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Post by dualmaestra on Jul 15, 2016 14:04:36 GMT
Got mine yesterday. Made a very simple recipe I found on youtube, Salsa chicken. So easy, I added a can of Black bean and corn salsa, then 4 chicken breasts and topped off with another can of black bean salsa. Set to poultry for 9 minutes. I did have a little problem, when I took chicken out to shred, it was still a little tough (didn't look completely cooked). Still do not know what we did wrong (hubby was assistant), but the button never popped up and when we released the steam, there was none. We decided to put chicken back for another 4 minutes, this time the button did pop up and when we released the steam, there was lots of it. We just put it on flour tortillas with some shredded cheese. They were good and my very skeptic husband became a believer He kept saying there is no way chicken can be completely cooked in under 10 minutes. He is the type that overcooks everything! See even with our mistake, we still had a very quick meal!
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Post by elaine on Jul 15, 2016 15:59:07 GMT
If the button didn't come up, the pressure cooker never came to pressure. Did the machine start counting down from 9 after a few minutes? If it never started counting down, it never came to pressure.
The handle of the pressure valve has to sit parallel to the handle for it to be closed, otherwise it lets steam out and the machine never comes to pressure. since it did come to pressure the second time, I will guess that the valve wasn't in the correct position the first time - it you twist it too far to the back, it starts to come out (that is actually how you twist it to remove it for cleaning).
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Jul 15, 2016 16:17:30 GMT
got mine yesterday, and the only thing I've done with it so far is boil water, lol!! We read the manual, made sure it was all put together correctly, and then did the water test.
You know that saying "a watched pot never boils?" Yeah, it was like that! The instructions in the manual say to add water to the "3" line... so, I added water to that line. Which, I think, means I put 3 Liters of water in it-- 3 liters of water takes a LONG FREAKIN' TIME to get that much water up to pressure!!! The manual said 'a few minutes...' and that the whole test would take 'about 15 minutes.' (uh-- nope) I stared at the thing for about 20 minutes before it ever started to make steam, wondering the whole time if I had done something horribly wrong and it was never going to do anything.
But it finally worked, nothing blew up, and at about 9 pm I asked my BF if he wanted an ear of corn on the cob... Just because I actually wanted to DO something with it, loL!! (he said no, lol) So I will actually USE it for the first time tonight to steam broccoli and make corn on the cob.
If you are actually cooking something in it and using 1-2 cups of water (instead of the 3 LITERS I used for the water test), about how much time will I need to add to the actual COOKING time for the thing to get up to pressure?? Just so I know how to time things to get the meal all done at the same time?? Thanks!!
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Post by elaine on Jul 15, 2016 16:24:12 GMT
got mine yesterday, and the only thing I've done with it so far is boil water, lol!! We read the manual, made sure it was all put together correctly, and then did the water test. You know that saying "a watched pot never boils?" Yeah, it was like that! The instructions in the manual say to add water to the "3" line... so, I added water to that line. Which, I think, means I put 3 Liters of water in it-- 3 liters of water takes a LONG FREAKIN' TIME to get that much water up to pressure!!! The manual said 'a few minutes...' and that the whole test would take 'about 15 minutes.' (uh-- nope) I stared at the thing for about 20 minutes before it ever started to make steam, wondering the whole time if I had done something horribly wrong and it was never going to do anything. But it finally worked, nothing blew up, and at about 9 pm I asked my BF if he wanted an ear of corn on the cob... Just because I actually wanted to DO something with it, loL!! (he said no, lol) So I will actually USE it for the first time tonight to steam broccoli and make corn on the cob. If you are actually cooking something in it and using 1-2 cups of water (instead of the 3 LITERS I used for the water test), about how much time will I need to add to the actual COOKING time for the thing to get up to pressure?? Just so I know how to time things to get the meal all done at the same time?? Thanks!! Depending on whether it is already hot because you've saluted/browned some of the ingredients, how much liquid, how hot your liquid is when you put it in, it can take anywhere from 1-10 minutes to come up to pressure. When dualmaestra put the lid back on to cook her chicken some more, I will guess it came up to pressure in a minute or less because everything in the pot was hot. That is why it doesn't add much time when some recipes have you open the lid and add some ingredients and cook some more.
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Post by underwatermama on Jul 15, 2016 16:27:55 GMT
I got mine late yesterday too. I am scared of the pressure cooker part, but I will get over it. Today my goal is to do the boil water test in it. Unfortunately, DH is having gum surgery today so I think I'm going to wait until he's able to somewhat eat again before actually cooking in it. I may try a whole chicken in it and then make broth out of the bones. But not today. Plus, did I mention I'm a little scared?
