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With your new Presto ® Electric Pressure Cooker Plus, you'll discover how fast and easy it is to prepare a wide variety of delicious meals. There are 12 preset cooking programs for the most popular foods, or you can manually program the cooker. You need only select the desired program and cooking time, and the pressure cooker automatically does the rest.
There are 8 built-in safety features, including a cover locking system that allows pressure to build only when the cover is closed. It also prevents the cover from being opened until pressure is safely reduced.
The pressure cooker preserves flavors and nutrients, tenderizes less expensive cuts of meat, and is faster than ordinary cooking methods. A rack is included for cooking several foods at the same time with no intermingling of flavors, colors, or odors.
This appliance can also be used to brown, sauté, and slow cook foods.
As received, your pressure cooker will be fully assembled. Following the instructions, disassemble the unit so you can thoroughly clean it, remove any manufacturing lubricants, and become familiar with the various parts before initial use.
In order for the unit to function properly, always follow these instructions:
Whenever you plug in the unit, it will beep once and four red dashes will appear in the display window on the digital control panel (Fig. J). The following information describes the control panel buttons and their function.
The left digit in the display window will scroll in a clockwise pattern during initial heatup and throughout timed cooking. It will not scroll during the keep warm mode or after the unit shuts off.
KEEP WARM/CANCEL BUTTON
When the cooking time has expired, the unit will automatically switch to the keep warm mode. When in the keep warm mode, the light on the KEEP WARM button will illuminate and the red dashes will scroll continuously. The unit will remain on for 4 hours and then shut off automatically, unless the CANCEL button is pressed.
The CANCEL button allows you to cancel the cooking or keep warm function at any time. Simply press the CANCEL button once. When you press CANCEL, the light on the button will go out and the four red dashes will stop scrolling.
BROWN/SAUTÉ BUTTON
Use this function to brown or sauté foods prior to pressure cooking or slow cooking. Browning is typically used for meats and poultry. Sautéing is used for vegetables and to reduce liquid after pressure cooking to make a flavorful sauce for your food.
Press the button once to brown and twice to sauté. The red light next to the function selected will light up and the left digit will scroll continuously. Allow unit to preheat for 3 to 4 minutes before browning or sautéing your food.
SLOW COOK BUTTON
To slow cook foods, press the SLOW COOK button once for the high setting or twice for the low setting. The red light next to the function selected will light up. The default cook time is 4 hours on high and 8 hours on low. You can manually adjust the slow cooking time in 30 minute increments by pressing the + or – buttons. You must do this within the first 6 seconds of pressing the SLOW COOK button, before the unit begins to heat.
The maximum slow cooking time at both the high and low settings is 9 hours and 30 minutes and the minimum slow cooking time is 30 minutes. The left digit scrolls continuously throughout slow cooking but stops in the keep warm mode.
PRESSURE COOKING PRESET BUTTONS
The digital control panel includes 12 pressure cooking presets. Each pressure cooking preset button has 2 cooking functions. To select the top cooking function, press the button once. To select the bottom cooking function, press the button twice. The red light next to the selected cooking function will be illuminated. In addition, either the high or low pressure light will be illuminated; this will depend on the food you have selected. (When FISH or VEGETABLES–LOW is selected, the red light next to LOW pressure will be illuminated; when selecting any other food, the red light next to HIGH pressure will be illuminated.)
The preset cook time for the food you have selected will appear in the display window. The default time will blink 6 times and then the digit on the far left will start to scroll as the unit begins heating.
PRESET BUTTON | PRESET TIME | PRESET PRESSURE |
Rice Multigrain | 10 minutes 25 minutes | HIGH HIGH |
Meat–Chop/Rib Meat–Roast | 25 minutes 45 minutes | HIGH HIGH |
Poultry Fish | 10 minutes 2 minutes | HIGH LOW |
Soup Stew | 15 minutes 12 minutes | HIGH HIGH |
Vegetables–High Vegetables–Low* | 10 minutes 0 minutes | HIGH LOW |
Desserts Beans | 10 minutes 8 minutes | HIGH HIGH |
*NOTE: When vegetables are cooked 0 minutes, once pressure is reached, the unit will stop heating.
