Sometimes I am a little slow to catch on to trends. For example, so many people have been talking about Instant Pots (or pressure cookers) for the last couple of years.
I have been resistant to jump on the train just because everyone else is already on it.
Can you relate?
However, life with 3 boys gets busier and busier. And we work harder and harder to provide healthy, homemade meals for our family without taking up our entire day. As I have been weighing these things, a friend told me about a pressure cooker on sale at a local store.
I had to go there, anyway, for a birthday present, so I searched around until I found that pressure cooker. It was still on sale. Gosh, I love finding deals!
I decided to pick up this pressure cooker and give it a try. Not only do I love finding deals when shopping, I also love finding tools or tips that help me save time and effort! Oh, and I should mention that I LOVE kitchen gadgets. Life is too busy and too short to be struggling unnecessarily!
Since I have never previously used a pressure cooker before, I have to admit to feeling a little anxiety about using it. I have heard horror stories of people being injured and burned from using the old stove top pressure cookers – thus another reason why I never ventured into this “world” before.
Then I did what I usually do, and I researched about using pressure cookers. It turns out that the pressure cookers on the market now are much safer than the first generation pressure cookers from before. In fact, when used properly, they are as safe to use as a crock pot (my favorite kitchen gadget)!
In case you are like me and knew almost nothing about pressure cookers, here is a little basic info:
How it works
A pressure cooker looks a lot like a rice cooker or maybe even a crock pot; however, it has an interlocking lid that uses a rubber gasket to create a seal.
To use a pressure cooker, you place the food in the cooker with some water (amount depends on what you are making, but generally because steam can’t escape the cooker, pressure cooking uses less water than other cooking methods use). Once the lid is locked in place and the pressure cooker is turned on, steam begins to develop and can’t escape.
The trapped steam creates an increase in atmospheric pressure inside the cooker by about 15 psi (pounds per square inch). This increase in atmospheric pressure raises the boiling temperature of water from 212°F to 250°F. The higher boiling temperature causes food to cook faster.
Once the pressure cooker has reached full pressure, a release valve opens, releasing steam at a regulated rate to provide a consistent and constant pressure within the cooker.
Once cook time is complete, you can allow the cooker to sit and gradually release pressure over time (good for meats and beans), or you can manually do a quick release (better for veggies and grains). After the pressure is released, then you can open the cooker (great safety feature!) and enjoy your creation!
Extra bonus: the countertop pressure cookers on the market today have multiple settings for various foods, making it more simple to determine how long to cook. You also have the ability to adjust the cooking time (and often the pressure) anytime you want.
Pros of using a pressure cooker
- Because the cooker maintains a higher cooking temperature and a constant pressure, cook times are shorter
- More energy efficient because of shorter cooking times
- Atmospheric pressures decrease at higher altitudes, causing water to boil at lower temps and causing longer cook times. A pressure cooker creates constant and precise atmospheric conditions, resulting in shorter cook times even at high altitude.
Cons of using a pressure cooker
- Some adjustment is necessary – liquid amounts vary from conventional cooking and that takes time to get used to.
- Checking to see if your food is done isn’t easy to do. To be safe, the pressure must be released from the cooker before opening it up. Once that is done, pressure must increase until it reaches full pressure in order to continue cooking.
- Food and cooker can scorch if enough water isn’t put into the cooker or food is left in just a little too long
For more information, check out this article.
Ok, so I had the pressure cooker, and I had done my research. What to make? Well, I have been playing around with it, trying out a few things, and getting more familiar with it along the way!
Let’s make some wild rice!
I developed a wild rice recipe because my family loves wild rice, but I get super annoyed with the long cook time necessary to make wild rice that isn’t a complete crunch-fest.
We eat wild rice with almost any meat: chicken (try our Slow Cooker Tangy BBQ Chicken), ribs, pork chops, turkey, and seafood (like our Maple Dijon Salmon).
However, I don’t always have an hour or more to cook wild rice. And if I’m honest, the days that I do have the time to traditionally cook rice are getting more and more rare. Homework, sports, and other activities eat up our afternoons and evenings.
So my mission became to make wild rice in the pressure cooker to see if it was as good, better, worse, or even any faster.
Our wild rice was a hit! The kids loved it, and so did my husband and I.
I also loved the 35 minute cook time (including waiting for the cooker to reach full pressure and doing a quick release of the pressure after cook time ended). That cut down the cook time by half – win!
