Pressure Cooker

[janszott]

I was helping the InLaws clean up their house in preparation for moving and ran across an old aluminum pressure cooker they had. I thought I'd take it home and give it a try.

I have to say I am amazed at how well this old technology works.

I tried making Brazed Beef Short Ribs which normally takes at least three hours in the oven. In the pressure cooker, it took just 30 minutes on the small stovetop burner set on medium heat. It took me longer than that just to cut up the meat and vegetables.

They were the most tender, tastiest ribs I have ever made.

Anyone else use one?
Any favourite recipes?

[Penny-lope]

My gran used to use one to boil Ox tongue

[Piglet]

I know quite a few folk who swear by their old pressure cooker.

Personally they scare me witless!! My mum had one when I was tiny and I think she was scared of hers and I have these real fear that it's going to explode!!

I really must try to get over it and try one

[prand]

I find a presure cooker is very useful to things that take a long time to boil - beans & pulses don't need overnight soaking & hrs of simmering and skimming (take about 7-10 mins, then add to curries, stews etc).

Also great for making stock (about 10 mins again to boil a chicken carcas with herbs/carrots/celery)

It's hard figure out perfect cooking times as one minute over can spoil a meal, Cook a stew too long and you cook all the goodness out of the meat, and turns veggies to mush as they cook at different speeds.

[bint]

Penny-lope said:

My gran used to use one to boil Ox tongue

Ditto, with lots of spices and for my friends who went 'ewwww' at tongue, she would slice it ultra thinly (think pastrami) and call it spiced beef - they loved it then!

I miss that - might have to have a go myself, but alas no pressure cooker.