Because of the great variety of foods within a food grouping, the preset time may need to be adjusted manually. This is easily done by pressing the + or – buttons immediately after pressing the cook function button. You must do this within the first 6 seconds of pressing the cook function button, before the unit begins to heat. NOTE: If you fail to change the time, press CANCEL and try again. Use the cooking charts included in the recipe section as a guide for recommended cooking times.
For all pressure cooking preset buttons, the maximum cooking time is 2 hours and the minimum cooking time is 0 minutes.
NOTE: While pressure is building, the time will not change. The unit begins counting down when the correct pressure is reached for the food selected.
PRESSURE BUTTON
If you prefer to manually set the pressure, instead of using the preset buttons, simply press the PRESSURE button once for the low setting or twice for the high setting. The red light next to the selected pressure will be illuminated. The default cook time is 30 minutes for low and 15 minutes for high. Adjust the cook time, if desired, by pressing the + or – buttons immediately after pressing the PRESSURE button. NOTE: You must adjust the time within the first 6 seconds, before the unit begins to heat. If you accidentally press the wrong setting or time, simply press CANCEL and reset the cooker.
High pressure is suitable for most foods. Use low pressure for delicate foods such as fish and some vegetables.
Before you begin cooking, review the "Important Information" instructions and always verify that the unit is properly assembled.
*Scotch-Brite is a registered trademark of 3M Company. Presto is not affiliated with this company.
This pressure cooker is perfect for preparing delicious soups and stews. Included are a few favorite recipes. If you have a favorite recipe of your own, try it using one of the recipes in this book as your guide. If adding dry beans and peas, they first must be soake.
Do not pressure cook soups or soup mixes containing barley, rice, pasta, grains, or split peas because they have a tendency to foam, froth, and sputter and could block the vent pipe. These foods should be added to the soup AFTER pressure cooking.
FOR SOUPS AND STEWS, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ½ FULL!
1½ pounds bone-in chicken breasts, skinned
1 cup celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, halved
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups water
1½ cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Add chicken, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and water to cooking pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press SOUP and then adjust time to 10 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Remove chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool. Strain stock by pouring through a large sieve; discard solids. Return stock to cooking pot; add carrots and celery. Press CANCEL. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press VEGETABLES–HIGH and then adjust time to 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove chicken from bones and cut into bitesize pieces.
When cooking time is up, quickly release pressure.
Return chicken to cooking pot and add onions; allow to heat through.
7 servings
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups beef broth
1 (14½-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chopped cabbage
1½ cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
½ cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground
Salt
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add oil; brown one-half pound of beef at a time, removing each batch from pot when done. Press CANCEL. Return all beef, including juices, to cooker. Add broth, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, onion, oregano, thyme, and pepper. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press SOUP and then adjust time to 12 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Season to taste with salt.
8 servings
1 cup dry Great Northern beans
½ tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups kale, coarsely chopped
1 cup sliced carrots
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt
Soak beans according to instructions.
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent. Press CANCEL. Add drained beans, broth, kale, carrots, rosemary, thyme, and pepper. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press BEANS.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Stir in tomato paste until well blended.
Season to taste with salt.
7 servings
2 slices thick-sliced bacon, diced
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups beef broth
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup sliced carrot
½ pound small red potatoes
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¾ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add bacon; fry until crisp. Remove bacon from cooker, leaving drippings in pot. Combine flour and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl. Add beef and toss to coat; shake off excess flour mixture. Brown one-third of beef at a time, removing each batch from pot when done. Press CANCEL. Return all beef, including juices, and bacon to cooker. Add broth, onion, mushrooms, carrot, potatoes, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press STEW and then adjust time to 10 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
6 servings
1 cup dry Great Northern beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup sliced carrot
2 cloves garlic, minced
½–1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, deveined, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into
¾-inch pieces
1½ teaspoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Soak beans according to instructions.
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add oil, onion, carrot, garlic, jalapeño, chili powder, oregano, and allspice. Sauté for 2 minutes. Press CANCEL. Stir in drained beans, broth, chicken, brown sugar, and vinegar. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press BEANS.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4 servings
Fish and seafood are the basis of some of the healthiest and most nutritious meals you can make. Steaming them in the pressure cooker brings out their finest, fullest flavors.
