Virat Pressure Cookers Quick guide

Instructions & Recipes
2002
Page 1
PRESSURE COOKER
Instructions & Recipes
For Virat Inner Lid Pressure Cookers
Includes Non-vegetarian recipes
Please do not read recipes portion if you are pure vegetarian.
A separate Recipe Book is available at http://viratcooker.com/support.asp for Vegetarians

Instructions & Recipes
2002
Page 2
CONTENTS
Important Safeguards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Components and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5
Cooking with the VIRAT Pressure Cooker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
•Getting started
•How to fit lid into the cooker body
•How to remove lid from the cooker body
•Adding Food and Liquid
•Cooking time control
•Releasing Pressure After Cooking
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Maintenance for Safe Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Basic instructions for cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• Fresh and frozen vegetables
• Fresh and dried fruits
• Dried beans and other legumes
• Grains
• Meat
• Seafood and fish
• Adapting Traditional Recipes to Use in the Pressure Cooker
• Troubleshooting
Pressure cooking recipes (Includes Non Vegetarian Recipes)
Please do not read this portion if you are vegetarian.
A separate recipe book is available at
http://viratcooker.com/support.asp for vegetarians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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Virat pressure cookers are manufactured under strict quality control procedures and latest
technology. You can take maximum advantage of a good product if you adopt a little care
while handling and cooking in our pressure cookers. The following safeguards are
recommended.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using pressure cookers, basic safety precautions should always be followed:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. Close supervision is necessary when the pressure cooker is used near children.
4. Do not place the pressure cooker in a heated oven.
5. Extreme caution must be used when moving a pressure cooker containing hot liquids.
6. Do not use pressure cooker for other than intended use.
7. This appliance cooks under pressure. Improper use may result in scalding injury. Make
certain, unit is properly closed before operating. See Operating Instructions.
8. Do not fill the unit over two thirds full. When cooking foods that expand during cooking
such as rice or dried vegetables, do not fill the unit over one half full. Over filling may cause a
risk of clogging the vent pipe and developing excess pressure. See Food Preparation
instructions.
9. Be aware that certain foods, such as applesauce, cranberries, pearl barley, oatmeal or other
cereals, split peas, noodles, macaroni, rhubarb, or spaghetti can foam, froth, and sputter, and
clog the pressure release device (steam vent). These foods should not be cooked in a pressure
cooker.
10. Always check the pressure release devices for clogging before use.
11. Do not open the pressure cooker until the unit has cooled and all internal pressure has
been released. If the handles are difficult to push apart, this indicates that the cooker is still
pressurized - do not force it open. Remove the pressure regulator and run cold water over the
cooker to cool it to reduce the internal pressure. Any pressure in the cooker can be hazardous.
See Operating Instructions.
12. Do not use this pressure cooker for pressure frying with oil.
13. When the normal operating pressure is reached, turn the heat down so all the liquid,
which creates the steam, does not evaporate.
14. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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Introduction
Today’s pressure cookers are a far cry from those used by our mothers and grandmothers.
When first introduced in the late 1930’s, pressure cookers were acclaimed to be the
housewives best friend, allowing her to prepare delicious, economical, healthy meals in a
fraction of the time. While this element of healthy, rapid cooking still remains true, the design
and engineering of today’s pressure cookers have gone through a major evolution.
Surrounded by endless myths, pressure cookers are probably the least understood of
cookware. This is unfortunate since pressure cookers provide many advantages over
traditional cooking. First and foremost, most foods can be cooked in a fraction of the time it
normally would take, in most cases, cooking in up to one-third of the time. Since the food is
being cooked for such a short period, it is less likely to lose its colour and flavour, as well as
many of the vital minerals and vitamins that are normally washed away when cooking in large
quantities of water in a open pot, for longer periods of time.
Made from high-quality, aluminium which is light in weight but stronger than stainless steel,
VIRAT pressure cookers are assigned and manufactured with a concern for function and
safety, meeting all international safety standards.
With proper use and care, your VIRAT pressure cooker will provide you with many years of
carefree use, not to mention quick and easy delicious meals.

