Why Make Soup in a Pressure Cooker?
Not only does using a pressure cooker to make soup cut down on cooking time, it also helps to intensify the flavors of the ingredients. Pressure cookers use steam under high pressure to quickly cook food, allowing for a more thorough and flavorful result.
Choose Your Ingredients
When making soup in a pressure cooker, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Meats with bones, such as chicken or beef, work well in a pressure cooker and add richness to the broth. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes and onions also hold up well under pressure and add depth of flavor. To create a well-rounded soup, consider using a variety of ingredients, including beans and grains.
Prep Your Ingredients
Prepping your ingredients is crucial when using a pressure cooker. Cut meat into chunks and vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also sear your meat and vegetables before adding them to the pressure cooker to add extra flavor. It’s important to add enough liquid, like broth or water, to ensure that the pressure cooker can build up pressure properly.
Set the Pressure Cooker
Once your ingredients are prepped and in the pressure cooker, it’s time to set the cooking time. Depending on the recipe and ingredients, cooking times can vary, but a general rule of thumb is to cook soup on high pressure for about 10 to 20 minutes. To release the pressure, use a natural release method, which means letting the pressure cooker cool down on its own. Alternatively, you can use a quick release method, in which you manually release the steam, but be careful to avoid burning yourself.
Finish and Serve
After the cooking time is up and the pressure has released, it’s time to finish the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then add any finishing touches, like fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice. A pressure cooker can create a rich and flavorful soup in a fraction of the time it would normally take, making it an ideal tool for home cooks who want to create satisfying meals with minimal effort!