Fish and seafood cook very quickly under pressure, and the cooking time required is directly related to the thickness of the seafood. To prevent overcooking, do not cook fish or seafood that is less than ¾ inch thick. For fish or seafood more than 1 inch thick, cook for the suggested time in the timetable below and then allow the cover to remain on the pressure cooker for another minute after the air vent/cover lock has dropped.
FOR FISH AND SEAFOOD, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ⅔ FULL!
To cook, pour 1 cup of water or other cooking liquid into the cooking pot.
If using the cooking rack, position it in the cooking pot and then place fish or seafood on the rack. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press FISH and adjust time as necessary.
To prevent overcooking, use the quick pressure release method after cooking fish and seafood.
SEAFOOD (Fresh or Thawed) | SIZE | COOKING TIME (Minutes) |
Fish Fillets | 1 inch thick | 0 |
Salmon Fillets | 1 inch thick | 0 –1 |
Shrimp | Medium to Large (36 to 42 count) Jumbo (21 to 25 count) | 1 2 |
Tuna Fillets | 1 inch thick | 0–1 |
NOTE: When fish and seafood are cooked 0 minutes, once pressure is reached, the unit will stop heating.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
½ small orange or yellow pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup water
1 pound tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound of cod fillets, 1 inch thick
Corn or flour tortillas
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add oil; sauté onion, pepper, and garlic until tender. Press CANCEL. Add water, tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, salt, cumin, and oregano. Place cod fillets in sauce. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press FISH and then adjust time to 0 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Cut 2 or 3 tortillas into thin strips. Stir into mixture. Serve in bowls with additional warm tortillas.
4 servings
2 salmon steaks or fillets, 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Spread each steak with 1 tablespoon mustard. Press 1 thyme sprig into the mustard on each steak.
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add oil; sauté onion and garlic until tender. Press CANCEL. Add wine or broth and bay leaf. Place salmon on cooking rack in pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press FISH and then adjust time to 1 minute.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Carefully remove salmon and rack. Keep salmon warm. Discard bay leaf. Press CANCEL. Mix 2 tablespoons mustard with cornstarch. Press SAUTÉ. Stir mustard mixture into hot liquid in pot. Heat until sauce boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Serve sauce over salmon.
2 servings
A host of great meals can evolve from meat and poultry when prepared in the pressure cooker. Keep the following tips in mind when pressure cooking meat and poultry.
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Brown meat or poultry. Remove from cooker and press CANCEL. Pour liquid into cooking pot. Place meat or poultry on rack in cooker. Close cover securely. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press MEAT or POULTRY and adjust time, if necessary, according to the following timetable.
FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGGS, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ⅔ FULL!
NO PORTION OF THE MEAT OR POULTRY SHOULD EXTEND ABOVE THE ⅔ FILL LINE.
MEAT/POULTRY/EGGS | PRESET BUTTON | COOKING TIME (Minutes) | PRESSURE RELEASE METHOD |
BEEF | |||
Brisket* or Corned Beef (2 to 3 pounds) | MEAT–ROAST | 55–65 | Own Accord |
Chuck Roast (2½ to 3 pounds) | MEAT–ROAST | 45–50 | Own Accord |
Rump Roast (2½ to 3 pounds) | MEAT–ROAST | 55–65 | Own Accord |
Oxtail | MEAT–ROAST | 45–50 | Own Accord |
Shank | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 25–30 | Own Accord |
Short Ribs | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 30 | Own Accord |
Stew Meat (1-inch cubes) | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 12–13 | Quick Release |
LAMB | |||
Lamb Shoulder Roast (2½ pounds) | MEAT–ROAST | 45–50 | Own Accord |
Stew Meat (1-inch cubes) | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 6 | Quick Release |
POULTRY | |||
Chicken (whole, 2½ to 3 pounds) | POULTRY | 22–24 | Own Accord |
Chicken (pieces with bone) | POULTRY | 10 | Own Accord |
Chicken Breast (boneless) | POULTRY | 6–7 | Own Accord |
Cornish Game Hen | POULTRY | 12–14 | Own Accord |
Turkey (pieces with bone) | POULTRY | 13–15 | Own Accord |
Turkey Breast (boneless, rolled roast, 2 pounds) | POULTRY | 36–39 | Own Accord |
PORK | |||
Butt Roast (2½ to 3 pounds) | MEAT–ROAST | 60–65 | Own Accord |
Shoulder Arm Roast (2½ to 3 pounds) | MEAT–ROAST | 60–65 | Own Accord |
Chops, ¾ to 1 inch thick | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 8 | Quick Release |
Steak, ¾ to 1 inch thick | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 8 | Quick Release |
Spareribs | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 25 | Quick Release |
Stew Meat (1-inch cubes) | MEAT–CHOP/RIB | 6 | Quick Release |
EGGS | POULTRY | 5-6 | Quick Release |
*Use lowest time for flat cut brisket. Use longest time for point cut brisket.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (2½- to 3-pound) boneless beef chuck roast
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup water
1 (2-ounce) can anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
9 whole peppercorns
1 bay leaf
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add oil; brown roast on all sides. Remove from cooker and press CANCEL. Add onion to pot; press SAUTÉ and stir until onion is slightly softened. Remove from pot. Press CANCEL. Combine water, anchovies, vinegar, brown sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaf in pot. Place roast on cooking rack in pot. Arrange onions evenly on top of roast. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press MEAT–ROAST and then adjust time to 55 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Press CANCEL. If desired, press SAUTÉ and reduce cooking liquid to make sauce to serve with roast.
