Didn't realize you could make things like meatloaf in the Pasta cooker! Where exactly do you place in cooker--interior steamer to allow for dripping?
145286
I would assume that is where you would put the meatloaf so the fat could drip off. You can also cook baked potatoes in it which turn out great!
145287
Depending on where you buy the P&M;, it comes with an slotted "tray" that fits in the bottom and holds the food up above the water or in this case the drippings. You can probably go online and get that insert which will allow you to make baked potatoes, steamed vegies, etc.
145288
According to P&M; cookbook, for 2 large potatoes, pierced with a fork, water level #1, on steam rack with strainer lid on.....20 minutes.
1723897
I would take this as an exception to the rule. You're not adding much oil if it's just a teaspoon. You don't want much foaming or it could plug up the vent with food particles. Remember that you will sometimes be cooking meats that have some fat that will render into oil, so it's not like a little oil will damage the cooker. I agree that the wording could have been written better.
1203970
Sorry, Robin. I've never cooked pasta in my pot. However, I don't see why I wouldn't do great. Everything I cook in this pot does very well.
1511700
I have the same issue. It's coming out of the hole and when I turned it off after a while and ran cold water over the pot, the orange safety thing plopped into my food and most of the liquid was gone. I put the thing back in but I wasn't sure how far it's supposed to be in. I pushed almost all the way (it's housed in a rubber thing under the lid) and partway and either way the steam just comes out of that hole. The instructions don't mention anything about steam coming out of that hole. I've never used a PC before so this is very confusing.
80904
Sorry it took so long to respond...been busy with xmas. Anyway it is very easy to steam vegetables in this steamer. You put about 1 inch of water in the bottom pan. Say you are cooking broccoli, cut the broccoli into sizes that you want to eat. Then put the veggies in the top portion, cover then you cook the stuff on a high heat until it steams. Depending on how firm you like your veggies is how long you cook it for. I would only boil the water for a few minutes then turn off the heat. The veggies will keep cooking until you take the broccoli out off the steamer. Just check them and serve them when it reaches the point that you like the firmness. Other vegetables will take different times like carrots will take longer. I love steamed veggies cooked this way. Just experiment with it if you buy one. It is a great buy and the best way to cook vegetables. Good luck, Ted Terrebonne
455068
In reply to an earlier post on Oct 1, 2008 11:47 AM PDT solitaire40 says:I think it's confusing too. <snip> Tried a meatloaf and it didn't cook all the way thru.Maybe my fault - I don't remember. The cook book could be better.Reply to solitaire40's post: The cook book, charts, times and temps are only a guide. You have to use a thermometer to test for doneness...that's the only way to go.
264429
it comes with a little metal rack to place meat on. I have never used it for a steamer but I love my cooker and use it almost every weekend. I burned up my first one and now am on my second one.
1777810
There's only one pot with a strainer lid that I know of and it's for pasta. l think all the glass lids have a steam hole.
1665318
It's actually not a steamer insert. It's a pasta insert, so it is very deep, extending nearly all the way to the bottom of the dutch oven/soup pot. It's made to fit specifically in this pot and shares its diameter.
1428478
Using boiling water in the 2nd 3L pot works the best but depending on what is being cooked some foods don't need the extra heat and you can place one 3L pot inside and then fill up the empty space with a big hot pad over top which will hopefully fit tight and then stuff a few dish towels in to fill up the empty space and help insulate and keep the heat down in the 3L pot. It won't work to put just the 3L in by itself as the heat will wick out of the pot into the empty space inside the thermal cooker quite quickly.
2256228
Must add boiling water, but drains and easier to clean than pot that has been cooked in. And frees burner since resting pasta can be set aside. Less kitchen drama.
116419
No, there is no steamer insert within the slow cooker. There is only an insert for stovetop searing of meats.
1622339
This cooker is not a steamer. But I use it as a double boiler when cooking things like instant potatoes or other items that burn easy. Just place about 1/2 gallon of water in the bottom pan, and the liquid (milk & water) in the top pan then when this mixture reaches about 150 degrees mix in the potatoes blend well add butter, cream, salt, whatever you want. turn the control to warm. then serve.the Mfg doesn't recommend placing water in the bottom pan, but I've been doing so for years with good results. Hope this helps you.
1729619
You're very welcome! Another great little helper to keep pasta from boiling over is a little ceramic disc placed in the bottom of the pot. I found mine at Bed bath & Beyond for next to nothing. It's a little larger than a silver dollar and works like a charm. I have no idea what the "technical" name for it is, but I like to use it with the boil-over safeguard as an added precaution.
549597
You can leave it inside , but it might decrease the steamer's " life " . It kind of changed color a little , and I only used it for steaming veggies and some fruit . I think you can use the bigger insert , the one for pasta (looks more sturdy ) and boil your hot dogs.
1216540
Check this website: hippressurecooking.comI attended a in-store demo done by Laura - she is very knowledgeable and her website is full of good information. This cooker is fairly short given it's volume, so the valve is relatively closer to the food, which can be a problem.
195552
this cooker does not have an insert; it has a rectangular pot that youput the uncooked pasta and water in, then you microwave it, uncovered.The other piece is actually the lid, with two openings to measure theamount of pasta you want to cook at one end. After it is cooked, youput the lid on and use the grate lines at the other end to drain thepasta. I have seen ( and did in fact have) a version that came withan insert, a perforated piece of plastic that could be put on the bottomof an empty cooker, then a small amount of water was added and thingslike vegetables, shrimp and so on were placed on top of the insert, thelid was put on and then you could use the cooker to steam things. this cooker does not have an insert; it has a rectangular pot that youput the uncooked pasta and water in, then you microwave it, uncovered.The other piece is actually the lid, with two openings to measure theamount of pasta you want to cook at one end. After it is cooked, youput the lid on and use the grate lines at the other end to drain thepasta. I have seen ( and did in fact have) a version that came withan insert, a perforated piece of plastic that could be put on the bottomof an empty cooker, then a small amount of water was added and... » Read More this cooker does not have an insert; it has a rectangular pot that youput the uncooked pasta and water in, then you microwave it, uncovered.The other piece is actually the lid, with two openings to measure theamount of pasta you want to cook at one end. After it is cooked, youput the lid on and use the grate lines at the other end to drain thepasta. I have seen ( and did in fact have) a version that came withan insert, a perforated piece of plastic that could be put on the bottomof an empty cooker, then a small amount of water was added and thingslike vegetables, shrimp and so on were placed on top of the insert, thelid was put on and then you could use the cooker to steam things. « Show Less