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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VIRAT Pressure Cooker
Components and Features
Pressure Regulating Device
Steam Vent Tube
Lid
Rubber Gasket
Support Grip
Pressure Cooker Pot
Locking Loop
Pivot
Fusible Safety ValveLid Handle Bar Lid Handle
Base Handle
Screw & Nut
1. Pressure Cooker Pot: Made of high-quality, aluminium which is light in weight but stronger
than stainless steel, all cooking takes place in the pressure cooker pot.
2. Lid: Made of high-quality, aluminium which is lighter in weight but stronger than stainless
steel, the lid must be properly locked in position in order to build-up sufficient pressure for
cooking.
NEVER FORCE THE PRESSURE COOKER OPEN
3. Base Handle: Besides being used to move and carry the
pressure cooker, the base handle interlocks with the lid handle
when the lid is turned clockwise inside the cooker pot.
4. Lid Handle: Used to remove the lid from the pressure
cooker,
5. Support Grip: The support grip provides greater stability when moving
or carrying the pressure cooker.
6. Pressure Regulating Device: This divice releases pressure from the cooker as
soon as the temperature inside the cooker reaches 120 degree celcius

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2002
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7. Rubber gasket: In order to provide an air-tight seal, a rubber gasket is positioned around
the underside of the lid. Never use the pressure cooker without the
rubber gasket properly positioned. Do not use the pressure cooker with a
worn or torn gasket, which should be replaced immediately. Contact the
VIRAT Customer Service Department at the phone number provided in
the warranty information.
9. Fusible safety valve: Located under the lid handle. This device is made from a
special alloy that melts as soon as the pressure is about to cross the safe level.
Cooking with the VIRAT Pressure Cooker
* NOTE: VIRAT PRESSURE COOKERS ARE INTENDED FOR DOMESTIC COOKING SURFACES
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
Getting started
USE VIRAT PRESSURE COOKER FOR THE FIRST TIME
1. Remove label.
2. Pour one glass of water into cooker body. Add one-teaspoon fresh limejuice. The addition of
lime juice will ensure that the inside of the cooker body remains clean.
3. Fit lid into the cooker body.
4. Lock the cooker making sure that the cooker is sealed properly.
5. Place cooker on stove ensuring heat is at the maximum.
6. See that air is expelled from inside the cooker and clear and continuous stream of steam
comes out from the vent tube. Fit vent weight on vent tube immediately with the help of a
piece of cloth or pair of tongs.
7. In about 5 minutes you will hear a slight hissing sound and the vent weight will give a whistle.
(Note: if there is no hissing sound after 5-7 minutes and steam is escaping around the rim, it
means the lid has not been fitted properly. Do not touch lid at this stage or you will burn your
fingers. Take cooker off stove and let it cool for sometime and refer to the problem-shooting
chart).
8. Soon after vent weight will lift and steam will be forced out with loud hissing sound from
the vent tube. This means that your cooker has COME TO FULL COOKING RESSURE.
9. Immediately afterwards take cooker off the stove and allow to cool on its own fully, without
removing lid or vent weight. For this first time only, let cooker remain sealed while cooling for
about 3 hours

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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HOW TO FIT LID INTO COOKER BODY
If gasket is not properly fitted into the lid curl. Make sure it is
properly fitted as shown in picture alongside.
Place lid on cooker body so lid handle and body handle are
together. (Note: do not force lid into cooker body.)
Turn lid handle so it is at a right angle to body handle.
See that arrow on rim of cooker body matches arrow on lid s
rim.
Slide the lid slightly away from the body handle and tilt that
portion of the lid that has the arrow on it into the mouth of the
pressure cooker.
Insert lid under rim of cooker body.
Place the lid handle bar on top of the bracket groove. Adjust lid
handle bar on the bracket lever until the gasket on the lid rests
comfortably in direct contact with the underneath of the rim of
the body of the pressure cooker.
Gently squeeze lid and body handles together. And fasten
locking loop to catch on end of the main handle bracket.
If necessary, to ensure lid is properly seated press lid and adjust

