Pressure Cooker

In true Chowhound fashion, my husband's anniversary gift request was for a 10 qt pressure cooker. I have to say, I was impressed with his first effort, Asian glazed spareribs, which were delicious and falling off the bone in 15 minutes. Does anyone have experience using a pressure cooker, and any tips or recipes you would like to share? He's like a kid with a shiny new bike, and I'm anxious to take advantage of his enthusiasm. Thanks!

[Spencer]

My Mom used one a lot when I was a kid. I was think of getting one of the new ones, like Emeril uses- for some reason, that model doesn't seem as scary as my Mom's. I inhereted hers after she passed last year, but it is old(40-50 yrs.) and looks so much like a land mine that I'm afraid it might blow my kitchen up.

[maxmillan]

Got my 10-quart Fagor. I did a lasagna with my slowcooker. Could I do the same thing in my pc?

[cheryl_h]

I use my pressure cooker to cook dried beans, lentils and chickpeas. It cuts the time down to minutes instead of hours so making a batch of hummus or refritos can be done without hours of preparation. Indian recipes for dals usually include pressure cooking directions because they use pressure cookers far more than we do. I turned out a batch of masala dal in minutes yesterday.

My mother used her pressure cooker for cooking tough meats like tongue, stewing lamb or pigs feet. Like me, patience was not her strong point so anything that reduced the time spent doing something was a big plus.

I have used a pressure cooker for years.........sparingly, but it makes good stews, etc. The best and most amazing thing it does is to make perfect risotto! Any pressure cooking cook book (I have one called 'Cooking Under Pressure') should have good risotto recipes, then once you get the hang of it, you can make your own unique flavored risotto.......takes just 6 minutes@

[maxmillan]

I'm considering buying either a Fagor or Kuhn Rikon. I borrowed my friend's old Lagostina to see if it's worth my time. The manual recommends changing the safety valve every two years. I know my friend has had her Lagostina for several years and has not yet replaced the safety valve.

Does either the Fagor or Kuhn Rikon require changing the safety valve, or any other parts every so year(s)?

I'm basing my purchase on durability and the one that needs the least frequency of replacement parts. Ease of use is very important, too.

I'm not interested in any other pc as I've narrowed it down to either the Fagor or Kuhn Rikon.

[jdm]

I bought the fagor last year and I love it. I use it 2 o3 times weekly. Sometimes more. Great for quick stocks, soups, makes an awesome risotto,
I have not replaced anything. The manual says that the gasket may need replacing after a while, but I keep it well oiled and so far so good. Check out the web sites associated with those home shopping channels.I got a fagor set, an 8 quart and a 4 quart for $ 69. I have seen the 8 quart alone for more than that retail.
Good luck.

[bigjimbray]

I like to use my pressure cooker with country style pork ribs, fat rim off
then cover with a layer of sourcroute and peeled whole potatoes, and carrots.
they all come out nice and tender.

[maxmillan]

I think I will buy the 10 qt Fagor. I plan to cook for one and have lots of leftovers. But I wonder if it would be okay to cook smaller quanitities in such a huge pot. For example, a small bowl of vegetables?

[bigjimbray]

I think That with a small amount in the pressure cooker the size you
are talking about it would cook faster,

My mom always used a pressure cooker and I received one as a wedding gift (long time ago!)... I used it recently for this recipe which is very good! Curried Chicken Coconut Soup link below.

Link: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/rec...

Sounds marvelous! Can't wait to try it. Thank you so much!

[alex8alot]

hi sorry to butt in, but was wondering aout this recipe. did the coconut milk not curdle in the p/c? I have found that it curdles and separates at hight heat which is why most recipes tell you to add it near the end. But I would love to use it in the p/c