A pressure cooker is a multi-section pan in which you can steam food. Due to the absence of direct contact with water and oil, the products are not only the most useful, but also tasty. How to choose a pressure cooker, and what types they are, is described in detail in this material.
The content of the article
- What can be cooked in a pressure cooker
-
Types of pressure cookers
- Aluminum
- stainless steel
- How to replace a pressure cooker
What can be cooked in a pressure cooker
First of all, it is necessary to understand the basic functions of the device, that is, to understand what a pressure cooker is. We can say that this is a special multi-tiered pan in which manti is cooked, as the name implies.
It consists of several sections with a flat base, in which many holes have been made for free access of steam. There are usually 3 such sections, but sometimes up to 6.
At the same time, the lower part is represented by an ordinary low pan, in which water boils rapidly. It evaporates, the streams rise up and come into contact with the cooked products. The temperature reaches 100 ° C, thanks to which the steaming process is in progress.
The fundamental difference from conventional cooking is that the ingredients are not immersed in water. Therefore, they do not lose nutrients, remain juicy and tasty. This is how manti differs from dumplings - the former are steamed, the latter are boiled.
You can also say that a pressure cooker is a small oven, since the products are cooked without contact with water or oil. They are more useful and practically do not contain harmful substances. You can steam different foods:
- cutlets;
- fish;
- chicken breast;
- vegetables;
- some cereals (buckwheat, rice and others).
However, a pressure cooker (also called a mantyshnitsa) does not completely replace a pot or oven. For example, bread is cooked exclusively in the oven, and pasta is cooked only in rapidly boiling water.
Types of pressure cookers
Today, manufacturers produce many different models. Therefore, the question arises as to which pressure cooker is better to buy. Making a choice is not so difficult, for this you need to pay attention to several criteria, and the main one will be the material from which the containers are made. It can be aluminum and stainless steel.
Aluminum
Aluminum mantle or mantle is the most affordable, because the material is inexpensive. Such containers have thin walls, so they are short-lived. The fact is that they are easy to scratch, damage the surface. Another problem is that the bottom is quickly smoked, covered with soot, which is especially often observed when using a gas stove.
Based on how this type of mantle looks, you can be sure that it is quite attractive. And if you cook less often, handle the container carefully, it will last for several years. In addition, aluminum has an important advantage - it does not emit any harmful substances into water and air, it is a completely safe material.
Therefore, it is quite possible to purchase an aluminum mantyshnitsa. It is recommended to choose models in which the lower container has a cast bottom made of a more durable material. Then it will last much longer. In addition, thanks to the thick bottom, the heat is distributed evenly, and the products are cooked at about the same speed.
stainless steel
It is also useful to know what a stainless steel mantle is. This is a more durable material that lasts for many years and at the same time retains its luster. However, when using a gas stove, soot will still appear, so you need to rinse the surfaces after each cooking.
The bottom of these pans is thick, so the water warms up evenly. The lid can also be made of stainless steel or heat-resistant glass. The latter option is better in the sense that it allows you to see how the products are prepared.
Some models have a temperature sensor on the lid, which increases the cost slightly. We can say about such a pressure cooker that this is a convenient device that allows you to cook delicious manti without overcooking them.
How to replace a pressure cooker
If dumplings can always be cooked, then it is difficult to make manti without a mantle. Nevertheless, it is worth figuring out what can replace the pressure cooker. These can be different appliances and utensils that can really be found in almost any home:
- microwave;
- multicooker;
- oven.
Another option than replacing the pressure cooker is with a frying pan or a regular pan. But then you need to have a special container with holes (at least 1 tier). Water is poured into the pan, and the section is placed on top. Then bring to a boil and cook with strong steam.
Thus, there are several options than to replace the mantle. But if the food is not steamed, but, for example, in the oven, this is not a completely complete alternative. It is better to purchase a classic stainless steel container. It distributes heat well and allows you to quickly cook tasty and healthy food.
