VIII. Questions and Answers
Q: What can be done if the food prepared in the pressure cooker has
more liquid than desired?
A: with the cover removed, simmer to evaporate the excess liquid.
Q: How does one calculate cooking times?
A: Remember to begin timing as soon as the pressure regulator begins to
rock gently. It is very important to accurately time the cooking period. If you
find that the food is not completely done after the time is up, simply bring
the cooker back up to pressure and cook the food a minute or two longer.
Q
: When cooking first begins, is it normal for steam to escape and
moisture to form on the cover and between the handles?
A: It is normal for steam to escape and a slight amount of moisture leakage
to form on the cover and between the handles when cooking first begins. If
leakage continues, the cover handle may not be properly aligned with the
body handle and, therefore, the air vent/cover lock cannot engage.
Q: Why does rice turn a grey color?
A: Cooking under high temperature and high pressure, the amino acids
and saccharides are decomposed by the heat. Thus the food containing
rich proteins and carbohydrates may change its color to grey. But this is
harmless and the taste will not change.
Q: After heating certain foods, liquid sprays out from the safety valve.
A: When heating liquid foods mixed with sugar; they will spray out from the
safety valve because of the high pressure steam inside the cooker. When
cooking this kind of food, don’t cook with pressure on, which means not to
place the pressure-limiting valve on.
Q: What do I do if I accidentally heated my pressure cooker when empty
and dry.
A: Turn off the fire immediately and let it cool naturally. Don’t pour water
onto the cooker.
COOKING TIPS
· Brown meats, poultry, and even some vegetables — like chopped onions,
peppers, or carrots — first and then deglaze the pot for more intense flavor.
· Don’t overdo the liquid. Because food cooks in a closed, sealed pot when
cooking under pressure, you have less evaporation and should therefore use
less cooking liquid than when cooking in a conventional pot. Regardless
of what you’re cooking, however, always use enough liquid. A good rule of
thumb is at least 1 cup of liquid. Never fill the pot more than halfway with
liquid.
· Don’t fill any pressure cooker with too much food. Never fill a pressure
cooker more than two-thirds full with food.
· Remember that even pieces mean evenly cooked food. Food should be cut
into uniform-sized pieces so that they cook in the same amount of time