6 to 8 servings
2 slices bacon, diced
2 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
⅓ cup water
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 cups sliced red cabbage
1 cup cored, chopped red cooking apple
½ cup sliced red onion
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add bacon; fry until crisp. Remove bacon from cooker, leaving drippings in pot. Add pork chops and brown on both sides. Press CANCEL. Whisk together water, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and caraway seeds in a small bowl. Pour into pot. Return bacon to cooker; add cabbage, apple, and onion. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press MEAT–CHOP/RIB and then adjust time to 8 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
2 servings
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic, cut in half
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 pounds boneless spareribs*
⅓ cup water
⅔ cup ketchup
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup light molasses
½ cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 drops liquid smoke
*Short ribs can be used in place of spareribs. For short ribs, press MEAT–CHOP/RIB and adjust time for 30 minutes.
Trim excess fat from ribs. Combine mustard, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle over ribs. Rub seasoning into ribs using cut surface of garlic clove. With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add oil; brown ribs on 2 sides. Press CANCEL. Mince garlic clove and whisk together with water, ketchup, lemon juice, molasses, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke in a small bowl. Pour over ribs in cooker. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press MEAT–CHOP/RIB.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
8 servings
½ tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, sliced
½ cup white wine
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup minced, fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper
½ small lemon, thinly sliced
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add oil; brown chicken. Press CANCEL. Cover chicken with garlic slices. Add wine, broth, parsley, and rosemary. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press POULTRY and then adjust time to 6 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon slices.
4 servings
½ tablespoon olive oil
4 chicken thighs, skinned
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped celery leaves
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced, fresh Italian parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
3 tablespoons sliced black olives
Salt and pepper
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add oil; brown chicken. Press CANCEL. Add broth, onion, celery leaves, garlic, parsley, oregano, and basil to pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press POULTRY.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Remove chicken to a warm dish. Press CANCEL. Press SAUTÉ; add olives to liquid. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid is reduced. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve sauce over chicken.
4 servings
10 to 12 large eggs
Pour 1 cup water into cooking pot. Place eggs on cooking rack in pot. Close cover securely. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press POULTRY and then adjust time to 6 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Immediately remove eggs and allow to cool completely before peeling. If not using immediately, refrigerate until ready to use.
Pressure cooking is a preferred method for preparing vegetables. Because of the fast cooking time and super-heated steam, vegetables retain most of their natural color, texture, flavor, and nutrients.
FOR FRESH VEGETABLES, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ⅔ FULL!
When using the following vegetable timetable, cook the vegetables the minimum amount of time indicated if you prefer your vegetables crisp. If you prefer your vegetables soft, cook them the maximum amount of time indicated.
To prevent overcooking, use the quick pressure release method after cooking vegetables.
If the timetable says to cook 0 minutes, press the VEGETABLES–LOW button. Unit will beep 10 times as soon as pressure is reached. Use the quick pressure release method immediately after pressure cooker reaches cooking pressure.
