While pressure cookers are versatile and can handle a wide range of ingredients and dishes, there are certain items you should avoid putting in a pressure cooker to ensure safety and prevent damage to the appliance. Here are some things you should not put in a pressure cooker:
Frothy Ingredients: Avoid filling the pressure cooker more than halfway with ingredients that expand or froth during cooking, such as grains (rice, barley, etc.) and legumes (beans, lentils). These ingredients can cause clogging and may lead to dangerous pressure build-up.
Fats and Oils: It's best not to add large amounts of oils or fats directly into the pressure cooker. They can create excessive foaming, and the high heat may lead to scorching or burning. If you need to sauté or brown ingredients, it's better to do it in a separate pan and then transfer them to the pressure cooker.
Dairy Products: Milk, cream, and cheese are prone to curdling and separating under the high heat and pressure of a pressure cooker. It's best to add these ingredients after pressure cooking or use them as a finishing touch.
Thickening Agents: Ingredients like cornstarch or flour should be added after pressure cooking since they can cause clumping and interfere with the pressure release valves.
Quick-Cooking Ingredients: Delicate vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or peas can become overcooked and mushy in a pressure cooker. It's better to add them after pressure cooking or use the pot's residual heat.
Whole Large Cuts of Meat: Very large pieces of meat or whole poultry might not cook evenly in a pressure cooker. It's better to cut them into smaller pieces for more consistent results.
Canning: Pressure cookers are not suitable for canning low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, and fish. For canning purposes, you need a pressure canner, which is designed specifically for that purpose.
Seafood with Shells: When cooking seafood like mussels, clams, or lobster with their shells intact, pressure cooking might lead to overcooking or uneven results. It's better to cook these types of seafood using other methods.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for using your specific pressure cooker model. Additionally, exercise caution when releasing pressure and opening the lid, as the steam can cause burns. With proper usage and attention to safety guidelines, a pressure cooker can be a fantastic kitchen tool for preparing a wide range of delicious meals.