Using Steamer Basket And Trivet Like A Pro

A steamer basket and trivet are accessories that can be used in a pressure cooker to elevate food, preventing it from sitting directly on the surface of the inner pot. This is particularly useful for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, as well as for steaming vegetables, fish, and fruit. Trivets are typically metal, prong-like contraptions that keep food raised off the bottom of the cooker, and are often used in conjunction with steamer baskets to keep them out of the steaming liquid.

How to steam vegetables, fruit, fish and eggs

To steam vegetables, fruit, fish, and eggs in a pressure cooker, you will need a steamer basket or trivet to keep the food elevated above the water. This is because if the food is placed directly into the water, it will boil rather than steam.

Vegetables

First, wash your chosen vegetables and cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Then, add 1-2 cups of water to the bottom of the pressure cooker, making sure there is enough to generate steam without reaching the vegetables. Next, place the steamer basket or trivet into the pressure cooker, followed by the vegetables. Close the lid securely, ensuring the steam valve is in the correct position. Set the cooking time, generally 2-3 minutes for softer vegetables like spinach or kale, and up to 5 minutes for harder ones like carrots or potatoes. After cooking, use the natural release method for about 5 minutes, then switch to a quick release to expel any remaining steam.

Fruit

Fruit can be steamed in the same way as vegetables. Choose fruits that are firm and will hold their shape, such as apples or pears. Wash and cut the fruit into uniform sizes, and follow the same method as for vegetables.

Fish

Clean the fish and cut it into pieces that will fit into your pressure cooker. Season as desired, then place the fish on the steamer rack on the cooker's support trivet. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and lock it in place to form an airtight seal. Set the pressure level to "Low" if your cooker has this option. Set a timer for two to three minutes to avoid overcooking. Turn the stove burner to a medium temperature and place the pressure cooker on it. When the inside of the cooker reaches pressure, you will notice the pressure regulator jiggling—this should happen about three to five times per minute. Adjust the temperature if necessary to maintain the desired amount of pressure. Allow the fish to cook for approximately two to three minutes. When the cooking is complete, move the pressure regulator from the lid to allow steam and pressure to escape, then open the lid once all the pressure has escaped.

Eggs

Place the steaming rack or trivet that comes with your pressure cooker inside the pot, and add one cup of water. Place as many eggs as you like on the rack, ensuring they don't fall into the water. You can stack the eggs in two layers if you want to cook more at once. Close the lid and seal the valve, then set the timer for your desired outcome: 3 minutes for soft-boiled, 5 minutes for medium, and 8 minutes for hard-boiled. When the timer goes off, use tongs to turn the valve and release the pressure. Be careful not to put your hands or face near the valve. Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and use tongs to transfer the eggs into an ice bath to cool for a couple of minutes before peeling.

How to use a steamer basket to cook multiple foods at once

Using a steamer basket in a pressure cooker is a great way to cook multiple foods at once. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, it's important to choose the right steamer basket. Most modern pressure cookers come with a simple steamer basket insert, but there are also multi-level and compartmentalized baskets available, which are ideal for cooking multiple foods simultaneously. If your pressure cooker didn't come with a steamer basket, you can purchase one separately, and it's recommended to get the largest one that will fit your cooker. Silicone steamer baskets are best for electric pressure cookers with non-stick interiors, while stainless steel baskets are suitable for those with stainless steel inserts.

Once you have your steamer basket, follow these steps:

• Place the steamer basket inside your pressure cooker. If using a trivet, place it inside first and then put the steamer basket on top. The trivet will elevate the basket and keep it out of the steaming liquid.
• Prepare your ingredients. You can cook various foods in a steamer basket, including vegetables, fruits, fish, and eggs.
• Arrange the ingredients inside the steamer basket. Place the foods that require the longest cooking time at the bottom of the basket, closest to the heat source, and the foods that need less cooking time at the top.
• Add water or another liquid to the pressure cooker. You can use water, broth, wine, or even tomato sauce as your steaming liquid. If using water, let it boil for 5-10 minutes before placing the basket in the cooker and closing the lid.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking time and settings. If your pressure cooker has multiple pressure levels, choose the lowest one unless instructed otherwise. For seafood or fish, always use the recommended cooking settings to avoid overcooking.
• If cooking succulent foods or fish, grease or brush the steamer basket lightly to prevent sticking.
• When the food is cooked, release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions, open the lid, and carefully remove the steamer basket using the trivet's handles or a cooking handle with a hook.

By following these steps, you can efficiently cook multiple foods at once in your pressure cooker, making the most of this versatile appliance.

How to use a trivet to create multiple levels inside the pressure cooker

Trivets are a great accessory to have for your pressure cooker as they allow you to cook multiple items at the same time and prevent overcooking. They can be used to create multiple levels inside the pressure cooker, so you can cook a sauce at the bottom of the cooker while using the heat to roast meat placed on the trivet.