Quantity of vegetables does not change pressure cooking times. More mature vegetables may require longer pressure cooking times than given in timetable.
For fresh vegetables, pour 1 cup liquid into cooking pot. Place vegetables on rack in cooking pot. Close cover securely. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press VEGETABLES–LOW or VEGETABLES–HIGH and adjust time, if necessary, according to the following timetable.
VEGETABLE | PREPARATION | PRESET PRESSURE | COOKING TIME (Minutes) |
Artichoke | Whole, 6 to 8 ounces | HIGH | 11–13 |
Asparagus | Stems, cut into 1-inch pieces | LOW | 0–1 |
Beans (green, wax) | Whole or sliced | LOW | 0–1 |
Beets | Whole, 2½-inch diameter | HIGH | 20–21 |
Broccoli | Florets | LOW | 0–1 |
Brussels Sprouts | Small, 1-inch diameter | LOW | 4–5 |
Cabbage (red, green) | Wedges, 1 inch thick Coarsely shredded | HIGH HIGH | 5–6 3–4 |
Carrots | Baby cut ½-inch slices | HIGH HIGH | 3–5 3–5 |
Cauliflower | Florets | LOW | 0–3 |
Collards* | Leaves coarsely chopped, stems thinly sliced | HIGH | 4–6 |
Corn-on-the-cob | Whole, 2½-inch diameter | HIGH | 5 |
Eggplant | Cubed, 1 to 1½ inches thick Sliced, ½ inch thick | LOW LOW | 3–4 3–4 |
Kale* | Leaves coarsely chopped, stems thinly sliced | HIGH | 3–5 |
Parsnips | Sliced, ½ inch thick | LOW | 4–5 |
Peppers | Whole | HIGH | 2–3 |
Potatoes (sweet) | Sliced, 1 to 1½ inches thick Sliced, ½ inch thick | HIGH HIGH | 8–9 5–6 |
Potatoes (white) | Whole, 2½-inch diameter Whole, 1½-inch diameter Sliced, ¾ inch thick Sliced, ½ inch thick | HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH | 20–21 13–14 6–7 4 |
Rutabaga | Cubed or sliced, 1 inch thick | HIGH | 6–8 |
Spinach | Whole leaves | LOW | 0 |
Squash, summer (yellow, zucchini) | Sliced, 1 inch thick | LOW | 0–1 |
Squash, winter (acorn) | Halved | HIGH | 12–14 |
Squash, winter (buttercup) | Cut into 3- to 4-inch chunks | HIGH | 14–16 |
Squash, winter (spaghetti) | Halved | HIGH | 15–17 |
Swiss Chard | Whole leaves | LOW | 3–4 |
Turnips | Sliced or cubed, ½ inch thick | HIGH | 4–7 |
*Do not use rack; place in cooking liquid. Use 2 cups of water.
NOTE: When vegetables are cooked 0 minutes, once pressure is reached, the unit will stop heating.
3 slices bacon, diced
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups chicken broth
1 bunch kale, about
20 ounces
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon black pepper
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add bacon; fry until crisp. Remove bacon from cooker, leaving drippings in pot. Press CANCEL and then press SAUTÉ. Add onion; sauté until translucent. Press CANCEL. Return bacon to pot and add broth and kale. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press VEGETABLES–HIGH and then adjust time to 5 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Stir in vinegar and pepper.
4 servings
6 medium beets, 2½-inch diameter
1 cup water
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cut tops off beets, leaving at least 2 inches of stems. Scrub beets with soft vegetable brush, being careful to leave skin intact. Pour water into cooking pot. Place beets on cooking rack in pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press VEGETABLES–HIGH and then adjust time to 20 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Press CANCEL. Remove beets to a cutting board and allow to cool. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel off skins and cut off root end. Cut beets into wedges.
Remove cooking rack and discard all but ½ cup of cooking liquid. Add vinegar and sugar. Press SAUTÉ and bring mixture to a boil. Allow to boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in ginger and pepper. Return beet wedges to the cooker and allow to heat through.
