Fagor America FAGOR SPLENDID PRESSURE COOKER user manual Releasing Pressure After Cooking

INTERIOR 24/10/03 12:49 Página 8

used on all types of burners including gas, electric, ceramic and induction. As to not discolor the sides of the pot, always adjust the burner so that when using gas, the flames remain under the base and do not extend up the sides. When cooking on an electric burner, select a burner the same diameter as the base or smaller.

4.Begin heating with burner set on high heat (ELECTRIC STOVE USERS –SEE BELOW). When the steam comes out of the automatic valve for first time, lower the heat to maintain a gentle, steady stream of steam. At this moment, the COOKING TIME STARTS. It is recommended that a kitchen timer be used to monitor the exact cooking time.

5.If at any time during cooking an excessive amount of steam is released by the operating valve, lower the burner heat to adjust and maintain the proper level of pressure.

6.If the pressure drops and little or no steam comes out of the operating valve, raise the burner heat just until a gentle, steady stream of steam is released and can be maintained.

7.While cooking, never inadvertently shake the pressure cooker. This can cause the automatic valve to release steam, which will create a drop in pressure.

NOTE TO ELECTRIC STOVE USERS

Since the coils on an electric stove retain heat for a long time, food often becomes overcooked when the burner is turned down for simmering (when cooking time is started). To compensate for that, you have two options:

1.Turn on two electric stoves burners, one on high and other on low. Place your pressure cooker on the burner to high, and bring to

pressure. Once pressure has been attained, move your cooker over to the burner turned on low and start your pressure cooking time. Or…

2.Turn on one burner to medium heat and bring your cooker to pressure. Once pressure has been attained, turn your burner to low and start your pressure cooking time.

Releasing Pressure After

Cooking

Always check your recipe to determine if the pressure cooker should be cooled down naturally or whether the quick release method should be used. You can choose one of the following 3 methods to release the pressure:

1.Natural Release Method: To use this method, remove the pressure cooker from the hot burner and let the pressure drop and cool down naturally. Depending on the amount of food and liquid in the cooker, this method can take from 10-15 minutes. Once pressure has totally been released and there isn’t any more steam coming out of the operating valve, go to # 4 in this section.

2.Quick Release Method: Also called the cold-water release method, is used to release pressure as quickly as possible, primarily used for vegetables, seafood and other tender foods that can quickly overcook. To use this method, remove the pressure cooker from the burner, place in the sink and run cold tap water gently over the lid until steam dissipates and the pressure indicator is lowered (Fig 11). When putting the cooker in the sink, tilt it so the cold water will run downwards. Once pressure has totally been released and no more steam comes out of the operating valve, go to # 4 in this section.

NEVER IMMERSE THE PRESSURE COOKER IN WATER.

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