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the type and quantity of food in the cooker and the stove.
•
Cooking on high heat after full pressure is reached does not result
in faster cooking. It wastes energy and increases the likelihood of
boiling dry and/or spoiling the food.
•
When cooking on wood stoves or camp fires, move pressure cooker
to a cooler part of the stove or shift cooker partly off the burner to
cook at reduced heat ensuring that cooker is not tilted.
Timing
•
Reaching full operating pressure is also the signal to start timing
the recipe/food.
•
Use a kitchen timer or watch/clock. Exact timing is critical to
successful pressure cooking. Pressure cooking is much faster than
conventional cooking so timing errors have greater consequences.
If in doubt, cook for less time rather than more. It is possible to
correct undercooking by cooking or pressure cooking more.
•
If the food is only slightly undercooked, you may be able to complete
the cooking without pressure. This method is especially suitable for
foods which are easily overcooked. If the food requires more pressure
cooking, decide how many minutes, ensure there is enough cooking
liquid for the extra time, and bring cooker back to full operating
pressure and cook the additional time.
•
Cooking times given in this Manual are a guide. More or less time
may be necessary depending on the age, tenderness and variety of
the ingredients and how well cooked you prefer the food to be.
Experience will enable you to adjust the times suitably.
•
‘’Pressure Cooking Time 0 minute’’ in the charts signifies that the
pressure cooker is to be taken off the heat as soon as the pressure
cooker has reached full operating pressure.
Releasing Pressure
There are three methods to release pressure in the Futura pressure
cooker.
1. ‘’Allow to cool naturally’’ means to remove the cooker from heat
and leave it until the pressure has dropped to normal and the lid can be
opened. This takes from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type and
quantity of food and the size of the cooker. This method is required for
soups, legumes, recipes containing leavening agents and custards.
2. ‘’Release pressure immediately’’ means to remove the cooker from heat
and lightly press the fingertip control on the pressure regulator, allowing
steam to escape so the lid can be opened immediately. This method is
required for easily overcooked foods such as delicate vegetables and fish.
This method cannot be used when the cooker contains predominantly
liquid or frothing foods as the food/liquid may come out of the steam vent.
3. ‘’Release pressure by placing cooker in about 4 inches/10 cm of cold
water in a basin or in a sink for a few minutes’’. For the 2 Liter Futura
place cooker in about 2 inches/5 cm of cold water. Open when the
pressure has fallen. Do not run water over the lid. This method is
required when the cooker contains liquid or frothing foods and you
wish to open immediately.
Beyond the requirements discussed above, how to release pressure
is one of personal preference. Some cooks believe that the texture,
tenderness and taste of food, especially meat, are improved by releasing
pressure gradually using Method #1 above whenever possible.
Saving Energy
To obtain optimum energy efficiency while cooking with the Futura
pressure cooker:
1. Place the pressure regulator on the steam vent as soon as the steam
is coming out of the steam vent steadily (see page 10, Trial Run, point 3).
2. Reduce heat as soon as the Futura has reached full operating pressure
(see page 11, Trial Run, point 5). Reduce heat to a heat setting such
that there is a low, gentle and steady sound of escape of steam from the
pressure regulator (see page 11, Trial Run, point 6).