6 to 8 servings
The pressure cooker is ideal for preparing dry beans, peas, and lentils quickly. However, these foods have a tendency to froth and foam during cooking, which could cause the vent pipe to become blocked. Therefore, it is necessary to follow these procedures:
SOAKING
Soaking before pressure cooking is strongly recommended for dry beans and peas, except lentils and black-eyed peas. Benefits of soaking include eliminating some of the water soluble starches that produce gas and create froth and foam during cooking, decreasing the cooking time, and producing beans and peas that are more evenly cooked.
Soaking can be done using the traditional or the quick-soak method.
Traditional method: Clean and rinse beans and peas; cover with three times as much water as beans or peas. Soak 4 to 8 hours. Drain.
Quick method: Clean and rinse beans and peas; cover with three times as much water as beans or peas. Bring beans or peas to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 to 2 hours. Drain.
After soaking, rinse and remove any loose skins.
COOKING
Place beans, peas, or lentils in cooking pot in cooker body. Cover with fresh water and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to help minimize the amount of froth and foam during cooking. The cooking pot should never be more than ½ full with beans, peas, lentils, water, and other ingredients.
After cooking is complete, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
FOR DRY BEANS, PEAS, AND LENTILS, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ½ FULL!
Soak beans and whole peas, according to information. Lentils and black-eyed peas do not require soaking, Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to cooking liquid. DO NOT COOK SPLIT PEAS.
Close cover securely. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press BEANS and adjust time, if necessary, according to the times indicated in the timetable below. After cooking is complete, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
NOTE: The timetable is meant to be a guide. Adjust time as necessary to produce beans you and your family prefer.
FOR DRY BEANS, PEAS, AND LENTILS, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ½ FULL!
BEANS, PEAS, AND LENTILS | COOKING TIME (Minutes) |
Black Beans | 6–9 |
Black-Eyed Peas* | 6–9 |
Chickpeas (garbanzo) | 14–17 |
Great Northern Beans | 6–9 |
Kidney Beans | 5–8 |
Lentils (brown, green)* | 6–9 |
Lima Beans (large) | 2–5 |
Lima Beans (baby) | 5–8 |
Navy Beans (pea) | 5–8 |
Peas (whole yellow, green)** | 13–16 |
Pinto Beans | 7–10 |
Red Beans | 7–10 |
Soy Beans (beige) | 12–15 |
*It is not necessary to soak
**Do not cook split peas.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
4½ cups chicken broth
1½ cups lentils
½ tablespoon ground coriander
½ tablespoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat pot. Add oil and onion; sauté onion until translucent. Press CANCEL. Add broth, lentils, coriander, curry powder, ginger, and salt. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press BEANS.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
6 servings
2 cups Great Northern Beans
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt
Soak beans according to instructions.
Add broth, onion, carrots, garlic, oil, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and pepper to cooking pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press BEANS.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Season to taste with salt.
7 servings
Grains are an important, but often little recognized, part of a healthy diet. They contribute complex carbohydrates, soluble and insoluble fiber, and other nutrients. Grains are low in fat and can be prepared quickly and conveniently with no soaking required. However, some grains foam and froth during cooking, so the following precautions should be observed.
Combine the desired grain and the amount of liquid (water or broth) indicated in the timetable below in the cooking pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press RICE or MULTIGRAIN and adjust time as necessary.
Before serving, separate the grains by lifting gently with a fork while steaming. It may be necessary to allow excess moisture to evaporate from some grains. If excessive moisture remains, drain before using grains.
FOR GRAINS, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ½ FULL!
GRAINS | CUPS OF LIQUID PER CUP OF GRAIN | PRESET BUTTON | COOKING TIME (Minutes) |
Amaranth | 2½ | MULTIGRAIN | 4–5 |
Barley (hull-less) | 2½ | MULTIGRAIN | 25–28 |
Barley (pearl) | 2½ | MULTIGRAIN | 11–13 |
Buckwheat | 2½ | MULTIGRAIN | 4–6 |
Bulgar | 1¾ | MULTIGRAIN | 4–5 |
Farro | 2 | MULTIGRAIN | 25–28 |
Millet | 2 | MULTIGRAIN | 9–10 |
Oats (steel cut) | 2 | MULTIGRAIN | 5–6 |
Quinoa | 1½ | MULTIGRAIN | 1–2 |
Rice (brown) | 1½ | RICE | 16–18 |
Rice (white) | 1½ | RICE | 8–10 |
Spelt | 2 | MULTIGRAIN | 25–28 |
Wheat Berries | 2 | MULTIGRAIN | 28–30 |
Wild Rice | 1½ | MULTIGRAIN | 28–30 |
1 cup uncooked wheat berries
2 cups water
½ cup orange juice (1 large orange)
2 teaspoons grated orange zest (1 large orange)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 small green apple, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
Add wheat berries and water to cooking pot. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press MULTI-GRAIN and then adjust time to 28 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Cool wheat berries to room temperature. If necessary, drain excess liquid.