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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HOW TO REMOVE LID FROM COOKER BODY
Gently squeeze lid and body handles together.
Unfasten locking loop from end of main handle bracket.
Tilt the lid down slightly into the mouth of the cooker and move
the lid handle bar toward the right hand side.
As the lid handle bar approaches right angle position, gently tilt
up the position of the lid away from the body handle and
remove the lid out of the mouth of the pressure cooker.
Adding Food and Liquid
1. To cook with the pressure cooker, it is very important to use at least a 1/2 cup of liquid;
NEVER USE LESS. Do not fill the pressure cooker more than 2/3 full with liquid and food.
2. When called for in the instructions or in your recipe book, place food on the stainless steel
cooking rack, positioned on the metal support trivet in the pressure cooker.
3. Fill only halfway when cooking foods that will either expand in size and/or produce foam as
they cook, such as dried beans, or other legumes and grains. Fill only halfway when preparing
soups or stock.
4. When cooking sauces, make sure they are not too thick. Shake the cooker before opening it,
then release pressure completely and open cooker.
Cooking time control
1. Position the pressure cooker on the centre of the stove burner. The VIRAT pressure
cooker can be used on all types of burners including gas, electric, ceramic, and
induction. As to not discolour the sides of the pot, always adjust the burner so that
when using gas, the flames remain under the base and do not extend up the sides.
When cooking on an electric burner, select a burner the same diameter as the base or
smaller.
2. Begin heating with burner set on high heat. Electric stove users please see note below.

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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When the steam comes out of the PRESSURE REGULATING DEVICE for first time, lower
the heat to maintain a gentle, steady heat. At this moment, the COOKING TIME STARTS
3. If at any time during cooking an excessive amount of steam is released by the Pressure
Regulating Device, lower the burner heat to adjust and maintain the proper level of
pressure.
4. If the pressure drops and little or no steam comes out of the pressure regulating
device, raise the burner heat just until a gentle, steady stream of steam is released and
can be maintained.
5. While cooking, never inadvertently shake the pressure cooker. This can cause the
pressure regulating device to release steam, which will create a drop in pressure.
NOTE TO ELECTRIC STOVE USERS
Since the coils on an electric stove retain heat for a long time, food often becomes overcooked
when the burner is turned down for simmering (when cooking time is started). To compensate
for that, you have two options:
1. Turn on two electric stove burners, one on high and other on low. Place your pressure
cooker on the burner to high, and bring to pressure. Once pressure has been attained, move
your cooker over to the burner turned on low and start your pressure cooking time. Or...
2. Turn on one burner to medium heat and bring your cooker to pressure. Once pressure has
been attained, turn your burner to low and start your pressure cooking time.
Releasing Pressure after Cooking
1. Always check your recipe to determine if the pressure cooker should be cooled down
naturally or whether the quick release method should be used.
2. Natural Release Method: To use this method, remove the pressure cooker from the
hot burner and let the pressure drop and cool down naturally. Depending on the
amount of food and liquid in the cooker, this method can take from 10 - 15 minutes.
Once pressure has totally been released and no more steam comes out of the pressure
regulating device, go to #5 in this section.
3. Quick Release Method: Also called the cold-water release method, is used to release
pressure as quickly as possible, and primarily used for vegetables, seafood and other
tender foods that can quickly overcook. To use this method, remove the pressure
cooker from the burner, place in the sink and run cold tap water gently over the lid
until steam dissipates and the pressure indicator is lowered. When putting the cooker
in the sink, tilt it so the cold water will run downwards. Once pressure has totally been
released and no more steam comes out of the pressure regulating device, go to #5 in
this section. NEVER FULLY IMMERSE THE PRESSURE COOKER IN WATER.

