Pressure Cooker Whistles Explained: How Many for Rice, Dal and Daily Dishes?

Pressure cooker guide: Pressure cookers have been on the market for decades. For most people, cooking rice and lentils in them is super easy. But most still don't know how many whistles to use for which dish. 

Do you know how many whistles are needed?

The pressure cooker is a must-have kitchen tool worldwide, not just in India. It's the top choice for quick meals. But do you know how many whistles are needed for rice and lentils?

What you're cooking also matters

It's important to know what you're cooking. For soft, quick-cooking items like rice, small lentils, or finely chopped veggies, 1 to 3 whistles are enough. More whistles can make them mushy.

4 to 8 whistles are suitable

But for tough ingredients like rajma (kidney beans), chickpeas, meat, or some hard pulses, 4 to 8 whistles are ideal. They take longer to soften, so they need more pressure and whistles.

Soaking saves both gas and time

It's key to soak hard grains or legumes for 6-8 hours or overnight before cooking. Soaking softens their outer layer, helping them absorb water. This cuts whistle count by 30-50%, saving gas and time.

If there's less water, the whistle blows sooner

The time it takes for the cooker to whistle also depends on the amount of water. More water means it takes longer to build pressure. Too little water, and it whistles too soon.

Heat on high until the first whistle

Always heat the cooker on high flame to build steam quickly for the first whistle. But as soon as it whistles, lower the flame. Constant high heat can burn the food at the bottom.

Soft, juicy, and delicious

Don't rush to open the lid after the whistles. Turn off the stove and let the cooker cool for 10-15 minutes. The trapped steam and heat will make the dish perfectly soft, juicy, and tasty.

Each type is different

The type and size of the pressure cooker affect whistle time. Larger cookers take longer to whistle, while smaller ones are quicker. Each cooker's valve and lid are different, so their pressure-building methods vary.