**NOTE: Because of the faster cook time, not as much water is absorbed into the rice. This will result in some water being left inside the cooker after cook time is complete. That’s ok! It SHOULD be that way. Don’t try to reduce the amount of water for cooking because the food and cooker will scorch, causing damage to your cooker. Simply drain the water and serve immediately.
On to my next dish to tackle: roast chicken (we eat a lot of roast chicken)!
Welcome to our lives, Bella (the pressure cooker)!
Enjoy the giveaway and please let us know in the comments below: What would you like to make with this pressure cooker (or would you give it as a gift)?
Bella 6 Qt Pressure Cooker Giveaway
With the holidays quickly approaching, we thought it would be super fun to give away a brand new pressure cooker! Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift. This pressure cooker is amazing! It features:
- Cook full birds, brisket, pork, lamb, fish, stews, soups and even pasta in minutes. Safely and quickly cook your favorite meals up to 70% faster than conventional cookware.
- Features 10 pre-set functions specifically engineered to cook various types of food to perfection. With one touch you can: Saute, brown, pressure cook, slow cook, soup, stew, meat, chicken, cook rice and even risotto
- Sear and brown your foods directly in the pressure cooker to lock in flavor and juices to all your recipes. No need for a stove top
- Safety features include: steam release valves, airtight locking lid, and a safety-minded user interface for 100% assurance that you are cooking safely
- Easy cleanup features: a non-stick removable cooking pot and moisture catching container are built in to make clean up a breeze
Read rules below. Thanks for entering, good luck, and Happy Holidays from Lisa and me!
The Rules
This giveaway is completely sponsored and paid for by Made In A Pinch. The prize is approximately a $130 value. Giveaway Begins December 5, 2017 and ends December 18, 2017 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time. We will contact the winner on or around December 19, 2017 by email. The winner will have 2 days to respond before they are disqualified and a new winner is chosen. By entering, you give us permission to share your first name, last initial and comment publicly but we will not share any other information with anyone. Giveaway only open to US residents, aged 18 or over, residing within the 48 US contiguous states. We are not liable for errors stemming from lost/delayed e-mail or mail, posting or typographical errors, technical failures, etc. Void where prohibited by law.
Neither Facebook nor Twitter in no way sponsors, endorses or administers this promotion. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner of this Facebook or Twitter page and not to Facebook or Twitter.
Promoted On:
Servings | Prep Time |
6 servings | 5 minutes |
Cook Time | Passive Time |
30 minues | 5 minutes |
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Wild rice normally takes about an hour to cook. Now you can have it in 35 minutes by using this pressure cooker recipe!
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- 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend I buy mine in bulk at Sprouts
- 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice to mellow out the wild rice mix
- 4 cups water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp Better than Boullion Reduced Sodium Chicken stock base
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried rubbed sage
- 1/2 tsp Celery Salt
- pinch salt and pepper to taste; I recommend 1/4 tsp of each
- Add ingredients to your pressure cooker.
- Close and seal your pressure cooker. Plug it in and choose the cook setting you want: rice.
- If necessary on your model, adjust cook time to 30 minutes.
- Once cook time has ended, manually do a quick release of pressure.
- **Rice will seem soupy due to less water being absorbed into the rice. This is normal! Drain off excess water and serve immediately.
jerry says
Thanks for your information – it’s just what I was looking for!
April Monty says
this looks super delicious and crazy easy to make too
Heather says
It IS easy to make! I hope you love it! Thanks for visiting, April!
Kenia says
I would like to make many things like rice, boil eggs etc.
Jessica Lodge says
I would keep it and I would like to make barbeque chicken or perhaps a shrimp dish.
Jem says
I’d give it as a gift to my mom.
golden storm says
i would love to make a chicken curry in this
HAZELL PEREZ says
I would love to make pot roast for my family. Thanks for the wonderful chance đŸ™‚ very generous. Happy Holidays.
Mary Gardner says
This would be a gift for my daughter but she likes to make chili.
Diana Penn says
BBQ Ribs
Shari says
Would like to make Orange Chicken.
Sarah Cool says
I would love to make a spicy Indian chicken biryani
Jackie G says
I would make pulled pork. Thanks for the giveaway!