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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4. Emergency Release Method: Take a tea spoon. Skit it under the pressure regulating
valve and let the pressure release from the cooker. Once steam has totally been
released and no more steam comes out of the pressure regulating device, go to 5
(below).
5. After all the pressure has been released unhook the lid from the cooker body. Grasp
the bottom of the base handle with your left hand and with your right hand on the lid
handle slowly rotate the lid counter clockwise. Even though you have already released
the pressure, never open the pressure cooker toward your face since there may be
intense cooking steam still inside the unit.
Care and Cleaning
1. The VIRAT Pressure Cooker is made of high-quality, aluminium.
2. The pressure cooker pot and lid should be washed with warm water, mild, dish-
washing soap and a non-abrasive cleaning pad, since aluminium can discolor in a
dishwasher. Since the exterior of the pressure cooker has a mirror finish, do not clean
with metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners, which will scratch the finish. Wash the
lid with water and towel dry.
3. To remove stubborn stains and any discoloration in the interior of the pressure cooker,
try adding the juice of half a lemon and 1 to 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker
pot. Cook at high pressure for 15 minutes, and then remove from heat. Let pressure
release naturally, and then wash as usual.
4. After cleaning, towel dry with a clean, soft kitchen cloth to retain the polished mirror
finish.
5. In order to extend the life of the rubber gasket, remove after each use and wash with
warm water and mild, dish washing soap. Rinse and dry well, then cover with a thin
coat of vegetable oil before replacing.
6. To store, DO NOT LOCK THE LID IN PLACE. Simply place the lid upside down on top of
the pressure cooker pot.

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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Maintenance for Safe Use
1. Each time, before using the VIRAT pressure cooker, always check to make sure that the
pressure regulating device is clean of any built-up particles.
• TO REMOVE THE PRESSURE REGULATING DEVICE FOR CLEANING PURPOSES:
-Put the pressure regulating device on the release pressure position.
-Pull the pressure regulating device up.
- Take the valve out and clean the vent with a needle.
2. For increased safety and best results, the rubber gasket should be replaced approximately
every twelve months. This can be done by contacting the VIRAT Customer Service Number
provided in the warranty information.
3. Each time, before using the VIRAT pressure cooker, always check the handles, the base
handle, support grip, and the lid handle to make sure that they are securely screwed in place.
If not, tighten the handle screws with a screwdriver.
4. Replacement Parts: Only use authentic replacement parts manufactured and distributed by
our company. The use of any unauthorized parts and or attachments may cause unit failure
and will void any warranty protection provided by the manufacturer. Telephone the VIRAT
Customer Service Centre.
Basic instructions for cooking
Basic instructions for cooking the foods which are most commonly prepared in pressure
cookers.
Fresh and frozen vegetables
• Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly.
• Peel all root vegetables, such as red beets, carrots, potatoes and turnips.
• Whole winter pumpkin should be pierced several times with a fork before cooking.
• When you cook vegetables in a steamer basket (sold separately) you should use at least half
a cup of water.
• If the approximate cooking time is more than 10 minutes you should use two cups of water.
• You should never fill the pressure cooker to more than two thirds of its capacity.
• When you cook frozen vegetables you must extend the total cooking time by between 1 and
2 minutes.