Whisk together orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, oil, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Pour over cooled wheat berries and toss to coat. Allow to set for 15 minutes. Stir in apple, cranberries, and walnuts.
9 servings
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1½ cups wild rice
2 cups beef broth
¾ cup golden raisins
⅓ cup pecans, toasted
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add oil and onion; sauté onion until translucent. Press CANCEL. Add wild rice and broth. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press MULTIGRAIN and then adjust time to 23 minutes.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Stir in raisins and pecans; allow to steam for 5 minutes.
8 servings
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup chopped onion
1 cup jasmine rice
¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary
1½ cups chicken broth
¼ cup chopped walnuts
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add butter and melt. Add onion; sauté until tender. Add rice, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary; stir to coat the rice. Press CANCEL; add broth. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press RICE.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
Stir in walnuts.
8 servings
There are some desserts that the pressure cooker does remarkably well: custards, puddings (especially bread pudding), and cheesecake. These desserts may be prepared in oven-safe custard cups, ramekins, or any metal mold or form which will fit loosely in the cooking pot. Fill molds ⅔ full and cover the top securely with aluminum foil. Place the mold or ramekins on the cooking rack in the cooking pot. The pressure cooker will hold up to 6 ramekins, depending on the shape and size. To position more than 3 ramekins in the cooking pot, you will need to place 3 of the ramekins on the cooking rack and then position the remaining ramekins on top of the first layer, making sure to stagger the top layer.
Do not cook applesauce, cranberries, or rhubarb in the pressure cooker.
FOR DESSERTS, DO NOT FILL COOKING POT OVER ⅔ FULL!
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ cups milk
1 cup water
Mix eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Add milk and mix well. Pour ½ cup of the custard mixture into each of four 5-ounce ramekins. Cover the top of each ramekin securely with aluminum foil. Add water and cooking rack to cooking pot. Place 3 of the ramekins on the cooking rack and then place the remaining ramekin in the center on top of the first layer of ramekins. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press DESSERTS and then adjust time to 5 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Remove ramekins to cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate until chilled.
4 servings
Variations:
Coconut Custard
Follow the custard directions above but, before pouring custard mixture into ramekins, place 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut into each of the ramekins.
Chocolate Custard
Follow the custard directions, mixing eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Then heat milk and 1 square (1 ounce) of grated baking chocolate just until chocolate is melted. Allow to cool slightly and then add to the egg mixture. Follow the rest of the custard directions.
4 medium Bosc pears, peeled
1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine, such as Cabernet or Merlot*
1 (12-ounce) jar red currant jelly
1 small lemon
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ vanilla bean
4 whole cloves
4 whole peppercorns
*26 ounces of grape juice can be substituted for wine.
Core pears from the bottom, keeping top and stem intact. Combine wine and jelly in cooking pot. With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and heat until jelly is melted. Press CANCEL. Peel thin strip of rind and squeeze juice from lemon; add to pot. Add rosemary, vanilla bean, cloves, and peppercorns to the liquid and then place pears in the liquid. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press DESSERTS and then adjust time to 8 to 10 minutes.
When time is up, use quick pressure release method.
Carefully remove pears and place into a deep container. Cover pears with hot wine mixture and allow to cool. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
4 servings
¼ cup golden raisins
½ cup dry red wine
¼ cup chopped nuts
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon grated orange rind
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 medium cooking apples
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup water
Soak raisins in wine for at least 30 minutes. Drain, reserving wine. Combine raisins, nuts, sugar, orange rind, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Core apples, cutting to but not through bottoms. Peel top one-third of each apple. Fill each apple center with an equal amount of raisin mixture. Top each with one-fourth of the butter. Place reserved wine, water, and cooking rack in cooking pot. Place apples on cooking rack. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Press DESSERTS.
