You can cook food in a pressure cooker in a variety of ways. The kinds of dishes you prepare in your pressure cooker can range from steamed veggies to soups. You approach these pressure-cooker creations in different ways:

  • Steam under pressure: Use water and some sort of a steaming basket or tray. This technique is perfect for cooking fresh vegetables and fresh lobster. You can also steam desserts such as cheesecake, puddings, and custards.

    If your pressure cooker has a metal steaming basket, you won’t end up with waterlogged veggies, and you’ll be able to create pressure-cooker-baked goodies. Fill the pressure cooker with 2 to 3 cups of water. Put the trivet in the pot and the steaming basket on top. Fill with vegetables or whatever food you want to steam. Then cover and cook under pressure for the recommended cooking time.

  • Foods that contain a lot of liquid: Including soups and stews.

  • Entrees and side dishes: Start off by browning or sautéing in the open pressure cooker and then finish up the dish with a quick braise under pressure.