Oh, and it is much larger than I expected. I was hoping to trade out my antique (I've had it since we got married 33 years ago) rice cooker/steamer for the IP, but I'm not sure it will fit in my appliance cabinet yet.
Where does everyone keep theirs? I really don't want anything else sitting out if I can avoid it.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 15, 2016 17:15:37 GMT
LOL! We have too many pressure cooker threads going this week - I can't remember what I wrote where. And here I was going to suggest that we need a "pressure cooker virgins" thread next week for all of us who took the plunge today! Yes!!!! I keep trying to find the thread with the must have accessories and then the beginners tips and keep getting lost since I have to stop and start and I'm reading off two different devices Or at work on breaks!
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 15, 2016 17:18:59 GMT
And here I was going to suggest that we need a "pressure cooker virgins" thread next week for all of us who took the plunge today! Yes!!!! I keep trying to find the thread with the must have accessories and then the beginners tips and keep getting lost since I have to stop and start and I'm reading off two different devices Or at work on breaks! Yes, that's why I think we need to keep to the one bi-weekly thread if possible. Then if we want to go back to find something at least we know which thread to look in, even if we do have to scroll back a few pages.
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Post by elaine on Jul 15, 2016 17:28:10 GMT
Yes!!!! I keep trying to find the thread with the must have accessories and then the beginners tips and keep getting lost since I have to stop and start and I'm reading off two different devices Or at work on breaks! Yes, that's why I think we need to keep to the one bi-weekly thread if possible. Then if we want to go back to find something at least we know which thread to look in, even if we do have to scroll back a few pages. Yes, and thank you!!! It is much easier to look for questions here on these threads, rather than open up the board and miss one because some started a new thread with one and I didn't closely read all the thread titles. And we will all know where to look for recipes and tips and answers to questions rather than having to remember which thread started by who.
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acian7223
Full Member
Posts: 149
Jul 13, 2016 14:31:42 GMT
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Post by acian7223 on Jul 15, 2016 17:37:47 GMT
I got mine yesterday!! Did the water test (which took forever for me also...) And then made popcorn!!! I am a popcorn fanatic, and I left my air popper at my parent's, so I was thrilled to have delicious popcorn in practically no time at all! Definitely will make again! Turn on Sauté and press adjust to "More" When display reads HOT add: 3 Tablespoons oil (called for coconut, but I used vegetable) 2 Tablespoons of butter After about 1 minute add 1/2 cup kernels Stir to make sure all the kernels are covered in fat. Cover (I used a glass lid I already have that seemed to fit well enough) After about 2 minutes it will start to pop. After about 2/3 are popped turn the IP off and wait til popping has stopped. then I added a little bit of sea salt.
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Post by stampnscrap1128 on Jul 15, 2016 17:38:39 GMT
Did the water test yesterday. Trying to make hard boiled eggs right now. I'm really hoping to make beef stew later. I feel like a scientist, trying a new experiment! LOL
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,350
Location: Dallas Texas
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:22 GMT
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Post by SabrinaP on Jul 15, 2016 17:46:55 GMT
Make sure you join the Instant Pot Facebbok page. I've learned a ton that would help some of the problems posted here. They talked about the infamous water test, so I was able to do it correctly.
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Post by peajays on Jul 15, 2016 17:49:02 GMT
Just had to share this picture that was posted on fb in the Ip group, I thought it was hilarious !
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Post by jenjie on Jul 15, 2016 17:57:40 GMT
Just had to share this picture that was posted on fb in the Ip group, I thought it was hilarious ! I saw this! Too funny.
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Post by jenjie on Jul 15, 2016 17:58:22 GMT
I got mine yesterday!! Did the water test (which took forever for me also...) And then made popcorn!!! I am a popcorn fanatic, and I left my air popper at my parent's, so I was thrilled to have delicious popcorn in practically no time at all! Definitely will make again! Turn on Sauté and press adjust to "More" When display reads HOT add: 3 Tablespoons oil (called for coconut, but I used vegetable) 2 Tablespoons of butter After about 1 minute add 1/2 cup kernels Stir to make sure all the kernels are covered in fat. Cover (I used a glass lid I already have that seemed to fit well enough) After about 2 minutes it will start to pop. After about 2/3 are popped turn the IP off and wait til popping has stopped. then I added a little bit of sea salt. Just this morning I was looking at popcorn poppers. I'm going to have to try this! Thanks.
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Post by stampnscrap1128 on Jul 15, 2016 18:21:44 GMT
Hard boiled eggs turned out beautifully. I'm enjoying egg salad for lunch. Definitely making beef stew tonight!
