When you think of a pressure cooker, does that old-fashioned jiggle-top pot of your mother’s come to mind? If so, you’re in for a surprise. The latest-generation pressure cookers are models of efficiency—and perfect for our busy lifestyles. Food can be cooked in a third of the time of regular cookware. You can cook a fork-tender beef stew in 30 minutes… a pot roast in less than an hour… and a creamy risotto in just four minutes. Pressure cookers also make it easier to eat healthfully. Foods that we should all be eating but that usually take a long time to cook, such as beans or whole grains, can be cooked quickly. A thick lentil soup takes only 10 minutes… brown rice just 15 minutes. A six-quart cooker is the recommended size for most home uses. Prices range from $35 for a Presto (800-877-0441, www.gopresto.com) to $130 or more for an imported European brand, from Kuhn Rikon (800-662-5882, www.kuhnrikon.com) or WMF-Americas (800-966-3009, www.WMF-USA.com). For cooking larger quantities or making broths, an eight-quart cooker is available. If you have an older cooker that has not been used in a while, check the gasket around the lid by placing two cups of water in the pot, and bringing it up to pressure. If water drips down the sides or it doesn’t come to pressure, buy a new gasket directly from the manufacturer.
