Pressure Cooker

Vegan Month of Food Logo

My pressure cooker is a Kuhn Rikon, purchased 10-15 years ago. It came as a set with a 2L “frying pan” 5L pot, 1 pressure lid, 1 glass lid, and steamer insert. At the time, I thought it very expensive for a pressure cooker and was hesitant to make the purchase, but it’s been a great investment. It’s very similar to this one on amazon.com. The glass lid design has changed slightly, and the price has gone up.

Kuhn Rikon Set

With the possible exception of the saucepan I use for cooking oatmeal, I use the pressure cooker more often than any other cooking pot/pan/appliance in my kitchen. Probably more than all the others combined…except for that saucepan. Over the years I’ve replaced both the rubber gasket and UL valve once, and I once broke a clip on the valve housing when I hurriedly pulled it off with one hand, so that’s been replaced too. There are a few places that sell Kuhn Rikon replacement parts. Three in the USA are Pleasant Hill Grain, Shar’s Kitchen, Factory Direct 2. I don’t remember where I purchased mine.

Most pressure cooker instructions say not to cook rice, but I’ve cooked rice often with no problem. I usually soak wild rice, and sometimes brown rice first, similar to legumes.

I also frequently make one pot stews in the pressure cooker. Sauteing onion, garlic and spices, then adding soaked beans and rice, bringing the pressure up and cooking for 20-30 minutes (that will probably be 10-15 minutes at sea level). I let the pressure naturally release, then add vegetables. If the vegetables don’t need to cook long, I’ll simmer for a few minutes with the glass lid. For longer cooking vegetables like potatoes and carrots, I’ll cook beans/rice for half to two-thirds the needed cooking time. Release pressure, add potatoes or carrots, bring the pressure back up and cook for a few more minutes.

I nearly always cook potatoes in the pressure cooker. I use the steaming insert and only a little bit of water. I’ll make another post about cooking potatoes with a few more instructions about that in a few days.

Leave a Reply