How To Pressure Cook Foods - Presto Pressure Canner and Cooker Instructions And Recipes Manual

Rice and dried beans and peas expand during cooking. When
preparing these foods, do not fill the canner over
pre-soak dried beans and peas overnight in oil, salt, and water
(see page 19). Never pressure cook applesauce, cranberries,
rhubarb, pearl barley, split peas, oatmeal or other cereals,
dried soup mixes, or foods such as noodles, macaroni or
spaghetti. These foods tend to foam, froth, and sputter and may
block the vent pipe.
If the vent pipe becomes clogged, the pressure regulator will
not rock and pressure cannot be released normally. When excess
pressure builds up in the canner, the overpressure plug will be
forced out of its cover opening, releasing the excess pressure.
If the overpressure plug is ever forced out of its cover opening
due to excess pressure while cooking or canning, it is important
to call the Consumer Services Department at 1-800-877-0441.
Do not attempt to replace the overpressure plug.
The canning-cooking rack can be used to hold foods above the
liquid level. This will allow cooking several different foods
at the same time without an intermingling of flavors. When
a natural blending of flavors is desired, do not use the can-
ning-cooking rack. When cooking two or more foods at the
same time, choose those which require the same length of
cooking time. The length of cooking time for a specific food
varies greatly with the thickness of the food. For example, a
⁄ -inch thick slice of potato will be done in 3 minutes whereas a
1
2
⁄ -inch thick slice of potato will be done in 5 minutes. For foods
3
4
which do not require the same cooking time, the canner may be
quick cooled when there is just enough cooking time left for
the food requiring the shorter cooking time. When the pressure
is completely reduced, the cover may be opened and the food
added. Then, again place the cover on the canner and proceed
with cooking.
Questions?
For answers to any questions regarding recipes or timetables, call
or write: Home Economics Department, National Presto Industries,
Inc., 3925 North Hastings Way, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703-
3703, phone 1-800-368-2194 (e-mail: contact@GoPresto.com).
When writing, please include a phone number and a time when
you can be reached during weekdays if possible. Inquiries will
be answered promptly by letter, telephone, or email.

How to Pressure Cook Foods

IMPORTANT: Read carefully. Do not attempt to use your
canner before reading these instructions.
Follow these step-by-step instructions for pressure cooking in
your canner. For preparing only meats, poultry, or fish, omit
step 4. For preparing only vegetables, soups, or desserts, omit
steps 1-2-3. Do not fill the canner over
a solid mass of food, such as soups, do not fill the canner over
⁄ full.
1
2
1. Preheat canner with cover off. A medium heat setting is
adequate for most range burners. Consult the instruction
book which accom-
panied your range
for recommended
heat settings. Place
cooking oil in canner
according to recipe.
Caution: Pouring
full. Always
⁄
1
2
⁄ full. When cooking
2
3
15
cooking oil into any overheated pan could cause the
oil to flare up.
2. Place meat in bottom
of canner and sear until
deep brown and crisp.
Do not fill canner over
⁄ full. Lower heat if
2
3
necessary to prevent
burning.
3. Brown meat thoroughly
on all sides. Season
according to taste.
Remove canner from
heat and allow to cool
slightly.
4. If more than one food is to be prepared at the same time,
remove meat and place canning-cooking rack in bottom
of canner. Then, arrange
meat and other foods on
the rack. Do not fill the
canner over ⁄ full.
2
3
5. Add liquid according to
recipe. (Always use at
least 2 cups of liquid.)
6. Look through the vent pipe
to be certain it is open be-
fore closing the cover. To
clean the vent pipe, draw a
pipe cleaner or small brush
through the opening.
7. Place cover on canner, align-
ing the CLOSE V OPEN on
the cover with the mark on
the body handle and lock
securely by turning in the
direction indicated to close
(clockwise). Cover handles
must be centered directly
over body handles. Do not
force beyond this position.
If the cover is difficult to
lock at this point, it is due to expansion of the canner
from heating. If this occurs, remove cover and allow the
canner to cool slightly. Do not replace canner on burner
until cover is in its fully closed position (cover handles
directly above body handles).
8. Place pressure regula-
tor on vent pipe. If the
pressure regulator is not
correctly positioned, the
canner will not operate
properly.