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2002
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VEGETABLES APPROXIMATE PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL
Swiss chard, thickly cut
2 minutes
High
Artichoke, large, without leaves
9-11 minutes
High
Artichoke, medium, without leaves
6-8 minutes
High
Peas, in the pod
1 minute
High
Broccoli, shoots
8 minutes
High
Broccoli, stalks
8 minutes
High
Zucchini, Acorn, half
7 minutes
High
Zucchini, Summer, 1-inch slices
8 minutes
High
Pumpkin, 2-inch slices
3-4 minutes
High
Onions, whole, 1 1/2-inch diameter
2 minutes
High
Common cabbage, thickly cut
1-2 minutes
High
Green curly kale, thickly cut
5 minutes
High
Cauliflower, flower heads
2-3 minutes
High
Endive, thickly cut
1-2 minutes
High
Asparagus, fine, whole
1-1 1/2 minutes
High
Asparagus, thick, whole
1-2 minutes
High
Spinach, frozen
4 minutes
High
Spinach, fresh, thickly cut
2 minutes
High
Beans, white, in the pod
8 minutes
High
Beans, in the pod
4 minutes
High
Green beans, whole
2-3 minutes
High
Corn, on the cob
3 minutes
High
Swede, 1 -inch slices
7 minutes
High
Turnip, small, in quarters
3 minutes
High
Turnip, in 1 1/2-inch slices
3 minutes
High
Okra, small pods
2-3 minutes
High
Sweet potato, 1 1/2-inch slices
5 minutes
High
Potatoes, white, new, small whole
5 minutes
High
Potatoes, white, 1 1/2-inch slices
6 minutes
High
Potatoes, red, new, small whole
5 minutes
High
Potatoes, red, 1 1/2-inch slices
6 minutes
High
Red beet, in 1/4 inch slices
4 minutes
High
Red beet, large, whole
20 minutes
High
Red beet, small, whole
12 minutes
High
Brussels sprouts, whole
4 minutes
High
Cabbage, red or green, in quarters
3-4 minutes
High
Cabbage, red or green, 1/4 inch slices
1 minute
High
Tomatoes, in quarters
2 minutes
High
Carrots, 1/4 inch slices
1 minute
High
Carrots, 1-inch slices
4 minutes
High

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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Fresh and dried fruit
Fresh fruit:
• Wash and pit or core fruit. If you prefer, peel and slice it.
• Cook fruit in a steamer basket (sold separately) and add at least half a cup of water or fruit
juice.
• Never fill the pressure cooker to more than two thirds of its capacity.
• If you prefer, add sugar and/or seasoning to the fruit before or after cooking.
• When you cook whole or halved fruit, use the quick release method. When you cook fruit in
slices or pieces to make purée or conserve use the natural cooling method.
• Cooking times can vary depending on the ripeness of the fruit.
Dried fruit:
• Put dried fruit in the pressure cooker with 1 cup of water or fruit juice for each cup of dried
fruit.
• If you prefer, you can add seasoning or other flavouring. Use the quick release method when
the cooking period is complete. If after the cooking period the fruit is still hard, let it simmer in
the cooker with the lid removed until it is ready. Add water if necessary.
FRUIT APPROXIMATE PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL
Apples, dried
3 minutes
High
Apples, fresh in slices or pieces
2-3 minutes
Medium
Apricots, dried
4 minutes
High
Apricots, fresh, whole or in halves
2-3 minutes
Medium
Peaches, dried
4-5 minutes
High
Peaches, fresh, in halves
3 minutes
Medium
Pears, dried
4-5 minutes
High
Pears, fresh in halves
3-4 minutes
Medium
Prunes
4-5 minutes
High
Raisins
4-5 minutes
High
Dried beans and other legumes
• Clean out any foreign particles. Rinse them with warm water.
• Soak beans in four times their volume of warm water for at least four hours before cooking
them, or if you prefer, leave them to soak overnight. Do not add salt to the water as this
hardens the beans and prevents them from absorbing water.
• Do not soak dried split lentils.
• After soaking, remove floating beans and shell.
• Strain the water off the beans.
• Rinse them in warm water (this also applies to dried split lentils).
• Put the beans or legumes in the pressure cooker. Add three cups of water for each cup of
beans or legumes. Do not add salt; beans and legumes should be seasoned after cooking.
• Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil for each cup of water to eliminate the foam which they
produce.

