We made potatoes last night in the pressure cooker, and it only took eight minutes. Not 25 or 30 minutes until those delectable tubers were soft enough to mash - only eight. This may not sound like that big of a deal, but not only have I become a lazy cook since moving aboard (who wants to clean up that many dishes in a tiny boat sink?!) but life on a boat is about reduction - fewer clothes, less electricity usage, not as many books. And the pressure cooker helps us save time and propane in a big way, with the added bonus of keeping the boat much cooler while cooking.
Before leaving Texas, I had read a little bit about pressure cookers, and people on boats seemed to have them. However, I hadn't really given it much consideration beyond a general concern about exploding kitchens. Vlad, however, was all for it, and his dad hauled one down for us all the way from the U.S. Now we don't have to spend hours slaving over a pot of beans or 30 minutes cooking rice. The pressure cooker is easy, quick and despite my initial fears Vlad assures me it won't explode. Honestly, I'm not sure why we didn't have one of these when we lived on land.
I want to give big thank you to Vlad's dad for lugging a 4-quart, stainless steel pot for us across international borders. We had a great time during your visit, and the pressure cooker rocks! If anyone is interested in pressure cooker recipes, Rebel Heart has a fantastic list of them, including some fabulous looking risotto. And if there are any other good recipe websites, please let me know.
Your kitchen looks adorable. Is that aloe in the background? Well - Slap Yo Mama!
ReplyDeleteI would never slap yo mama! She's like the nicest person ever. And, yes, that's the aloe plant that Steve gave to us right before we left. Somehow it managed to survive life in the cockpit for four months before we found it a nice plastic pot. That plant is tenacious!
DeleteWe LOVE our pressure cooker. I got one on land to experiment with for the boat. It will make a stock in no time.
ReplyDeleteTypically we use it for popcorn once a week. It makes PERFECT popcorn.
You simply put som oil in the pot with the lid off as well as 3 popcorn kernels. Wait for them to pop then put the rest of the kernels in and close the lid. Shake about once a minute and watch how the popcorn just pops away. Make you have the gasket And the pressure valve off so the steam can escape.
When the popcorn is down take of the lid, pour in a bowl and put a little water in the pot with soap to soak. That's it.
mmmm, all this talk has me wanting popcorn.
Awesome. I've been on a major popcorn kick lately, so it's good to hear that the pressure cooker has yet another use. How long do you pop it?
DeleteAfter the test kernels pop, you put the rest in and shut the lid. All the popcorn should start popping pretty soon and be sure to shake the pressure cooker so it doesn't get stuck on the bottom.
DeleteJust like microwave popcorn it'll erupt like crazy then when the popping slows or you smell burning open the cooker and pour into the bowl.
What kind did you get? I've been thinking about those. Also, fewer books?? Say it isn't so!
ReplyDeleteYeah, 'fraid so on the book front. My library has been seriously pared down but our digital library is going strong.
DeleteThe pressure cooker is a Fagor Elite. We love it so far!
I hate to cook, so I think I'd LOVE a pressure cooker! It's definitely on my list! Glad to hear some good feedback.
ReplyDeleteI heard you can make bread in them. That true??
ReplyDelete