Stacey Evans says
What a great product for the working , busy mom. I’d love to win this for my busy schedule and my love of cooking. I wish everyone luck also on winning
Shannon Pickin says
I would try out this wild rice recipe đŸ™‚
Julie B says
Roast, Potatoes and Carrots
Lesley F says
I would love to try making short ribs in it!
Geri Sandoval says
I would give it as a gift to my granddaughter in law
Mel says
Would gift to my husband.
Brandon Sparks says
I would gift this to my wife if I won.
melanie huttner says
I’d love to make beef chili!
Kimberly Frazee says
Im thinking I would make a Pot Roast, maybe Swiss Steak or open face. Then all the leftovers get my ancient chinese secret BBQ Sauce for sandwiches lol
Tamra Gibson says
I would give it to my brother. He has 3 kids and a wife and they waited til later in life to have kids. Between sports and school they are aslways on the run and I know they’ve been wanting one
Bryan Vice says
I would give it as a gift to my mom she has been wanting one for a long time
naomi winkel says
I”m saving my money for one of these. I would make soup
shannon fowler says
My fiancé and i have been talking forever about how we want one of these. Id want to find a new recipe to try with him.
Pat Ferro says
I would love to gift this to a great friend! Thank you! It would make his Christmas complete!
Heather D says
I used to have a pressure cooker so I would love to have one again. I would make some pork adobo.
Kim O says
i would make chili.
christine mayfiel says
I would like to make butter chicken
Lori Hicks says
Oh I would be keeping this! Its actually on the list I gave hubby and santa lol. I prep my ribs in there before bbqing!
Cheryl Everitt says
I have a very special person in my life that would love this pot. I hope to gift it to her.
Rust says
I would like to try ribs in it, but I might give it to my daughter.
Cheryl Chervitz says
I would like to make chicken and rice, keeping it for myself.
Mary Ross says
I would make vegetable soup.
Lucy Rapposelli says
A Roast, with Potatoes and Carrots. Yummy
sheila ressel says
I would like to make ribs in it.
John H. says
I would give it to my wife.
Jeana K says
I would like to make lasagna.
Annmarie W. says
I’d love to make some chicken & dumplings in it!
Kathy Lane says
I would make a beef roast first. Then there are so many yummy things I could make it would be so wonderful!
kathy Persons says
Pulled pork
Jennifer H. says
I would give this as a gift.
sandra burns says
I would love this,make my life easier, and could try new meal ideas. TY
Erica WEAVER says
i would keep it for myself and make homemade oatmeal in it for my sons
Julie Wood says
I would make Beef Stew! I have been wanting to make it for a long time.
Erika Messer says
My mom and grandma always used the old style pressure cookers so I was raised on the awesomely tender food they created but it scared me so bad, I never trusted myself with a manual one. About 8 years ago I did buy one of these when they first came out, and unfortunately it broke within a year because I used it soooo much! But my absolute favorite meal that I am always asking my mom to make me (because I could not afford to buy another electric one and am still scared of the old ones), is Pork Roast – you brown up the pork roast in a pan first and then throw them in with taters and onions and whatever else you want and just cook for about 30 minutes. My favorite meal I think on the planet! I could eat that almost every day so I would make this all the time đŸ™‚ And my daughter is very picky because she has Williams syndrome, so she is 11 but only will eat about 10 foods – and meats made in this way are some of the few things other than chicken and mac and cheese that she chows down! One of these days I will have another one, I can’t wait đŸ™‚ They really do make things so easy!
Christine Green says
I have one of these new pressure cookers on my Christmas list this year so it would definitely find a place in my kitchen. I think the first thing I would cook is a pot roast because I remember my Grandmother making pot roast in her pressure cooker.
Sam says
I would give it as a gift
Sandra Ellis says
I would love to cook my turkey breast , it turns out so moist and tender
Ima says
I would love to make a pot roast with this pressure cooker.
Elena says
I would like to make beef stew
Pam Flynn says
I have wanted one of these since they first came out and I would first make a big ol pot roast with fresh veggies.
Jodie Rector says
I like cooking chicken with different flavors/ seasoning
Barbara Riffe says
Pork ribs and then BBQ sauce. My husband would want Pinto beans.
Kelly Wilson says
I would make pulled pork, roast, ribs, rice and yogurt.
cyndi br says
I would like to make beef stew and rice pudding.
