Pressure cookers are very popular cooking utensils for preparing soups, stews, and tenderising meats in quick time. However, their versatility and uses goes far beyond these traditional uses.
If you’re trying to use your 5 litre pressure cooker differently, you are at the right place, as we are going to explore unexpected and creative ways to use this essential kitchen utensil.
Infused oils and extract
You can use your pressure cooker to prepare infused oils and extracts.
For doing that, you have to put the herbs, spices, or citrus peels in a jar filled with oil or alcohol.
Then, seal the jar and cook under low pressure for a short time to infuse the flavours uniformly.
By this method, you can extract intense flavours in a quicktime as compared to what it takes through traditional infusion methods. You can also experiment with combinations like rosemary-infused olive oil or vanilla extract for baking.
Artisanal Curd Making
You can use your pressure cooker to prepare yoghurt.For doing that you have to heat the milk to a proper and specific temperature, and then cool it down before adding yoghurt culture.
After that, keep the mixture in jars, seal, and ferment in the pressure cooker with the use of the yoghurt setting. And yes, after that, you will have creamy, homemade yoghurt at a much lower cost than store-bought varieties. You can add up in your yoghurt, various flavours and toppings for a healthy breakfast or snack option.
Quick pickling
You can also prepare quick pickles using your pressure cooker. For doing that combine the ingredients such as vinegar, water, salt, and your choice of vegetables or fruits in the cooker.
Now, after that, cook under pressure for a few minutes to infuse the flavours rapidly.
Once it is done and cooled, your quick pickles will be ready to eat and enjoy, giving a taste of tangy flavour to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards. You can do this using different spices and herbs to prepare unique flavour profiles for your pickles.
Steaming vegetables and seafood
You can use your pressure cooker’s steaming capabilities to cook vegetables and seafood very easily and quickly. For doing that, you have to place a steamer basket inside the cooker, add water, and put your ingredients.
Then, after that, cook under pressure for a few minutes to keep the nutrients intact and also get the perfect tenderness. From crisp-tender asparagus to succulent shrimp, the possibilities of preparing the dishes are many. You can add different flavours using aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus zest.
Homemade bread and desserts
You can amaze your family with freshly baked bread and delicious desserts that can easily be prepared in your pressure cooker. For doing that, use the cooker as a makeshift oven by placing a trivet inside and also add water in it.
After that, you have to place your bread dough or dessert batter in a heat proof container, cover, and then cook under low pressure. In very less time, you will get tender bread or delicious desserts without even messing up the kitchen. You can also try various other recipes like chocolate lava cake or savoury herb bread for a delightful treat.
One-pot pasta dishes
You can easily prepare one-pot pasta dishes that are cooked perfectly in your pressure cooker. For doing that you have to combine pasta, sauce, vegetables, and protein in the cooker, and also remember to check and put enough liquid for cooking.
Seal and cook under pressure for a few minutes. This will allow the flavours to get mixed together beautifully. And with this, from classic spaghetti marinara to creamy Alfredo, your pressure cooker can do it all. You can enhance your pasta with your favourite ingredients and garnishes.
Conclusion
Your 5 litre pressure cooker can do more than just preparing soups and stews—it’s a very unique kitchen companion that can easily change your cooking experience. From infusing oils to baking bread and making homemade yoghurt, the variety of dishes that can be prepared using the pressure cooker are wide.
So using your pressure cooker you can prepare amazing meals and impress your family with your cooking skills. So, dust off your pressure cooker and let’s delve into a journey filled with unexpected flavours and easy cooking.
