Cooking stews and soups are my go-to choice of meal when I’m in a hurry because all I need to do is simply throw everything into the pot. But with such an active lifestyle that requires me to manage multiple tasks on my own, I am always looking for ways to save time while preparing meals in the kitchen. So, I figured I could use my pressure cooker for stews and soups. I bet you’re also thinking the same thing!

I was absolutely delighted when I found out from my Nana that I could create delicious, flavorful stews and soups in no time at all using a pressure cooker. As much as possible, I want to make hearty meals quickly and efficiently without compromising their taste. So, I tried using my pressure cooker for stews and soups with my Nana’s best tips.

Best Tips When Using Pressure Cooker for Soups

If you’re searching for a speedy and effective approach to cooking, then pressure cooking is the perfect solution for preparing delicious stews or soups. With a few basic tips, you can quickly whip up these hearty dishes in no time at all. Pressure cooking considerably speeds up the process, allowing you to make flavorful meals that normally take much longer using traditional methods and slow cooking.

Avoid Cooking for Too Long

Preparing soups in a pressure cooker is simpler than ever, but it’s important to be mindful of each recipe’s cooking time. It is essential to avoid over-cooking the soup in the pressure cooker, as this could cause it to become overly soft and mushy. Usually, if the soup includes ingredients like pasta or beans, my Nana would add them after the pressure cooking process.

Add the Thickening Agent After

Another great tip from my Nana for cooking stews and soups in a pressure cooker is adding a thickening agent afterward. Whenever a recipe calls for adding cornstarch or flour to thicken the broth, she recommends adding them after the pressure cooking process. This way, the ingredients won’t overcook, and the texture of the finished dish will be perfect. 

If you add these thickeners before the pressure cooking process, the stew or soup could become overly thickened and end up with an unappetizing texture. Adding cornstarch or flour after the process ensures that the broth has just the right consistency and the flavors are balanced.

Do Proper Layering

My Nana always taught me the importance of layering the ingredients in a stew or soup when pressure cooking. The idea is to put the heaviest and densest ingredients at the bottom of the pot, with lighter ones on top. This way, you can avoid burning the denser items since they will not be on direct heat for an extended period. Pressure cooking can be tricky, but following this tip from my Nana ensures that all of your ingredients are cooked properly!

This helps to distribute the heat more evenly and prevent burning. Additionally, she recommends adding enough liquid to the cooker to create steam and build pressure, but not too much. 

Saute Onions Before Cooking

Before adding the ingredients to the pressure cooker, sauteing the onions and other spices in a pan is important for creating flavorful stews and soups. This will help bring out their flavor, giving your dish a richer taste. Sauteing also helps caramelize the onions, enhancing their aroma and texture. 

Once you’ve finished browning the onions and other spices, add them to your pressure cooker along with any additional ingredients, such as broth or vegetables. Following this simple step will make all the difference in preparing delicious stews and soups in a pressure cooker.

Use Natural Release

Additionally, if you’re planning to use a pressure cooker for stews and soups, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for splattering when releasing pressure. Due to the high liquid content in these dishes, using the quick-release method can cause hot liquid to spew out and make a mess. 

To avoid this, we suggest to always use the natural release method when cooking stews and soups in a pressure cooker. It allows the pressure to gradually release on its own without any interference from the user. It takes longer, but it is a safer option as it helps to prevent any unwanted accidents or burns. 

Add Milk After

Another thing to consider when cooking soup in a pressure cooker is to add milk or cream after the cooking process. This is because if the milk is mixed with broth or lemon juice before being cooked under pressure, it could result in the milk curdling and ruining the soup. Therefore, it is best practice to add dairy products after cooking has taken place.

Pros and Cons of Using Pressure Cooker for Stews and Soups

The decision of whether to use a pressure cooker when cooking stews or soups is ultimately up to the individual, as it may be beneficial depending on their own personal preference. Pressure cookers can be especially useful for people who are short on time, as they can significantly reduce the amount of time spent preparing meals.

Pressure cooking stews are a great option for those who are looking to conserve energy and reduce their monthly expenses. It’s an incredibly efficient way of preparing meals, as it not only allows food to be cooked faster but also requires less fuel to do so. This means that you can save both time and money by using this method of cooking, making it a win-win situation for anyone trying to cut down on costs.

However, some people might prefer more traditional methods and not want to take advantage of the many benefits that come with using a pressure cooker. Because even if you can cook quickly with a pressure cooker, the taste will not be the same when cooked slowly in an oven. Oven-cooked dishes tend to have a richer flavor since they have ample time for all their ingredients to meld together and develop deep complexity of taste.

Moreover, you’ll have quite limited control over the temperature and adding flavor as soon as you close the lid. It’s not possible to open it again to add additional ingredients or spices. This means that you should consider whatever goes inside carefully beforehand so that the dish will be full of flavor before sealing the unit up.

It is ultimately your decision whether or not you choose to use a pressure cooker for stews and soups. So, consider the advantages and disadvantages of using this appliance.