Variations

Pressure cooking is one variation of steam cooking. Pressure cooking confines steam in a specially designed pot that is used to generate high pressure. As the pressure rises, so does the boiling point, thus allowing the liquid in the pan to reach a higher temperature than normally required for boiling. For example, the standard boiling point for water is 100°C (212°F). With a pressure cooker the boiling point is raised to 120°C (257°F). Being able to use liquids at a higher temperature speeds up the cooking process. Pressure cookers are fitted with a valve to allow steam to escape in order to prevent the closed cookers from exploding.