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Post by dualmaestra on Jul 15, 2016 19:15:57 GMT
If the button didn't come up, the pressure cooker never came to pressure. Did the machine start counting down from 9 after a few minutes? If it never started counting down, it never came to pressure. The handle of the pressure valve has to sit parallel to the handle for it to be closed, otherwise it lets steam out and the machine never comes to pressure. since it did come to pressure the second time, I will guess that the valve wasn't in the correct position the first time - it you twist it too far to the back, it starts to come out (that is actually how you twist it to remove it for cleaning). Elaine, it did do the 9 minute countdown. The thing we did do differently is that we did forget to start the machine with the valve on seal. We remembered no more than a minute later and closed it. Would this have affected it?
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Post by dualmaestra on Jul 15, 2016 19:19:16 GMT
got mine yesterday, and the only thing I've done with it so far is boil water, lol!! We read the manual, made sure it was all put together correctly, and then did the water test. You know that saying "a watched pot never boils?" Yeah, it was like that! The instructions in the manual say to add water to the "3" line... so, I added water to that line. Which, I think, means I put 3 Liters of water in it-- 3 liters of water takes a LONG FREAKIN' TIME to get that much water up to pressure!!! The manual said 'a few minutes...' and that the whole test would take 'about 15 minutes.' (uh-- nope) I stared at the thing for about 20 minutes before it ever started to make steam, wondering the whole time if I had done something horribly wrong and it was never going to do anything. But it finally worked, nothing blew up, and at about 9 pm I asked my BF if he wanted an ear of corn on the cob... Just because I actually wanted to DO something with it, loL!! (he said no, lol) So I will actually USE it for the first time tonight to steam broccoli and make corn on the cob. If you are actually cooking something in it and using 1-2 cups of water (instead of the 3 LITERS I used for the water test), about how much time will I need to add to the actual COOKING time for the thing to get up to pressure?? Just so I know how to time things to get the meal all done at the same time?? Thanks!! I did the test run as well, but I used 3 cups of water, not 3 liters. As I was reading the manual I was watching a youtube video of someone doing theirs and that is what she did as well. It did take only about 15 minutes.
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Post by elaine on Jul 15, 2016 19:27:29 GMT
If the button didn't come up, the pressure cooker never came to pressure. Did the machine start counting down from 9 after a few minutes? If it never started counting down, it never came to pressure. The handle of the pressure valve has to sit parallel to the handle for it to be closed, otherwise it lets steam out and the machine never comes to pressure. since it did come to pressure the second time, I will guess that the valve wasn't in the correct position the first time - it you twist it too far to the back, it starts to come out (that is actually how you twist it to remove it for cleaning). Elaine, it did do the 9 minute countdown. The thing we did do differently is that we did forget to start the machine with the valve on seal. We remembered no more than a minute later and closed it. Would this have affected it? Hmm! As long as it did the countdown, it was doing something, although if no steam came out when you released the valve, it wasn't on high pressure the first time. What it did the second time is what it should have done. You have me stumped! All I can guess is that maybe another button got accidentally pushed and it was either at low pressure, or sauté, rather than high pressure the first time. Other than that I don't know. In the end, I'm glad that it did work out. And you know what it should sound like when you release the pressure. Here's hoping next time will go more smoothly!
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Post by anneinwa on Jul 15, 2016 19:53:39 GMT
Instapot came yesterday... tried hard boiled eggs today.. Just took the shells off and they are a very light yellowish brown? what I can see of the yolk, looks like they cooked a little took long. Is the white's color due to this too?
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Post by anneinwa on Jul 15, 2016 19:55:33 GMT
got mine yesterday, and the only thing I've done with it so far is boil water, lol!! We read the manual, made sure it was all put together correctly, and then did the water test. You know that saying "a watched pot never boils?" Yeah, it was like that! The instructions in the manual say to add water to the "3" line... so, I added water to that line. Which, I think, means I put 3 Liters of water in it-- 3 liters of water takes a LONG FREAKIN' TIME to get that much water up to pressure!!! The manual said 'a few minutes...' and that the whole test would take 'about 15 minutes.' (uh-- nope) I stared at the thing for about 20 minutes before it ever started to make steam, wondering the whole time if I had done something horribly wrong and it was never going to do anything. But it finally worked, nothing blew up, and at about 9 pm I asked my BF if he wanted an ear of corn on the cob... Just because I actually wanted to DO something with it, loL!! (he said no, lol) So I will actually USE it for the first time tonight to steam broccoli and make corn on the cob. If you are actually cooking something in it and using 1-2 cups of water (instead of the 3 LITERS I used for the water test), about how much time will I need to add to the actual COOKING time for the thing to get up to pressure?? Just so I know how to time things to get the meal all done at the same time?? Thanks!! You have more patience than me... I attempted the same test and quickly realized it would not be done in the timeframe the manual said... I canceled...
