I am diligently working on my pressure cooking ebook titled, The New Fast Food: The Veggie Queen Pressure Cooks Whole Food Meals in less than 30 Minutes. I know that the title is more than a mouthful but if you just remember The New Fast Food, The Veggie Queen and Pressure Cooks, or any combination of those words, that will be fine.
Since I am immersed in polishing the book, I’m talking a lot about it. Yesterday I attended a publishing conference through the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association at the amazing Preservation Park in Oakland.
I found out a number of interesting things about people and their perception of pressure cookers and the current state of pressure cooking.
Here are some of the questions:
- Can you buy one that’s not made of aluminum?
- Are they safe?
- Do they blow up?
- Do you have to buy a big one?
- Can you use it on a boat?
- Why do I want to use it instead of my slow cooker?
- What foods do you cook in there?
There were likely more questions but I have since forgotten them, as my head was filled with publishing information throughout the day.
Let me briefly answer the questions that were posed. Do you have any questions of your own? If so, please post them below.
Can you buy pressure cookers that aren’t aluminum?
Yes, you can. In fact, all of the pressure cookers that I own and use are made of stainless steel. Most of the modern pressure cookers which have a spring-valve, which is what I recommend, are made of stainless steel. Likely, almost all the new pressure cookers designed for cooking, and not canning, are made of stainless steel.
Are they safe? Do they blow up?
The cookers are very safe if you follow safety precautions such as adding enough liquid and not forcing open the lid before the pressure is released. Unlike the older model cookers, these pressure cookers usually have at least 4 safety release valves which cause the steam to come out places other than the top. Since there is no longer any jiggler to hiss and twist, nothing can blow off. Or at least that’s my experience with all my various classes over the years.
Can I use it on a boat?
The pressure cooker is a perfect piece of cookware for a boat since it has a lid that locks on. So no matter how much movement there is, the food won’t come sloshing out. Also, since food cooks in 50 t0 70% less time, you use much less fuel which is often a consideration when boating. Additionally, many of the foods that taste great in a pressure cooker such as soup, stew, chili and curry are all wonderful one pot meals.
Why do you want to use it instead of your slow cooker?
The slow cooker is great if you like to plan in advance. I find that the food in the slow cooker has muddled flavors which is just fine for some foods such as chili but not as good for mixed dishes with vegetables where you want all the flavors to be bright. The pressure cooker cooks in an air-free environment which helps lock in colors and flavors and helps preserve nutrients. Also, your food will cook quite quickly so you don’t have to think in advance. You can wait until later in the day and use pantry items to make a great meal.
What foods do I cook in the pressure cooker?
I do most of my cooking in the pressure cooker these days. Of course it doesn’t bake or toast but that’s just a small part of cooking.
I cook whole grains such as brown, red, pink or black rice, quinoa, barley, steel cut oats, all my legumes, beans, pea and lentils in about 70% less time than stove top cooking, vegetables and many mixed dishes that contain variations on these. Currently I am eating one of my favorite dishes: Breakfast potatoes, tofu and vegetables which I also make without the tofu, substituting tempeh, or just the potatoes and vegetables. I make vegetable stock weekly in my pressure cooker which has likely saved me hundreds of dollars each year of using my cooker.
That’s probably enough Q and A for today. Please post any questions that you have below.
I hope to start sharing some of my ebook with you very soon so that I can continue my quest to have you start using a pressure cooker to improve your health and that of the planet, as you save time, money and energy using a pressure cooker.
Jill Nussinow says
JL,
I am so happy to hear that you like using your pressure cooker. I find that it’s really changed how I cook. I cook less often but more often, and it’s all pretty tasty.
I am excited about getting my ebook out into the world. I’m going to let everyone know.
JL goes Vegan says
My mom was terrified of her pressure cooker — she shooed us out of the house whenever she used it (only for canning) –so I grew up scared of them! I got one a few months ago and while I was scared the first two times, now I’m just fine 😉 I love mine! I use it at least two or three times a week. I cannot WAIT for your book!!!
Jill, The Veggie Queen says
Susan,
I was actually terrified of my mother’s pressure cooker and the sounds that it made. So, I am happy that mine doesn’t make noise. I bet that you’ll still like it for what it can do for you in the kitchen.
Ellen,
Thanks for sharing this with me. I love how you describe feeling like a frugal European – that’s great. Many Europeans use them because they don’t have much space and these pots are multi-use, and they also save fuel. We might want to think this way, too.
This is the perfect time of year to cook artichokes. I cook extra of everything that I can and freeze the rest, Not the artichokes but beans, grains, soup, etc.
You can visit my friend Lorna Sass’s site and blog. She knows about meat. Also, my friend Laura of Hip Pressure Cooking who lives in Italy can assist you on the “meat front”. (My assistant Ellen knows how to cook meat in there, too.)
Keep on pressure cooking.
Ellen Skagerberg says
On your urging, Jill, I bought a pressure cooker (mine is a Magefesa, great cooker with a terrible instruction manual!) and I am delighted with it. We had a large pot with a steamer insert that we have virtually retired.
I agree about planning ahead. You do need to keep an eye on the pressure cooker — the slow cooker makes the house smell delicious and is super easy — but I feel more like a frugal European when I’m using the pressure cooker. I used to have to cook 4 large artichokes in our steamer pot for almost an hour; now, thanks to the pressure cooker, they’re done in 17 minutes (about 5 minutes to come up to pressure, followed by 12 minutes of cooking).
On occasion, the side of the lid has started releasing steam, and we go over and turn it off. I think this is from not keeping the gasket seal oiled up enough (just a guess). But that’s the extent of the “danger.”
Most of my questions would be about cooking meat in the pressure cooker, but I’ll spare “The Veggie Queen” such impertinent questions! I’m so glad I took the plunge!
Susan Rooker says
What a great idea! I loved the sounds of the pressure cooker from my grandmother’s kitchen. I would love to have one and your Q&As and food ideas inspires me to get one!