Introduction

Pressure cookers are a fantastic tool for creating hearty soups and stews in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional methods. They work by trapping steam inside the pot, which raises the pressure and temperature, allowing food to cook quickly and retain its flavors and nutrients. In this guide, we’ll explore three diverse examples of how to use a pressure cooker to make delicious soups and stews that can warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Example 1: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Context

When you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting meal, chicken noodle soup is a go-to choice. The pressure cooker can make this classic soup in about 30 minutes.

To make this soup, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by heating the olive oil in the pressure cooker on the sauté setting. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables, pour in the chicken broth, and add the thyme and bay leaf. Close the lid, set the pressure to high, and cook for 10 minutes. Once done, carefully release the pressure, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot along with the egg noodles. Cook on high pressure for another 5 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

For a heartier soup, you can add peas or corn. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth!

Example 2: Hearty Beef Stew

Context

Beef stew is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. With a pressure cooker, you can cut down on the cooking time while still achieving tender, flavorful beef.

You will need:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by heating the olive oil in the pressure cooker on the sauté setting. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and potatoes, stirring for about 3 minutes. Return the beef to the pot, then stir in the broth, tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme. Close the lid, set the pressure to high, and cook for 35 minutes. Once finished, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or green beans. You can also thicken the stew by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew after releasing the pressure.

Example 3: Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Context

This healthy and filling soup is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The pressure cooker makes it easy to prepare a nutritious meal packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Start by heating the olive oil in the pressure cooker on the sauté setting. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika. Close the lid, set the pressure to high, and cook for 15 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

You can add any leftover vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach or zucchini. For added creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk just before serving.