8
steady stream of steam. At this
moment, the actual
PRESSURE
COOKING TIME STARTS (when you
begin to time your recipe). It is recom-
mended that a kitchen timer be used
to monitor the exact cooking time.
5. If at any time during cooking, an
excessive amount of steam is
released by the operating valve, lower
the burner heat on your stove to adjust
and maintain the proper level of
pressure.
6. If the pressure indicator drops or no
steam comes out of the operating
valve, raise the burner heat just until
a gentle, steady stream of steam is
released through the operating
valve and can be maintained.
7. WHILE COOKING, NEVER SHAKE
THE PRESSURE COOKER. This can
cause the automatic valve to release
steam, which will create a drop in
pressure.
Note to electric stove users
Since the coils on an electric stove retain
heat for a long time, food can become
overcooked To compensate for that, you
have this option:
Turn on one burner to medium heat and
bring your cooker to pressure. Once
pressure has been attained, turn your
burner to low and start your pressure
cooking time.
Releasing Pressure After Cooking
Always check your recipe to determine if
the pressure cooker should be cooled
down naturally or whether the quick
release method should be used. You can
choose one of the following 3 methods to
release the pressure:
1. Natural Release Method: To use
this method, remove the pressure
cooker from the hot burner and let
the pressure drop and dissipate
naturally. Depending on the amount
of food and liquid in the pressure
cooker, this method can take from
10 to 15 minutes. Open the pressure
cooker once the pressure indicator
goes down and all pressure has
dissipated.
2.
Quick Release Method: (fig. 10) : This
is used to release pressure as quickly
as possible, as is desired when
cooking most vegetables, seafood and
other tender foods that can be quickly
overcooked. To use this method,
remove the pressure cooker from the
burner, placing it in the sink and
running cold tap water over the lid until
steam dissipates and the pressure
indicator is lowered. When putting the
cooker in the sink, tilt it so the cold
water will run downwards. Open the
pressure cooker once all of the
pressure has been totally released and
no additional steam comes out of the
operating valve.
NEVER IMMERSE THE PRE-
SSURE COOKER IN WATER.
3. Automatic Release Method: (fig. 7)
When using the Automatic Release
Method, turn the dial to the release
pressure position and the steam will be
released. Once steam has been totally
released and no more steam comes out
of the operating valve, the pressure
indicator will go down all the way and
you will be able to open the cooker.