Brenna M says
I like to keep extra supplies on hand in case of an emergency. After 2 major moves, I ended up selling and/or leaving everything I had stored behind, including tons of canned ‘meals in a jar’. I would use this to rep!enish that supply, so I could have the
piece of mind knowing that my family and I would be ok…for a little while, anyway, should disaster strike.
Thank you for the chance! =)
Sydney says
I would make this exact wild rice recipe in the pressure cooker! Looks so good!
Kathy B. says
I would like to make an amazing beef roast.
Tracy DeLoach says
I would make a pot roast in it. My Aunt always used one of the old fashioned pressure cookers, and I was afraid of them, so when these came out, I knew I wanted one. It would be so great to win this. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Janine McNally says
I’d give it to my daughter as a housewarming gift – she just bought her first place! This would be awesome!
Kim Pincombe-Cole says
I’d love to make a good white chicken chili in 1 of these! I’ve heard it’s great for pressure cooking the beans perfectly…
Rosanne says
I have never cooked with a pressure cooker. My days of cooking are somewhat past so I would give it as a gift to my 3rd son who loves to cook. It’s his passion
Rachal Palomares says
I would love to make turkey chili
Sandra Ellis says
I would like to try Risotto, I hear its quite good
Sandra Ellis says
A Turkey breast for my Christmas luncheon , it turns out jusy and moist with a pressure cooker
jberry says
I’d lean towards Short Ribs or Pot Roast, something homey.
sandra burns says
Give as a gift.
Pat F says
I would love to gift this to a dear friend who loves to cook!
Johnnie McKenzie says
I would give as a gift to my sister.
Heather says
How sweet of you, Johnnie! I’m sure she would love it! Thanks for entering and good luck!
Yulia says
Pulled pork sandwiches!
Heather says
Yum! My mouth is watering now, Yulia! Thanks for entering and good luck! We are so excited and honored to have you join our community!
lori w says
My daughter would love this
Heather says
I bet she would! Thanks for entering and good luck, Lori!
Sunnie says
I would make lots of dinners, I have been wanting one of these for a while!
Heather says
They do seem to live up their hype of being handy and better in many ways than other methods of cooking (especially if you are short on time). Thanks for entering and good luck, Sunnie!
Geena O'Banion says
I would like to give it as a gift….but, I also want to make some meat/chicken and rice dishes if I were to keep it. Caught in the middle………..
Heather says
Haha, you cracked me up, Geena! I totally understand feeling torn like that. Thanks for entering and good luck!
Carrie A says
I’ve never used a pressure cooker and neither did any of the women I grew up with so I don’t have a specific dish in mind to try first, but if I do win, I’ll be excited to look up ideas and try them out.
Heather says
Hi Carrie! I had never used one either and was nervous to try, but it was easy and great to use! I see lots of experimenting going on in the future đŸ™‚ Thanks for entering and good luck in the giveaway!
Sandra Ellis says
Christmas is coming fast and I would love to have a pressure cooker to cook a Turkey breast it turns out so flavorful and juicy
Heather says
Yum! You are right about Christmas coming fast! I can’t wait to try a turkey breast in there too!
Sheila Vives says
I would like to make some beef stew.
Heather says
I love beef stew, but I only eat it about twice a year. It always makes me think of my grandma because she used to make it a lot. Thanks for entering and good luck!
Linda Bradshaw says
I would love to make pot roast in it but I would actually give it to my mom. She really wants one.
Heather says
How sweet of you, Linda! I’m sure she would really appreciate it. Thanks for entering and good luck!
sue spence says
I would keep it for myself as I have never had one đŸ™‚
Heather says
It’s new to me as well, Sue! I’m excited to experiment and really get to know it well! Thanks for entering and good luck!
Elizabeth Krill says
I would make Irish Stew for my first dish.
Heather says
Oh yum, now you have my mouth watering, Elizabeth! Thanks for entering and good luck!
Jessie Mohler says
My husband spends 3/4 of the year working away firm home this would be really nice to give to him for his birthday
Heather says
How sweet of you, Jessie! That’s a lot of working away from home…it’s gotta be hard. We are so excited to have you! Thanks for entering and good luck!
Kelly Freeman says
I would give this to my sister!
Heather says
How sweet of you, Kelly! Thanks for entering, and good luck!
Chandrea H says
I would like to make some ribs with this pressure cooker.
Heather says
Yum! Not much beats a great batch of ribs! Thanks for entering, Chandrea, and good luck!
