What is a power cooker?
A power cooker, also known as an electric pressure cooker, is an electric multicooker that uses pressure cooking to prepare food very quickly. It works by sealing the pot with a tight-fitting lid, allowing the pressure to build up inside and cook food at temperatures well above boiling point. This high-pressure environment tenderizes meats and speeds up cooking dramatically compared to conventional ovens or stovetops. Power cookers can cook dishes up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
Some common brands of electric pressure cookers include Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, and CrockPot Express Crock. These versatile appliances can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. Many models have various pre-programmed settings for easy one-touch cooking of soups, rice, meat, beans, and other dishes.
Benefits of slow cooking in a power cooker
While power cookers are best known for their speed, they can also be used to replicate slow cooking and achieve the same tender, flavorful results. Here are some of the benefits of using a power cooker for slow cooking:
- Convenience – You don’t need a separate slow cooker appliance. The power cooker serves as both a pressure cooker and a slow cooker.
- Precise temperature control – Power cookers allow you to set a specific temperature and will automatically regulate it throughout the cooking time. This prevents over or undercooking.
- Timer function – Most models have a digital timer that you can set for the desired slow cooking time. The power cooker will automatically switch to warm when the time is up.
- Less energy usage – Electric power cookers are more energy efficient than conventional slow cookers. They use less electricity while cooking.
- Minimal liquid needed – The sealed environment retains moisture so you don’t need as much liquid as traditional slow cooking. A 1/2 cup of liquid may be enough.
- Less risk of burning or overcooking – The contents are heated indirectly through the pot sides so there’s no scorching.
For large cuts of meat, complex stews, and dishes like oatmeal, power cookers can replicate the classic flavors of slow cooked recipes.
Tips for slow cooking in a power cooker
Follow these tips to successfully adapt traditional slow cooker recipes to your power cooker:
- Don’t fill the pot more than 2/3 full – For slow cooking, food should not pass the 2/3 mark in the inner pot. Overfilling can lead to splattering or clogging the pressure valve.
- Cut food into smaller pieces – Large pieces may not cook through properly at lower temperatures. Cut meat and vegetables into bite-sized portions.
- Use the low temp setting – On most models, the slow cook or keep warm setting maintains a temperature around 190-200°F, ideal for low and slow cooking.
- Cook on a trivet – Place a metal trivet or steamer basket in the bottom of the pot and put food on top. This elevates it away from direct heat.
- Add liquid – The small amount of liquid will create steam to keep food tender. Use broth, water, or sauce.
- Leave the lid on – Don’t release pressure or frequently remove the lid. Opening the cooker cools the contents and increases time.
- Check doneness with a thermometer – Insert a meat thermometer to ensure meats are cooked through.
- Use the delay start function – Program the cooking time to end when you’re ready to eat for perfect timing.
- Quick release pressure after cooking – When time is up, quick release the pressure before opening the lid.
Best foods for slow cooking in a power cooker
Nearly any classic slow cooker recipe can be adapted to the power cooker. Try these favorites:
- Tough cuts of meat – Chuck roast, pork shoulder, brisket
- Beans – Kidney beans, black beans, navy beans
- Soups & stews – Vegetable soup, chicken stew, beef chili
- Whole grains – Steel cut oats, brown rice, farro
- Root vegetables – Potatoes, carrots, beets
- Desserts – Applesauce, rice pudding
The moist environment is also ideal for cooking fish, chicken, or pork tenderloin to perfect doneness.
Sample slow cooker adaptation for power cooker
To give you an idea of adapting traditional slow cooker recipes to the power cooker, here is an example for beef stew:
Classic Beef Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe)
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 3 cups beef broth
– 4 potatoes, diced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1/4 cup flour
– Salt and pepper
Combine meat, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic in slow cooker. Whisk together broth and flour until smooth then pour over ingredients in slow cooker. Add bay leaves, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Beef Stew for Power Cooker (Adapted)
– Same ingredients
– Cut meat and vegetables into smaller 1-inch pieces
– Combine in power cooker pot on a metal trivet
– Add only 1 cup beef broth
– Cook on low pressure setting for 5 hours
– Quick release pressure and remove lid after cooking
– Adjust seasoning and thickness as needed
The power cooker replicates the results of slow cooking in a fraction of the time while using very little liquid. For a simple one pot meal, the power cooker is a versatile appliance that can both pressure cook or slow cook.
Common Problems and Solutions
When adapting traditional slow cooker recipes to the power cooker, there are some common problems that may arise:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Food is undercooked | Cut food into smaller pieces, use lower cooking temp, and increase time |
| Food is overcooked or mushy | Cut food into bigger pieces, reduce cooking time, add less liquid |
| Burn or scorching on bottom | Elevate food out of liquid with a trivet, stir after cooking |
| Not enough flavor | Increase amount of seasonings and aromatics |
| Too much liquid left | Cook with the lid off for some time to let liquid reduce |
Conclusion
Electric power cookers can be used very effectively to mimic the results of conventional slow cookers. While they can greatly speed up cooking times through pressure, power cookers are also capable of low and slow cooking. With the right techniques like cutting food small, minimizing liquid, and using lower temperature settings, traditional slow cooked dishes like stews, roasts, grains and beans can be made in a power cooker. Follow the recipe conversions and tips outlined to get tender, flavorful classic comfort foods using the power cooker’s versatile functions.