Informational

So you’ve just bought a pressure cooker — or maybe you’ve had one sitting in your kitchen cabinet for ages, and you’re finally ready to give it a go. But let’s be honest: the first time you hear that loud “sshhh” of steam, it can be a little scary.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

In Pakistani homes, pressure cookers are almost part of the family — helping us make quick daal, tender gosht, or yakhni in half the time. But if you're new to it, this guide will walk you through how to use it safely and confidently.

New to cooking under pressure? Check out our 2025 Pressure Cooker Buying Guide for the best models and tips before you start.

🛒 What You Need Before You Start

Not sure what size cooker you need? Here’s how to pick the right pressure cooker size for your family.

Before you fire up the stove, make sure you have:

• A working pressure cooker (stovetop or electric)

• Enough water (don’t skip this — it’s key!)

• Your ingredients (daal, chawal, meat — whatever you’re cooking)

• A clean gas burner (or UPS if using electric)

• A little patience (just in case it hisses at you the first time 😄)

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Use a Stovetop Pressure Cooker

1. Give Your Cooker a Quick Check

Don’t just throw in your ingredients and hope for the best. First, make sure:

• The rubber ring (gasket) isn’t cracked or dry

• The lid fits snugly

• The safety valve is clear and clean

🔍 Think of it like checking your car before a road trip — safety first!

2. Add Your Food and Water

• Put in your ingredients (e.g., 1 cup daal + spices)

• Add water — enough to cover the food and create steam
  (usually 1 cup for every 15–20 mins of cooking)

• Never fill the cooker more than two-thirds full

📌 Example: For 1 kg mutton, you’ll need 2–3 cups of water and a 7L cooker minimum.

3. Seal It Tight

• Line up the lid properly and twist it to lock

• Place the weight (whistle) on top

🔐 If it feels loose or doesn’t “click” — something’s off. Check again.

4. Let It Heat Up

• Start on high flame to build pressure

• You’ll hear the first whistle — that’s your cue to turn it to low

• Count the whistles or use a timer

👂 Daal takes 2–3 whistles. Meat? Around 6–7. Always check recipe timing.

5. Turn It Off and Don’t Touch!

• Once done, turn off the stove

• Let the pressure drop naturally — don’t force the lid open!

• After 10–15 minutes, gently lift the weight to check for steam

⚠️ If there’s still a hiss, wait. Rushing this step can be dangerous.

6. Open, Stir, Serve!

Once all steam is gone:

• Open the lid slowly, facing it away from you

• Stir the food and check if it’s cooked

• Serve or put it back for a few minutes without the lid if it needs more time

🎉 Congratulations — you just pressure-cooked your first desi meal!

🔌 What If You're Using an Electric Cooker?

Thinking of switching to an electric pressure cooker? Here’s a full comparison of stovetop vs electric models.

Using a Nutricook or Philips?

• Add your food and water

• Lock the lid

• Press the right cooking program (e.g., rice, meat, steam)

• Let it do the rest — it’ll beep when done

🧠 Electric ones are easier for beginners but do require power. A UPS is your friend during loadshedding.

🔐 Pressure Cooker Safety Tips for Every Pakistani Home

• ✔️ Clean the lid and rubber ring regularly

• ✔️ Never fill beyond 2/3 — especially for foamy foods like daal or beans

• ✔️ Don’t leave the cooker unattended on high heat

• ✔️ Keep kids away while cooking

• ✔️ Always check for leftover pressure before opening

🤔 Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I open the cooker immediately after turning off the heat?
No! Always wait until the pressure fully releases. Rushing can lead to burns.

Q: How do I know the pressure is gone?
When the safety valve drops and you don’t hear any more steam when lifting the whistle.

Q: How much water should I add?
Start with 1 cup for daal and 2+ cups for tougher meats. Don’t go dry — pressure needs steam.

Q: Can I use it on a glass stove?
Only if the bottom is flat. Klassic Wok Series works best on gas stoves.

👩🍳 Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect

Using a pressure cooker might feel a little intimidating at first — but once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without one. From weekday meals to Eid dinners, it’ll become your go-to tool.

Start with easy dishes like rice or daal, and work your way up to haleem, biryani, and more. Just follow the steps, don’t rush the steam, and always keep safety first.

🛒 Ready to Get Started?

Check out Klassic Kitchenware’s full range of beginner-friendly cookers — made for Pakistani homes, available in all sizes, and trusted by families across the country.

👉 Explore Klassic Pressure Cookers Now