This week I am experimenting with a new-to-me tool: a pressure cooker. Years ago, a friend's then-husband used to make curry in a pressure cooker. It was always amazing. But the thought of using a pressure cooker was a bit scary. Weren't those the kitchen tools that could explode and cause massive damage? Didn't they make weird noises?? Do I really want to risk it?!?
The questions roaming around in my mind were in conflict with the part of me that said "But I read that it only takes a few minutes for dinner to cook with a pressure cooker. Maybe I should look into that..."
When I saw The Easy Pressure Cooker Cookbook at Costco last week, I knew I had to get it. This was confirmed by a little old lady who walked up to me and started telling me how much she loved her pressure cooker. I then opened the book and saw the page for Chicken Tikka Masala. In under 10 minutes. No. Way. I was sold!
Some things I discovered: the recipes in the book need the addition of a bit of salt. It also takes a while for the pressure cooker to reach full pressure (which is when you start timing), so the times aren't entirely accurate -- but it's still much faster than regular cooking. And there's no need to watch a pot or worry about burning!
This week, it's all about trying more pressure cooker recipes. I want to have a fast way to make a ton of freezer meals for my sister. She's due in May (although the baby might arrive early, like baby #2 did) and I'm planning on visiting her in CA in April so that we can stock her freezer and do any other necessary prep. A pressure cooker could be just the thing we need!
Menu 3/11-3/17
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| Image from Amazon.com of a Presto 8-qt. pressure cooker |
The questions roaming around in my mind were in conflict with the part of me that said "But I read that it only takes a few minutes for dinner to cook with a pressure cooker. Maybe I should look into that..."
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Some things I discovered: the recipes in the book need the addition of a bit of salt. It also takes a while for the pressure cooker to reach full pressure (which is when you start timing), so the times aren't entirely accurate -- but it's still much faster than regular cooking. And there's no need to watch a pot or worry about burning!
This week, it's all about trying more pressure cooker recipes. I want to have a fast way to make a ton of freezer meals for my sister. She's due in May (although the baby might arrive early, like baby #2 did) and I'm planning on visiting her in CA in April so that we can stock her freezer and do any other necessary prep. A pressure cooker could be just the thing we need!
Menu 3/11-3/17
- Sunday -- Fish tacos
- Monday -- Vietnamese chicken and sweet potato curry in the pressure cooker (I'll have to post this recipe later, since it was a blend of two cookbooks)
- Tuesday -- Curried lentils in the pressure cooker and a salad
- Wednesday -- New Orleans-Style Red Beans & Rice in the pressure cooker
- Thursday -- Vegetarian chili in the pressure cooker
- Friday -- tomato soup & grilled cheese
- Saturday -- beer & pretzels (We're meeting Tin Man at a local German restaurant because he really wants German beer! -- One day he'll realize our microbrews are actually better.)
My pressure cooker cookbook also has several recipes for rice pudding. To me -- and my sister -- there are few things in life better than rice pudding. In fact, it's quite possible that no dessert on earth tops it. Needless to say, I will be trying these recipes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
I don't know anything about pressure cookers. I'm excited to learn from you!
ReplyDeleteOh, and in my family rice pudding is a form of currency. Whenever you help Grandma (mowing the lawn, dusting) you get paid in pudding! She passed away a few years ago and I haven't had any since. Maybe I'll try my hand at making some. Thanks for the reminder. :)