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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• Since legumes expand when cooked, never fill the pressure cooker to more than half its
capacity.
• To add more flavour, cook beans or lentils with some bay leaves and a small peeled onion
embedded with two cloves of spice.
• After the cooking time, allow the pressure to decrease naturally.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the quality of the beans or other legumes. If after the
recommended cooking time legumes are still hard, continue cooking them with the lid off. If
necessary, add water.
• A cup of beans or other legumes yields approximately two cups when cooked.
VEGETABLES APPROXIMATE PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL
Blueberries
8-10 minutes
High
Adzuki
4-5 minutes
High
Beans, white
5-7 minutes
High
Beans, black
8-10 minutes
High
Beans, scarlet, red
10-12 minutes
High
Beans, colour
4-6 minutes
High
Pigeon peas
7-9 minutes
High
Chick peas
10-12 minutes
High
Lentils, red
7-9 minutes
High
Lentil soup
8-10 minutes
High
Lentils, green
8-10 minutes
High
Grains
• Clean out any foreign particles. Rinse them with warm water. Soak grains, in four times their
volume of warm water for at least four hours before cooking them, or if you prefer, leave
them to soak overnight. Do not add salt for this will harden grains and prevent them from
absorbing water.
• Do not leave rice to soak. • After soaking remove floating grains or shell.
• Drain the water off the grains.
• When preparing, rinse them in warm water (this also applies to rice.)
• Cook each cup of grain in the quantity of water indicated.
• If you prefer, add salt to taste.
• Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil for each cupful of water to eliminate the foam which they
produce.
• Never fill the pressure cooker to more than half of its capacity since grains expand when
cooked.
• After the cooking period, since grains expand when cooked let the pressure decrease
naturally.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the quantity of the grains. If after the recommended
cooking time the grains are still hard, continue cooking them with the lid off. If necessary, add
water.
• A cup of grains expands to approximately two cupfuls when cooked.

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2002
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GRAINS APPROXIMATE COOKING PRESSURE
(1 cup) WATER QUANTITY TIME LEVEL
Rice, basmati 1 1/2 cups
5-7 minutes
High
Rice, brown 1 1/2 cups
15-20 minutes
High
Rice, long grain 1 1/2 cups
5-7 minutes
High
Rice, wild 3 cups
22-25 minutes
High

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2002
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Meat and Poultry
• Remove all the visible fat from the meat or poultry. Note: Meat and poultry cut up into small
pieces which cooks more quickly.
• To achieve best results, brown the meat or poultry with 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable or
olive oil in the pressure cooker with the lid off and before adding the other ingredients. Do not
overload the pressure cooker. Brown meat in batches if necessary. Drain off the excess fat and
begin as indicated in the recipe.
• Always cook meat and poultry with at least 1/2 cupful of liquid. If the cooking time exceeds
15 minutes, use two cups of liquid. Meats with preservatives or salted meats should be
covered by the water.
• Never fill the pressure cooker to more than half its capacity.
• When you prepare a concentrated stock or soup, put all the ingredients in the pressure
cooker and add water to half its capacity.
• Exact cooking times vary depending on the quality and quantity of the meat which is cooked.
Unless the recipe indicates otherwise, the cooking times given are for 3 lbs of meat or poultry.
Also, the larger the cut of meat, the longer the cooking time will be.
• After the cooking time, let the pressure decrease naturally.
• When you cook beef or poultry with vegetables, begin by cooking the meat in stock or
another liquid. Subtract from the cooking time recommended for the meat, the cooking time
of the vegetable ingredient which takes longest to cook. Pressure cook the meat for this time.
Eliminate the pressure from the cooker using the quick release method. Open the cooker and
add the vegetables. Continue pressure cooking for the cooking time recommended for the
vegetables. Check the seasoning. If you want to add vegetables which cook rapidly, such as
peas or mushrooms, do not pressure cook them with the other vegetables. Add them to the
cooker before serving and boil them in the pressure cooker with the lid off until they are
ready.
MEAT APPROXIMATE PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL
Beef/veal, roast or brisket
35-40 minutes
High
Beef/veal, (shanks) 1 1/2-inch wide
25-30 minutes
High
Beef/veal, 1-inch cubes, 1 1/2-pounds
10-15 minutes
High
Beef/veal, roast or brisket
35-40 minutes
High
Beef, dressed, 2 pounds
10-15 minutes
Low
Meatballs, 1-2 pounds
5-10 minutes
Medium
Beef, cured
50-60 minutes
High
Pork, roast
40-45 minutes
High
Pork, ribs, 2 pounds
15 minutes
High
Pork leg, smoked, 2 pounds
20-25 minutes
High
Pork, ham, pieces
20-25 minutes
High
Lamb, leg
35-40 minutes
High
Lamb, 1-inch cubes, 1 1/2-pounds
10-18 minutes
High
Chicken, whole, 2 to 3 pounds
12-18 minutes
High
Chicken, in pieces, 2 to 3 pounds
8-10 minutes
High
Spring chickens, two
8-10 minutes
High
Soup or concentrated stock of beef or fowl
10-15 minutes
High

