If you’re looking for a versatile kitchen appliance that can do it all, you might want to consider getting an electric pressure cooker. An electric pressure cooker is not just a device that can cook food faster and easier, but also a multi-functional gadget that can perform various tasks such as slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, warming, and sterilizing.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to use your electric pressure cooker for more than just cooking, and share some tips and tricks to make the most out of it. We’ll also introduce you to the Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, which is one of the best-selling and most popular models on the market.
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What is an Electric Pressure Cooker and How Does It Work?
An electric pressure cooker is a device that uses high-pressure steam to cook food faster and more evenly than conventional methods. It consists of a sealed pot with a valve that controls the pressure inside, a heating element that generates the steam, and a control panel that allows you to adjust the settings and functions.
An electric pressure cooker works by trapping the steam inside the pot, which raises the temperature and pressure of the water. This creates a moist and hot environment that cooks food faster and more thoroughly while preserving the nutrients, flavor, and texture of the food. You can also use less water and energy than other cooking methods, which makes it more eco-friendly and economical.
An electric pressure cooker can cook almost anything, from meats, soups, stews, beans, grains, vegetables, desserts, and more. You can also use it to perform other tasks such as:
- Slow cooking: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a slow cooker by selecting the low-pressure or no-pressure mode and adjusting the cooking time. This is ideal for making tender and flavorful dishes that require long and slow cooking, such as pot roasts, pulled pork, chili, etc.
- Rice cooking: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a rice cooker by selecting the rice or multigrain mode and adding the appropriate amount of water and rice. This is perfect for making fluffy and delicious rice of any variety, such as white, brown, basmati, jasmine, etc.
- Steaming: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a steamer by placing a steaming rack or basket inside the pot and adding some water. This is great for steaming vegetables, fish, eggs, dumplings, etc., while retaining their color, texture, and nutrients.
- Sautéing: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a sauté pan by selecting the sauté mode and using the inner pot as a frying pan. This is useful for browning meats, sautéing onions, garlic, or spices, making sauces or gravies, etc., before or after pressure cooking.
- Yogurt making: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a yogurt maker by selecting the yogurt mode and adding milk and yogurt starter. This is fun for making your own homemade yogurt with your preferred flavor and consistency.
- Warming: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a food warmer by selecting the keep warm mode and placing your cooked food inside the pot. This is convenient for keeping your food warm until you’re ready to serve or eat it.
- Sterilizing: You can use your electric pressure cooker as a sterilizer by selecting the sterilizing mode and adding water and items that need to be sterilized. This is handy for sterilizing baby bottles, pacifiers, utensils, jars, etc.
Why Choose the Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker?
The Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a compact and versatile appliance that can replace up to seven kitchen devices: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer.
It has a 3-quart capacity that can cook for up to three people – perfect for smaller families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles. It has 13 customizable Smart Programs that let you cook various dishes with one touch of a button: soup/broth, meat/stew, bean/chili, poultry, rice, multigrain, porridge, steam, yogurt, slow cook, keep warm, pressure cook and sauté. It has a stainless-steel inner cooking pot that is food-grade, durable, easy to clean, and dishwasher-safe. It also has a tri-ply bottom that ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching. It is also ideal for sautéing ingredients before or after pressure cooking.
It has over 10 safety features that ensure safe and reliable operation, such as overheat protection, pressure regulator, safety lock, anti-block shield, etc.
It comes with a free Instant Brands Connect App that lets you discover amazing recipes, create quick favorites, and prepare delicious meals with your electric pressure cooker. The app is available for iOS and Android devices and has hundreds of recipes for different cuisines, occasions, and dietary preferences.
How to Use Your Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker?
Using your Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is easy and simple. Just follow these steps:
- Plug in your electric pressure cooker and press the power button.
- Select the desired Smart Program or function by pressing the corresponding button on the control panel. You can also adjust the pressure level, cooking time, and temperature by using the +/- buttons.
- Add the ingredients to the inner pot according to the recipe or your preference. Make sure to add enough liquid (water, broth, sauce, etc.) to cover the food and prevent burning. Do not fill the pot more than two-thirds full to avoid overflow.
- Close the lid and turn it clockwise until it locks in place. Make sure the sealing ring is properly installed and the steam release valve is in the sealing position.
- Wait for the electric pressure cooker to beep and start cooking. The display will show “ON” while it is preheating and building up pressure. Once the pressure is reached, the display will show the remaining cooking time and count down.
- When the cooking time is up, the electric pressure cooker will beep and switch to the keep warm mode automatically. You can either release the pressure manually by turning the steam release valve to the venting position or let it release naturally by leaving it alone until the float valve drops down.
- Open the lid carefully and enjoy your delicious meal
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Electric Pressure Cooker
Here are some tips and tricks to help you use your electric pressure cooker more effectively and efficiently:
- Read the user manual carefully before using your electric pressure cooker for the first time. It contains important information on how to operate, clean, and maintain your device, as well as safety precautions and troubleshooting tips.
- Do a water test before using your electric pressure cooker for cooking. This will help you familiarize yourself with how it works and ensure that it is functioning properly. To do a water test, add 3 cups of water to the inner pot, close the lid, select the pressure cook mode, and set the time for 5 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, release the pressure manually and check if there are any leaks or errors.
- Use high-quality ingredients that are fresh, clean, and suitable for pressure cooking. Avoid using frozen, canned, or processed foods that may contain additives, preservatives, or excess salt or sugar that can affect the taste and texture of your food.
- Cut your ingredients into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces may take longer to cook than smaller ones, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Season your food well before or after pressure cooking. You can use herbs, spices, sauces, marinades, or rubs to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. However, avoid using too much salt or acidic ingredients (such as vinegar, lemon juice, wine, etc.) that can interfere with the pressure cooking process or damage the inner pot.
- Use natural or quick-release methods depending on the type of food you’re cooking. Natural release means letting The pressure drops gradually by itself, which can take from 10 to 40 minutes depending on The amount of liquid in the pot. This is recommended for foods that are foamy (such as beans or grains), delicate (such as fish or eggs), or need more time to tenderize (such as meats or stews). Quick release means releasing the pressure manually by turning the steam release valve to the venting position, which can take from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on The amount of steam in the pot.
This is recommended for foods that are prone to overcooking (such as vegetables or pasta) or need less time to cook (such as rice or soup). - Clean your electric pressure cooker after each use to prevent food residue, stains, or odors from building up. Wash the inner pot, lid, sealing ring, steam release valve and accessories with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well and dry
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