The basic function of a trivet is to raise your food off the bottom of the inner cooking pot. Some trivets only raise food by half an inch, while others can raise it by a few inches. If you are using a steamer basket, you will want your trivet high enough to raise the basket out of the water at the bottom of the pot. If the trivet is too low, you will be boiling or braising the contents of your basket rather than steaming them.

Trivets are typically used to keep food items raised when cooking, such as roast meat or a whole chicken, so that they are not in direct contact with the bottom of the cooker. They are especially useful for removing a whole chicken from the cooker. Before cooking, insert the trivet from the bottom so that the pointed end goes inside and the two metal prongs stick out. When it is time to remove the cooked chicken, use any cooking handle with a hook to insert into the neck cavity to lift out the chicken.

Trivets are often made of food-grade, heat-resistant materials. If your cooker does not have a trivet, suitable substitutes include heat-resistant stainless steel cookie cutters, metal jar lids or a steamer basket with short legs.

How to use a trivet to retain more flavour and nutrients

Trivets are accessories that come bundled with most pressure cookers. They are metal, prong-like contraptions that keep your food raised and prevent it from touching the base of the cooker. Trivets are particularly useful for steaming, pressure-steaming, and cooking with the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) method.

• When steaming vegetables, fruits, fish, or eggs, use a trivet to keep the steamer basket raised out of the steaming liquid. This ensures that your food is steamed and not boiled or braised.
• When cooking meat, use a trivet to keep it raised and prevent it from touching the bottom of the cooker. This helps to retain more flavour as some of the meat flavours can leech into the plain liquid.
• If you are using the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) method, place the trivet and 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot's inner pot. Then, put your food in an oven-safe container and place it on the trivet before closing the lid.
• When steaming food, always add some liquid such as water to the inner pot. 1 cup (250ml) of water is usually enough.
• You can flavour the steaming liquid with vinegar, wine, herbs, broth, or tomato sauce to add more flavour to your dish.
• If your pressure cooker did not come with a trivet, you can use a steamer basket, a colander made of heat-proof material, or a wire mesh basket as a substitute.

How to use a trivet to cook cheesecakes, lasagne, ribs, bread, vegetables and pot-in-pot rice

Using a trivet is a great way to cook a variety of dishes in your pressure cooker. Here's how you can use a trivet to cook cheesecakes, lasagne, ribs, bread, vegetables, and pot-in-pot rice.

Cheesecakes

Pressure cookers are perfect for "baking" cheesecakes. You'll need a 7-inch springform pan that fits inside your pressure cooker, with at least a 1/4-inch gap around the edges for steam to escape. Here's a simple recipe for a classic pressure cooker cheesecake:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker cookie crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 16 ounces room-temperature cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 room-temperature eggs

Instructions:

• Coat a 7-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly at the bottom of the pan, pressing it firmly. You can also press the crust up to 1 inch along the sides of the pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
• In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overmix!
• Add the vanilla extract and one egg, mixing at medium-low speed just until blended. Scrape the bowl, then add the remaining egg and mix until well incorporated.
• Remove the prepared crust from the freezer and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top of the cheesecake with a spatula or the back of a spoon. You can also tap the filled pan gently on the counter to bring air bubbles to the surface and pop them with a fork.
• Pour 1 cup of water into the pressure cooking pot and place a trivet at the bottom. Center the filled pan on a sling and carefully lower it into the cooking pot. Fold the sling so that it doesn't interfere with closing the lid.
• Lock the lid and select High Pressure for 25 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the cooker to reach pressure.
• When the cook time ends, turn off the cooker and allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. Carefully remove the lid and check the cheesecake for doneness. If it needs more time, return the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes with another 10-minute natural release.
• Use the sling to remove the cheesecake from the cooking pot and place it on a wire rack to cool. Use a paper towel to soak up any water that may have condensed on top.
• Once the cheesecake is close to room temperature, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Lasagne

You can easily make a mouthwatering lasagne in your pressure cooker. Here's a simple recipe for a heavenly rich lasagne with creamy-cheesy layers:

Ingredients:

• 8 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2.5-3 cups meat sauce (use a thicker sauce to help the lasagne hold its shape)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, beat one egg, then add the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Optional: Line a 7-inch springform pan with cut-out parchment paper.
• Break the uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and layer them at the bottom of the pan in a single layer.
• Layer 1/3 of the meat sauce on the noodles, followed by the ricotta cheese mixture, and then the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat this layering cycle twice.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Wrap the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil.
• Pour 1 cup of cold water into the pressure cooker and place a trivet at the bottom.
• Create a sling foil and place the springform pan in the pressure cooker.
• Close the lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 24 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
• Check if the noodles are properly cooked. If they're still a bit firm, cover the pan with aluminum foil, place it back in the cooker, and pressure cook for another 5-6 minutes with a quick release.

Frequently asked questions