Page 46 - Cook with Ease: Tips and Recipes for Small Families - Serving 1-2

7. Pressure Cooking
A pressure cooker is a sealed chamber which has a rubber sealing ring
on its lid. The steam trapped inside increases the internal pressure and allows
the temperature to rise, cooking up the food quickly. Pressure cooking can save
cooking time by more than 50% as compared to flame cooking. For example, it
takes 45 minutes to make braised brisket using a traditional cooking method but
just 20 minutes with a pressure cooker.

A pressure cooker comes with a pressure gauge and a safety device to
avoid explosion caused by over-pressure. However, accidents happened due to
misuse. Therefore, be vigilant and always keep an eye to check if the pressure
gauge is functioning properly and if there is any blockage.

The new electronic pressure cookers available in recent years are safer as
the power supply will be cut off automatically when the pre-set pressure limit is
reached. In this way, the lid will not blow off due to over-pressure. To further
ensure safety, buy electrical appliances that meet international safety standards
from reputable suppliers.

Although the volume of a pressure
cooker is relatively large, it still brings families
of 1 to 2 people convenience if they can
make good use of it. For example, they can
use it for braising and divide the food into
2-meal portions, saving half for the next day.

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