Lori W says
I would give it to my daughter
Heather says
That’s so sweet! Thanks for entering, Lori, and good luck!
Deborah Beyer says
Hi Ladies, I won a big pork roast in a meat raffle and I would love to use this pressure cooker to make it perfect! Thanks for the opportunity to win and also allowing me to join the community. I’m excited for future e-mails! Happy Holidays to all!?
Heather says
Wow, you lucky duck! Thank you for the kind words, Deborah. That would be the perfect combo to win this so you can cook that pork roast! We are so excited you joined our community and are honored to have you. đŸ™‚ Thanks for entering and good luck in the giveaway!
Cindy says
I would give this as a gift for my son and his family.
Heather says
That’s great! I love giving things like this as gifts to help other people! Thanks for entering, Cindy, and good luck!
Angela Thomas says
I would love to have this pressure cooker!! The first thing I would make is maple brown sugar steel cut oats, so yummy and perfect for this cooler weather! Thank you for the recipe and opportunity!
Heather says
Maple brown sugar steel cut oats sound amazing! Thanks for entering, Angela, and good luck!
Julie Bickham says
Would love to make a chicken in this.
Heather says
Yum! Thanks for entering, Julie and good luck!
Merlin McClung says
I would love to make BBQ
Hon Hall says
I love making pot roast and soup in a pressure cooker..
Rosa Hall says
I love making pot roast and soup in a pressure cooker..
laura says
I would make that rice cause my stomach is now growling!
Jeanne Coulombe says
I would make a great pot roast dinner
Lauren Peterson says
I would like to give it to my little brother for Christmas…He just bought his first house, so he’s still trying to fix it all up and get it to how he wants. He doesn’t have much yet, and I know he’d love this.
Susan P. says
I would give this to my sister as a gift.
Germaine Harrison says
I would make Gumbo.
Jennifer Hedden says
I would give this as a gift to my mom. I know she has been wanting one. Thank you!
Jan Carver says
My husband has been wanting one of these to cook his geese, ducks, and venison.
peter chao says
keep it
Sandra Ellis says
i would like to cook a turkey Breast for my christmas plates
Kristina Prewitt says
I would make Chicken With Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Chorizo!!
Michele Cupp says
I would love to make BBQ ribs.
Wendy Forbes says
I would love to make a variety of things from pot roast to dessert.
karen says
I would like to make Mexican rice with this
Sweeps Guy says
I’d like to start with some good ol’ BBQ ribs.
Sonya Correa says
I would love to make everything in this. Soups, rice, veggies, pretty much anything that I can.
Bobbie Smith says
I would love to make pot roast with potatoes and carrots, and chili, and BBQ ribs, and oh so much more!
Carly S says
I would love to win it to give it as a gift to a family member who is a pro at pressure cooker recipes!
Greg Nelson says
My wife loves the chicken stew that I make, and this would cut the time way down.
Kayla Klontz says
I would love making a good roast and of course soups! This would be a gift, I would wrap it up for myself LOL!
Janice Pittenger says
Corn beef and cabbage
Mary Beth Elderton says
I would love making beans! All kinds from dry.
Darlene Carbajal says
I will give it as a gift!
Meme says
This would be for my son who has wanted one of these for a long time.
Made a mistake on pinterest entry user name is first part minus @gmail.com
Constance Lavery says
Would love to try some pot roast cooked in the pressure cooker.
Darla Peduzzi says
I’d like to make a nice pot roast with potatoes and carrots.
john d says
I’d give it as a gift. Have one already!
Karen says
I have been wanting to try one of these! I would make saffron rice in it.
Kimmy Ripley says
Mmmm the first thing I would cook is a Mississippi Pot Roast!
Pam Shepherd says
Oh Wow,I Have Wanted One Of These Forever. I Love My Cooktop Pressure Cooker.My Daugher Said These Are Much Better. I Want To Make Chicken In It. I Want It So Bad. Thanks For The Chance. Great Giveaway..
Arlene says
i would try some Chitterlings
adriana says
I would like to make some pulled pork.
Amy C. says
I’ve been hearing so many great things about a pressure cooker. Can’t wait to try a lot of different recipes if I win đŸ˜€
Jenny Ham says
I would make a Roast.
Stephanie Phelps says
I would love to make Teriyaki Chicken in it if I won. this recipe looks amazing!@
Heather says
This pressure cooker makes weeknight dinner amazing! I want to give it as a gift đŸ™‚