Instructions & Recipes
2002
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Seafood and fish
• Clean and gut fish. Take out all the visible bones.
• Scrub and rinse shellfish in cold water. Soak clams and mussels in a container of cold water
with the juice of one lemon, for an hour, to remove sand from them.
• Cooking times can vary depending on the seafood which is cooked.
• Cook seafood in the steamer basket on the support trivet (sold separately) with at least 3/4
of a cup of liquid.
• If you prefer, add seasoning or flavouring to the cooking liquid.
• Never fill the pressure cooker to more than two thirds of its capacity.
• When you prepare concentrated stock or soup put all the ingredients in the pressure cooker
and add water to half of its capacity.
• Use the quick release method when the cooking period is over.
SEAFOOD AND FISH APPROXIMATE PRESSURE COOKING TIME LEVEL
Crab
2-3 minutes
Low
Fish fillet, 1 1/2-to 2 pounds thick
2-3 minutes
Low
Fish soup or concentrated fish stock
5-6 minutes
High
Fish, whole, gutted
5-6 minutes
Low
Lobster, 1 1/2-to 2 pounds
2-3 minutes
Low
Mussels
2-3 minutes
Low
Prawns (shrimp)
1-2 minutes
Low
Adapting Traditional Recipes to Use in the Pressure Cooker
It is easy to adapt your favourite recipe for use in a pressure cooker. For the most part, soups,
stews, braised and slow-roasted meats and poultry, and slow-simmered recipes, such as
tomato sauce and fruit preserves provide the best results. Meats and Poultry: When preparing
meats and poultry, brown well in the pressure cooker pot using at least 2 tablespoons of
vegetable or olive oil. Pour off any excess fat and sauté onions, garlic or any other vegetables
as called for in the recipe. Add the remaining ingredients and at least a 1/2 cup of cooking
liquid such as broth, diluted tomato puree or wine. Soups: Soups are quick and easy to
prepare. Add meat, poultry or seafood to the pressure cooker along with any desired
vegetables, herbs and spices. Add liquid ingredients, filling pressure cooker only halfway.
Tomato Sauce and Fruit Preserves:
When preparing tomato sauce, sauté minced onion and/or garlic. Add and brown the meats as
specified in the recipe. Add the strained or pureed tomatoes, filling the pressure cooker only
halfway. Position lid and lock in place. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let
pressure drop naturally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To make fruit preserves, place
the fruit in the pressure cooker with the desired quantity of sugar. Let sit one hour to release
natural juices of fruit. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Stir well and add other ingredients as