When time is up, allow pressure to drop of its own accord.
4 servings
Due to the nature of slow cooking, meat does not brown as it would if cooked in a skillet or oven. It is not necessary to brown meat or poultry before slow cooking, but you may prefer the flavor and appearance of browned meat.
Browning ground beef, bacon, and sausage before slow cooking may be desirable to remove excess fat.
Avoid removing the cover during slow cooking because it will result in significant loss of heat and steam. If you must open the cover to check on cooking progress, do so quickly.
Some dense and crisp vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips take longer to cook than meat, so cut vegetables into smaller pieces when adding to meat dishes.
When slow cooking, place the quick pressure release valve on the vent pipe in the STEAM OUT position.
1¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
½ teaspoon salt
1 medium green pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 medium red pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup whole kernel corn
1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 (15½-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 cup salsa, desired level of spiciness
Chopped fresh cilantro
Place chicken in cooking pot. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and salt over chicken; toss to coat. Add peppers, onion, garlic, corn, beans, tomatoes, and salsa. Mix well. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Turn lever to STEAM OUT position for slow cooking. Press SLOW COOK–LOW. Cook for 2½ to 3½ hours.
Top with cilantro.
6 servings
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup wild rice
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced carrots
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped pimento
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup slivered almonds, divided
2 cups chicken broth
Salt
With cooking pot in cooker body, press BROWN and preheat cooker. Add oil; brown chicken on all sides. Press CANCEL. Add wild rice, onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery, pimento, marjoram, thyme, pepper, and ½ cup of the almonds. Pour broth over mixture. Top with remaining almonds. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Turn lever to STEAM OUT position for slow cooking. Press SLOW COOK–HIGH. Cook for 3½ to 4 hours. Season to taste with salt.
6 servings
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
¼ cup teriyaki sauce
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless pork chops, 1 inch thick
With cooking pot in cooker body, press SAUTÉ and preheat cooker. Add oil; sauté onion until translucent. Press CANCEL. Combine teriyaki sauce, ketchup, preserves, vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper, mustard, and black pepper in a small bowl. Place pork chops in the cooking pot on top of the onions. Pour barbecue sauce over chops. Close cover. Place quick pressure release valve on vent pipe. Turn lever to STEAM OUT position for slow cooking. Press SLOW COOK–LOW. Cook for 5 to 7 hours.
4 servings
To reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
THIS APPLIANCE IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this appliance has a 3-prong grounded plug. If the plug on this appliance does not fit into your outlet, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.
A short detachable power supply cord is provided to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. DO NOT USE WITH AN EXTENSION CORD.
Connect the power supply cord to a 120VAC electrical outlet only.
If you have any questions regarding the operation of your Presto® appliance or need parts for your appliance, contact us by any of these methods:
Inquiries will be answered promptly by email, telephone, or letter. When emailing or writing, please include a phone number and a time when you can be reached during weekdays if possible.
When contacting the Consumer Service Department or when ordering replacement parts, please indicate the model and series numbers for the pressure cooker. The model number can be found on the back of the cooker body and the series number can be found on the bottom of the cooker body.
The Presto Factory Service Department is equipped to service Presto® appliances and supply genuine Presto® parts. Genuine Presto® replacement parts are manufactured to the same exacting quality standards as Presto® appliances and are engineered specifically to function properly with its appliances. Presto can only guarantee the quality and performance of genuine Presto® parts. "Look-alikes" might not be of the same quality or function in the same manner. To ensure that you are buying genuine Presto® replacement parts, look for the Presto® trademark.
Canton Sales and Storage Company
Presto Factory Service Department
555 Matthews Dr., Canton, MS 39046-3251
Please go online and register this product within ten days of purchase. Proper registration will serve as proof of purchase in the event your original receipt becomes misplaced or lost. Registration will not affect warranty coverage, but it may expedite the processing of warranty claims. The additional information requested will help us develop new products that best meet your needs and desires.
To register the product, visit www.GoPresto.com/registration or simply scan this QR code. If you do not have computer access, contact the Consumer Service Department at 1-800-877-0441 for assistance with registration.
For a helpful HOW-TO video, visit www.GoPresto.com/how or scan this QR code.
Visit www.GoPresto.com
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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