Pressure cookers have long been a staple in the kitchen, known for their ability to quickly prepare tender and flavorful meals. However, their usefulness extends far beyond traditional recipes. In this article, we'll explore some unconventional pressure cooker hacks that demonstrate the versatility of this kitchen companion and how it can make your cooking adventures more exciting and efficient.
1. Homemade Infused Oils and Broths
You may not think of your pressure cooker as a tool for creating infused oils and broths, but it's a game-changer for this purpose. To make homemade infused oils, simply combine your choice of herbs, spices, or aromatics with a neutral oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil in the pressure cooker. Seal the cooker and heat it on low pressure for a short amount of time. The high pressure will extract the flavors from the ingredients, resulting in a fragrant and delicious infused oil.
For broths, throw vegetable scraps or leftover bones into the pressure cooker along with water, herbs, and spices. Pressure cooking will extract rich flavors and nutrients from these ingredients, creating a flavorful base for soups, stews, and sauces.
2. Jam and Preserves in Minutes
Preserving fruits in jam or preserves is a time-honored tradition, but it can be a labor-intensive process. Enter the pressure cooker, which can transform this task into a quick and easy endeavor. Pressure cookers are fantastic for making small batches of homemade jam. Combine your choice of fruit, sugar, and pectin in the cooker, then seal it and cook on low pressure for a few minutes. The result? Delicious homemade jam with minimal effort.
3. Steaming Desserts
You might associate pressure cookers primarily with savory dishes, but they are equally adept at preparing delectable desserts. Steaming desserts in a pressure cooker is a clever hack that yields moist and evenly cooked treats. From classic puddings to cheesecakes and even sticky toffee pudding, the possibilities are endless. Simply prepare your dessert batter, place it in a heatproof dish, and steam it in the pressure cooker. The moist environment of the cooker ensures your desserts turn out perfectly every time.
4. Perfectly Poached Eggs
If you're a fan of poached eggs but struggle with the traditional stovetop method, your pressure cooker can come to the rescue. Simply pour water into the bottom of the cooker, place a heatproof container filled with eggs on a trivet, and seal the cooker. Steam the eggs at low pressure for a few minutes, and you'll have perfectly poached eggs with runny yolks and firm whites. No more swirling water or adding vinegar required.
5. DIY Yogurt
Homemade yogurt is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize the flavor and consistency to your liking. Your pressure cooker can act as a yogurt maker with a few simple steps. Start by heating milk in the cooker until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, cool the milk, add yogurt starter or a bit of live yogurt, and place it back in the cooker at the "Keep Warm" setting. The controlled temperature inside the cooker facilitates the fermentation process, resulting in creamy, homemade yogurt.
6. Quick Pickling
Pickling is a wonderful way to preserve vegetables and infuse them with tangy flavors. While traditional pickling methods involve lengthy waiting times, the pressure cooker allows for quick pickling in minutes. Pack your vegetables and pickling liquid into sterilized jars, seal them, and place them in the pressure cooker with water. Process the jars at the recommended pressure and time for pickling. You'll have crisp and flavorful pickled vegetables ready in no time.
7. Homemade Extracts and Tinctures
Creating your own extracts and tinctures at home is easier than you might think, thanks to the power of your pressure cooker. For example, vanilla extract can be made by combining vanilla beans and vodka in a sealed jar, then placing it in the pressure cooker with water for a short time. The heat and pressure will expedite the extraction process, resulting in a fragrant and potent homemade extract.
8. Speedy Risotto and Polenta
Risotto and polenta are beloved Italian dishes that require constant stirring and attention when prepared conventionally. However, a pressure cooker can streamline the process. Sauté your ingredients, add rice or cornmeal and liquid, seal the cooker, and let it work its magic. The result? Creamy and perfectly cooked risotto or polenta with minimal effort and stirring.
Conclusion
Your pressure cooker is not just a one-trick pony for soups and stews. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can unlock its full potential and use it to simplify various aspects of your cooking. From infusing oils and making quick preserves to steaming desserts and perfecting poached eggs, these unconventional pressure cooker hacks will not only save you time but also elevate your culinary adventures. So, dust off your pressure cooker and start exploring the exciting world of kitchen hacks it has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you for the flavorful and efficient results.
Moss & Stone Multi-Use Electric Pressure Cooker
Effortlessly cook delicious meals with the Moss & Stone Multi-Use Electric Pressure Cooker
Product information
$88.99
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4.68 out of 5 stars
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