OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Useful General Information
Principles of Pressure Cooking
Ordinary open-pot cooking is done at the boiling point of water
which produces steam at sea level at 100
o
C (212
o
F). Pressure cooking
works by sealing the steam in a pot so that there is a rise in pressure to
a safe, controlled extent which raises the boiling point of water and
therefore the cooking temperature. The steam permeates through the
food, tenderizing it, infusing it with flavour, preserving nutrients, colour,
texture and juices and cooking much faster. The Hawkins Pressure Cooker
cooks food at 121
o
C (250
o
F) at a pressure of 15 lb per square inch
(1 kg per square cm).
Benefits of Hawkins Pressure Cooking
Hawkins pressure cooking can reduce normal cooking times by as
much as half. Economical foods such as legumes (lentils, dried peas
and beans) and tough cuts of meat can be cooked to perfection in a
fraction of the normal time. Because food cooks faster in a pressure
cooker, you save fuel, and therefore money. Scientific literature indicates
that certain nutritive elements such as proteins and vitamins are
better retained by pressure cooking. Steaming is ideal for low-calorie,
low-fat cooking. The higher temperature while pressure cooking gives
more hygienic food. Closed cooking in super-heated steam may better
evoke the natural flavours of the food
-
producing delicious results. A
wide range of foods, whether parts of recipes or entire meals, can be
cooked in your Hawkins.
Advantages of Hawkins
Safe
•
Pressure-locked Safety Lid. When there is pressure inside the
cooker, the lid is pressure-locked like a modern jetliner door.
It cannot be opened until the pressure has fallen to a safe level.
•
Automatic Safety Valve is positioned such that, if it operates,
the steam and food are deflected safely downwards.
Better Pressure Regulation
•
New Improved Pressure Regulator/Vent Weight regulates
pressure better, cooks faster, saves more fuel, is easier to insert
and remove and reduces dal sprouting.
Trouble-Free
•
Longer Lasting Sealing Ring/Gasket. As the lid fits from
inside, the sealing ring does not get rubbed sideways every time
the pressure cooker is opened or closed. Also, the sealing ring is
not exposed to food acids in the pressure cooker due to the
protection given to it by the rim of the lid.
•
Rust Proof Components. The Hawkins Pressure Cooker
has special metal alloy handle bar and handle brackets to
withstand rust.
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