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 15, 2016 20:10:37 GMT
This was just posted on the Instant Pot FB group:
Just a quick reminder for all of the new folks that have or will be receiving your IP soon. The amount of water called for in the manual to do the water test is so so misleading and will take forever to accomplish. Please do it with 1 Cup of water set to Steam for 2 minutes and you will achieve better results. Just sharing as some have followed the guide in the manual and become super frustrated and rightly so. Best wishes all and share this info with anyone you happen to know on here or anyone that may ask. Thank you
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 8:21:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 20:37:28 GMT
So I just unpacked the IP and read the instructions and I seriously need an IP 101 course. I don't even see the instructions in the User Manual to do a water test. And can I submerse the lid? I just can't submerse the housing right? Also, the manual says not to cook certain foods in the pressure cooker such as oatmeal. I could have sworn people are cooking oatmeal on the IP or do you just cook it on a different setting? ETA: Found the instructions on page 17 of the book.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Jul 15, 2016 21:06:28 GMT
So I just unpacked the IP and read the instructions and I seriously need an IP 101 course. I don't even see the instructions in the User Manual to do a water test. And can I submerse the lid? I just can't submerse the housing right? Also, the manual says not to cook certain foods in the pressure cooker such as oatmeal. I could have sworn people are cooking oatmeal on the IP or do you just cook it on a different setting? ETA: Found the instructions on page 17 of the book. the water test is somewhere in the first three or four pages; it's on a righthand page at the bottom, IIRC. Basically you add some water (don't add 3 liters like I did, or else it will take forever!! I wish I had read these threads beforehand, but oh, well...) and set it on 'steam' set for 2 minutes to make sure your IP pressurizes and then turns to 'warm' like it's supposed to. I must say, the manual leaves a little to be desired, in my opinion; the information is a bit disjointed in the way it's arranged and the pages / print are waaaay to small for my taste! (for my blind-as-a-bat, need reading glasses on top of my contact lenses, eyesight, anyway... I actually ended up just taking off my glasses and holding the book an inch away from my face to read it, lol!) Anyway, I think the answer to your oatmeal question is just to be careful not to overfill the IP so the release valve thingamajig doesn't accidentally get clogged up, and to be careful if you do the 'quick release' because it might actually spew oatmeal out of the valve along with the steam. eta: see, it IS a weird manual, for the very first test to be on page 17, lol!! (I think I need to clean my glasses, 'cause I could swear I did NOT see your update!)
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 8:21:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 21:23:19 GMT
This was just posted on the Instant Pot FB group: Just a quick reminder for all of the new folks that have or will be receiving your IP soon. The amount of water called for in the manual to do the water test is so so misleading and will take forever to accomplish. Please do it with 1 Cup of water set to Steam for 2 minutes and you will achieve better results. Just sharing as some have followed the guide in the manual and become super frustrated and rightly so. Best wishes all and share this info with anyone you happen to know on here or anyone that may ask. Thank you Thanks! I ended up following this video, but only using 1 cup of water: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NcCbTvbbtY
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Post by elaine on Jul 15, 2016 21:49:37 GMT
seasidemermaid, while the manual tells you not to, you can put the lid in the top level of your dishwasher. If you'd rather wash it by hand, go ahead and don't worry about submerging it in water - there are no electronics in the lid.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 8:21:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2016 21:57:32 GMT
elaine how do you convert recipes based on quantity? For instance, I want to try making baked potatoes. The recipe I found is for 6 potatoes cooked for 10 minutes on high. If I only want to make 3, do I need to adjust the cooking time?
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Post by peajays on Jul 15, 2016 22:11:23 GMT
WINNER WINNER BOLOGNESE DINNER!!!!!!! elaine this sauce was amazing! DS tolerated it because he saw the carrots
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,600
Jun 25, 2014 19:55:12 GMT
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jul 15, 2016 22:42:55 GMT
Just had, what I'm hoping is the first of many successes . Made DH frozen meatballs and penne. It came out perfect! Off to research my next recipe! Thank you elaine!
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Post by peajays on Jul 15, 2016 22:46:49 GMT
Just had, what I'm hoping is the first of many successes . Made DH frozen meatballs and penne. It came out perfect! Off to research my next recipe! Thank you Elaine! (Sorry I don't know how to tag you!) Just use the @ symbol and her name with no spacing. works most of the time unless someone has edited from their original user name) but it works with Elaine. (No caps)
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Post by keknj on Jul 15, 2016 23:04:07 GMT
I made rice pudding in mine today and it came out *so* good. And easy. It's currently cooling in the fridge. I wonder if we will be able to wait until it's cool to eat it!
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