Stainless steel pressure cookers have become a popular choice not just among professional chefs but also among home cooks. It is ideal for those who want to cook healthily and also want something long-lasting and durable. If you have recently upgraded your cookware or switched from non-stick to stainless steel, the cooking techniques are different. But if you familiarise yourself with some tips and techniques, you can prevent damage, avoid mishaps, and efficiently cook your way to fast and tasty meals.
Techniques and Tips for Stainless Steel Cookers
Cooking with stainless steel cookers requires specific techniques and tips. When you follow the proper technique, it can improve the longevity of the steel cookers and also enable you to get the most out of them. Here are some of them:
Turn the Burner to Low or Medium
This is one of the most important rules to follow when using stainless steel cookers. Keep the burner temperature at medium or low. The main reason behind this is that tempered steel is a good conductor of heat, so even at low or medium temperatures, it cooks effectively. Also, it is essential to know that cooking or heating at high temperatures can discolour steel cookers and affect the shiny look and finish of the product.
Pre-heat the Pan
It is one of the ways to optimise the cooking surface. Always preheat the pan, unless it is specifically mentioned in the recipe that it should not be done. Preheating ensures consistency in temperature throughout the cooking period.
Choose the Best Products
One of the best tips you can get for stainless steel cookers is to buy top-quality products, as you get what you pay for. Even though the price of high-quality products may be slightly higher, the return on investment is also high, as they cook food well and also last a long time, thereby lasting more years than cheap products. Instead of buying multiple inferior products spread over a few years, it is better to buy cooker online that lasts a long time.
Do not use Abrasive Utensils
Steel cookers can be used to make a variety of dishes, and while these can tolerate spoons made of metal, they can over time create small scratches. That makes the interior of the cooker look unsightly in the long run. To prevent that from happening, use silicone spatulas or wooden spoons that are heat-proof to prevent scratches. If, for some reason, scratches happen, you can use a mixture of water and baking soda to restore the lustre.
Beware of Acidic Foods
While steel cookers can be used to cook citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other acidic stuff, ensure that you do not store them in the cookware. That is because when left for a long time, it can react with acid and cause harm to the surface.
Use the Right Quantity of Water
When cooking food in any cooker, including stainless steel cookers, ensure that you use the optimal quantity of water. Using too little can burn out the stuff, and too much can make it mushy. Most Indian recipes call for a 1:2 ratio of water to grains, but this can change depending on what you are cooking.
Follow the Recipe
When using a pressure cooker, it is important that you follow the recipe. The water ratio and cooking time depend on the recipe you are following, so ensure to follow the instructions properly.
Pre-soak
If you are in a hurry and want to complete your cooking duties quickly, then pre-soak the legumes or lentils overnight or at least for a few hours. That will help reduce the cooking time and also give it a better texture.
Have Patience
It is important to allow the cooker to release pressure before opening the lid. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid accidents. Impatiently removing the cooker whistle can lead to injuries and leave the food uncooked.
Stainless steel cookers are made to last a long time. When you follow the above cooking tips and techniques, you can pass them down to the next generation!
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