Want to save fuel while cooking? Here is how you can use a pressure cooker effectively

Discover efficient pressure cooking techniques to save up to 50% on fuel. OPOS B Ramakrishnan tells you how

I love the pressure cooker as it is one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen — affordable, dependable, and surprisingly intuitive. It “knows” when food is cooked, ensuring consistent results no matter who is doing the cooking. It handles everything from the most delicate vegetables to the toughest meats with equal ease. Fast, largely maintenance-free, and built to last a lifetime, it is a device that truly pays for itself.

There is just one catch: you need to learn how to use it well.

A pressure cooker can save you over 50% on fuel — but only if you use it right. Here’s how:

Always pre-soak

Pre-soaking rice, dal, and rajma significantly reduces cooking time. Remember, cooking only begins once water reaches the core of the ingredient; skipping this step means you’re simply burning extra fuel. By the same logic, always thaw frozen ingredients before cooking, and avoid large chunks. A whole potato, for instance, takes far more fuel to cook than one that’s been chopped.

Use as little water as possible