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2002
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indicated in your recipe. Position lid and lock in place. Cook for 8 minutes. Remove from heat
and let pressure drop naturally.
Troubleshooting
In order to ensure best results when using the VIRAT pressure cooker, be certain to read all of
the instructions and safety tips contained in this owner’s manual and all other printed
materials provided by the manufacturer. The following are practical tips and solutions to some
common problems you may experience when using the VIRAT pressure cooker.
PROBLEM:
There is no steam released by the pressure regulating device.
REASON:
1. The pressure cooker is not properly locked.
2. There is not enough liquid in the cooker.
3. The rubber gasket is not in place, or is dirty or worn.
4. The burner heat is not high enough.
5. The valve is dirty and/or obstructed.
SOLUTION:
1. Shake the pressure regulating device and make assure that it fits properly.
2. Make sure there is enough liquid.
3. Make sure the rubber gasket is clean and well positioned before using the pressure cooker.
After continued use, the rubber gasket will begin to wear and should be replaced after at least
once a year if the pressure cooker is used frequently.
4. Turn up the heat until a gentle, steady stream of steam is released from the pressure
regulating device.
5. The valve can become dirty when cooking foods which have a tendency to foam, such as
dried beans. Clean the valve periodically.
PROBLEM:
Pressure does not build-up.
REASON:
1. Not enough liquid.
2. The pressure cooker was not properly closed.
3. The valve is dirty and/or obstructed.
4. The rubber gasket is not in place, or is dirty or worn.
SOLUTION:
1. Always use the appropriate amount of liquid called for in the recipe. This amount should
never be less than 1/2 cup. However, never fill the pressure cooker more than half full with
liquids.
2. Following the instructions given in this manual, close the pressure cooker so that a tight seal
is created, which will allow for adequate pressure build-up.

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2002
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3. The valve can become dirty when cooking foods which have a tendency to foam, such as
dried beans. Clean the valve periodically.
4. Make sure the rubber gasket is clean and well positioned before using the pressure cooker.
After continued use, the rubber gasket will begin to wear and should be replaced after at least
once a year if the pressure cooker is used frequently.
PROBLEM:
1. A gentle, steady stream of steam is released from the pressure regulating device and small
drops of water condensation collect on the lid.
2. A large, continuous amount of steam is escaping from the pressure regulating device with or
without drops of condensation.
REASON:
1. When used properly, the pressure regulating device will release a gentle steady stream of
steam as well as some drops of condensed water on the lid.
2. a) The burner heat is too high.
b) The valve is dirty
c) The safety valve is malfunctioning.
SOLUTION:
1. Normal operation.
2. a) Lower the heat so that only a gentle, steady stream of steam is released.
b) Check the valve to see if there are any remaining food particles. Remove with a toothpick.
c) The safety valve must be replaced. Contact VIRAT Customer Service Dept. at the address
and or phone number provided in the warranty information.
PROBLEM:
Steam is escaping around the edge of the lid.
REASON:
1. The pressure cooker is too full.
2. The pressure cooker was not closed properly.
3. The rubber gasket is not in place, or is dirty or worn.
SOLUTION:
1. Never fill the pressure cooker more than 1/2-2/3 full, depending on the type of food being
prepared.
2. Following the instructions given in this manual, close the pressure cooker so that a tight seal
is created which will allow for adequate pressure build-up.
3. Make sure the rubber gasket is clean and well positioned before using the pressure cooker.
After continued use, the rubber gasket will begin to wear and should be replaced after at least
once a year if the pressure cooker is used frequently.

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2002
Page 20
PROBLEM:
The pressure cooker cannot be opened after cooking.
REASON:
1. There is still pressure built-up in the pressure cooker.
SOLUTION:
1. Use the quick release method to release any remaining pressure. Try opening again.
2. Move the pressure regulating device to the position. Take the valve out.
PROBLEM:
Foods are under-cooked.
REASON:
1. Cooking time is too short.
2. Quick release method was used to release the pressure.
SOLUTION:
1. Always check the cooking time in your recipe. If still under-cooked, extend cooking time by
approx. 1 to 2 minutes and cook under pressure, or simmer without lid and pressure under
desired texture is achieved.
2. Use natural release method so that food has benefit of additional cooking time as pressure
drops.
PROBLEM:
Food is overcooked.
SOLUTION:
1. Always check the cooking times in your recipe. If food is overcooked, shorten the cooking
time by at least 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Use quick release method so that pressure drops immediately.