From sambar to meat: How many

whistles do you need to pressure cook

things?
Onmanorama Staff
Published: March 22, 2024 10:55 AM IST

Pressure cooker. Photo: Shutterstock/Senthil Murugasan

Topic | Cuisine Corner

The number of whistles needed to cook something can vary depending

on the type of pressure cooker you're using, the quantity and type of
food being cooked, and the desired level of 'doneness'. In general, most
pressure cookers will give off a certain number of whistles to indicate
that the cooking pressure has been reached. After that, you typically
reduce the heat and cook for a certain amount of time.

For example, if you're cooking lentils or beans, it might take around 2-3
whistles to cook them thoroughly. For rice, it might take just one
whistle on high heat followed by simmering for a few minutes. It's
essential to follow the specific instructions for your pressure cooker and
the recipe you're using to determine the number of whistles required for
optimal results.
1 cup rice
 Typically, for cooking rice in a pressure cooker, you may need just one
whistle on high heat. After the first whistle, you should immediately
reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 8-10 minutes,
allowing the rice to fully cook under pressure. Then turn off the heat and
let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker.

This method should yield perfectly cooked rice. However, it's important
to adjust the cooking time and number of whistles based on your specific
pressure cooker and the type of rice you're using, as well as personal
preference for rice texture.

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Pressure cooker. Photo: Shutterstock/Plernz

1 cup green peas

Fresh or overnight-socked green peas can be cooked using the water to
peas ratio at around 2:1 or 3:1. It will usually take about 2-3 whistles on
high heat to cook the peas. After reaching the desired number of
whistles, reduce the heat to low and allow the peas to cook for an
additional 8-10 minutes.

1 cup chickpeas/chana
Cooking chickpeas in a pressure cooker typically requires a slightly
longer cooking time compared to other legumes like lentils or green
peas. Soak the chickpeas in water for at least 6 hours or preferably
overnight. This helps to soften the chickpeas and reduce cooking time.
Add water to cover the chickpeas completely. The ratio of water to
chickpeas is typically around 3:1. Cook the chickpeas on high heat until
it reaches full pressure. This will usually take about 3-4 whistles. Once
the desired number of whistles is reached, reduce the heat to low and let
it cook for an additional 20-25 minutes.
500gm chicken, curry cut pieces
 Prior to cooking chicken in a pressure cooker, sauté them for a few
minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides. Add water or any
liquid base (like tomato puree, coconut milk, etc.) to cover the chicken
pieces and close the pressure cooker lid securely. Cook the chicken on
high heat until it reaches full pressure. This may take around 2-3
whistles. After reaching the desired number of whistles, reduce the heat
to low and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Also ensure that
the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 75°C.

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Representative image: Shutterstock/DeStefano

1 cup dal

When cooking soaked dal (such as toor dal, masoor dal, moong dal, etc.)
in a pressure cooker, you typically need around 2-3 whistles on high
heat. The ratio of water to dal is typically around 2:1 or 3:1, depending
on how thick you want the cooked dal to be.
Sambar

The number of whistles needed to cook sambar in a pressure cooker can

vary based on the ingredients used, the size of the cooker, and personal
preferences for the consistency of the sambar. However, here's a general
guideline: Rinse and soak the dal (usually toor dal or split pigeon peas)
for about 30 minutes. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal along with
chopped vegetables (like carrots, beans, potatoes, drumsticks, etc.),
tamarind extract, sambar powder, salt, and water. Close the pressure
cooker lid securely. Cook the sambar on high heat until it reaches full
 pressure. This may take about 2-3 whistles. After reaching the desired
number of whistles, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an
additional 10-15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to
release naturally. Once the pressure has released completely, carefully
open the lid and check the consistency of the sambar. If it's too thick,
you can add more water and adjust the seasoning as needed.

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Pressure cooker. Photo: Shutterstock/Gilles Paire

500gm meat

When cooking meat in a pressure cooker, the number of whistles needed

can vary depending on factors such as the type of meat, the size of the
meat pieces, and the desired level of tenderness. Here is a general
guideline for cooking meat cut into bite-sized pieces: Season the meat
pieces with your preferred spices and seasonings. Add a small amount of
oil to the pressure cooker pot and heat it. Once the oil is hot, add the
seasoned meat pieces to the pot. Sauté the meat for a few minutes until
it's lightly browned on all sides. Add any additional ingredients such as
onions, garlic, or vegetables if desired. Close the pressure cooker lid
securely. Cook the meat on high heat until it reaches full pressure. The
number of whistles required can vary, but typically, for tender cuts of
meat like chicken or pork, it may take 2-3 whistles. For tougher cuts of
meat like beef or lamb, it may take 4-5 whistles. After reaching the
desired number of whistles, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an
additional 15-20 minutes.

1 cup beans and legumes

Soak the beans or legumes in water for several hours or overnight. This
helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. Drain the soaked beans
or legumes and add them to the pressure cooker pot. Add water to cover
the beans or legumes completely. The ratio of water to beans or legumes
is typically around 2:1 or 3:1. Close the pressure cooker lid securely.
Cook the beans or legumes on high heat until it reaches full pressure.
This usually takes about 2-3 whistles. After reaching the desired
 number of whistles, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an
additional 10-15 minutes.

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