5 Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes by Eric Theiss

Pressure cookers have revolutionized the way we cook, making it possible to prepare delicious, wholesome meals in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, the pressure cooker can be your best ally in the kitchen. Today, we're diving into five simple and scrumptious pressure cooker recipes that are perfect for any day of the week. These recipes not only save time but also lock in flavors and nutrients, making them healthier options for family dinners.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing like the comfort of mashed potatoes, and with a pressure cooker, you can whip them up in under 20 minutes. Here’s how:

• 3 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the potatoes, water, and salt to the pressure cooker.
2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure once the cooking time is up.
4. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot, adding cream, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

⭐ Note: Adjust the cream and butter according to your preference for creaminess.

2. Chicken Noodle Soup

A timeless classic, chicken noodle soup can be made in no time with your pressure cooker, offering comfort in every spoonful.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups chopped celery
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Fresh dill and parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown it in the cooker without the lid.
2. Add vegetables, garlic, and broth. Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
3. After natural pressure release, remove the lid, take out the chicken, and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Add noodles and cook for an additional 4 minutes on high pressure.
5. Garnish with dill and parsley before serving.

3. Beef Stroganoff

Rich and hearty, Beef Stroganoff becomes even easier with the help of a pressure cooker.

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs stew beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in the pressure cooker and brown the beef.
2. Add onions and mushrooms, cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Stir in flour, then add broth, mustard, and seasonings. Stir to avoid lumps.
4. Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
5. Quick release, stir in sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low.

4. Risotto with Lemon and Asparagus

Move over, traditional risotto! Here’s a quick version that’s both lemony and delicious:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine (optional)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ¹⁄₂ pound asparagus, cut into pieces
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in butter until translucent, add rice and cook until lightly toasted.
2. Pour in wine if using, let it cook until almost evaporated.
3. Add the broth, lemon zest, juice, and asparagus. Secure lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. After quick release, stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.

5. BBQ Pulled Pork

A perfect crowd-pleaser, this BBQ pulled pork is tender, juicy, and ready in a flash.

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the pressure cooker except pork.
2. Add pork, coat with sauce. Seal and cook on high pressure for 1 hour.
3. Natural release for 15 minutes, then shred the pork and mix with the sauce.

In closing, these pressure cooker recipes offer a delightful and effortless way to prepare meals that taste like you've spent hours in the kitchen. The efficiency and flavor infusion capabilities of a pressure cooker make it an indispensable tool for both culinary enthusiasts and those looking to streamline their cooking process. From creamy potatoes to BBQ pork, you're now equipped to cook delicious meals with less time and less hassle.

Can I use a slow cooker recipe in a pressure cooker?

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Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times. Generally, pressure cooking takes about ¹⁄₃ to ¹⁄₂ the time of slow cooking.

What’s the difference between natural and quick release?

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Natural release means letting the pressure drop on its own, which can take several minutes. Quick release involves manually releasing the pressure, which is faster but can make the release valve sputter.

Do pressure cooker recipes save nutrients?

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Yes, because pressure cooking reduces cooking time, more nutrients are retained compared to traditional long-cook methods.