Many people are reluctant to use pressure cookers. It would be wise to overcome this feeling as the pressure cooker is not only useful for shortening cooking time by seventy five per cent but it also cooks certain foods much better (rice, mixed boiled meats, stews, vegetable soups). It will not explode and has never been known to explode. The only danger would be opening it too soon.

A pressure cooker is used as follows:
• Put all ingredients in the pot, cover and place on medium heat.
• After a while, the pot will begin to hiss, softer or louder, depending upon the make. Lower the heat to minimum, wait for a few minutes or as long as the recipe calls for.
• Then open the valve to release the steam. As the steam escapes, it will make a hissing sound.
• When the hissing has stopped, meaning that the pressure has escaped, the cover may be removed.
• Never cook in a pressure cooked without liquid, at least half a cup.
• A pressure cooker which is not often used should be stored only partially closed to avoid formation of an unpleasant odor.

Note:
This chapter, and everything this book refers to regarding the pressure cooker has been written by Elena Spagnol. Bruno Vergottini refuses every responsibility because he has never touched a pressure cooker in his life and swears he never will.