you're using a stovetop pressure cooker, place it on the hob and turn on the heat.

Step 2: Add water

Pour water into the pressure cooker. The amount of water you need will depend on the type and quantity of food being cooked. As a general rule, use the minimum amount specified by the manufacturer, usually around 1-2 cups.

Step 3: Prepare the eggs

Take 3-12 eggs, depending on the size of your pressure cooker, and place them in a steamer basket or insert. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a small colander or place the eggs directly on a trivet or rack.

Step 4: Close the lid and build pressure

Close the lid of your pressure cooker securely. For stovetop models, this will usually involve locking the lid into place. Electric models may have a button or switch to seal the lid.

Step 5: Set the pressure and timer

Set your pressure cooker to low pressure, not high. The cooking time will depend on how you like your eggs:

• Soft-boiled: 3-5 minutes
• Medium-boiled: 5-7 minutes
• Hard-boiled: 8-14 minutes

Step 6: Release pressure and check the eggs

Once the timer goes off, manually release the pressure. Be very careful when doing this, as the steam will be hot. Open the lid and check that the eggs are cooked to your liking.

Step 7: Cool the eggs

Remove the eggs from the pressure cooker and place them in an ice water bath to cool them down quickly. This will also stop the cooking process, ensuring they don't overcook. Leave them in the ice water for 5-30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator.

And that's it! You now know how to cook eggs using a power pressure cooker steamer. With this method, you'll get perfectly cooked eggs that are easy to peel every time. Enjoy!

How to cook vegetables

Preparation

Before cooking vegetables using a pressure cooker steamer, it is important to clean them thoroughly by rinsing them under running water. To retain maximum nutrients, avoid peeling off the skins unless necessary. If you do need to peel the vegetables, make sure to scrub them thoroughly, especially root vegetables and spuds.

Cooking

Add the water, trivet and vegetables to the pressure cooker. It is recommended to use a steamer basket to keep the vegetables elevated above the water. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can place the vegetables directly into the pressure cooker, but they may boil rather than steam.

For every 350 to 500 grams of vegetables, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water. Place the lid on the pressure cooker and allow it to cook until you hear two whistles. After two whistles, turn off the cooker and release the pressure weight immediately. You can do this by holding the cooker under running water. This process helps retain the colour and nutrition of the vegetables.

Once the pressure has been released and the lid opens with ease, the vegetables are ready to be seasoned and served.

Cooking Times

The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable. Here are some approximate cooking times for different vegetables:

• Green beans: 2 minutes
• Potatoes: 2 minutes
• Carrots: 2 minutes
• Beets: 2 minutes
• Broccoli: 1 minute
• Cauliflower: 1 minute

For starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn, or cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, you can simply add a cup of liquid, add the vegetables, seal the lid, and forget about them!

Seasoning

Once the vegetables are cooked, you can season them with garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh herbs or spices. You can also toss them in butter or olive oil.

Frequently asked questions