Pressure cookers can be a boon for busy families. Pressure cookers can cook food up to 70 per cent faster than a regular kitchen oven or stove. By using a pressure cooker you could have a complete healthy meal ready faster than you can get a pizza delivered.

Brown the ham. To brown, pour the cooking oil into the frying pan on high heat. Once the oil is hot, turn the heat down to medium high. Place the ham in the pan and sear it for two to three minutes on each side.

  • Pressure cookers can be a boon for busy families.
  • To brown, pour the cooking oil into the frying pan on high heat.

Place the ham in the pressure cooker fat side up.

Pour your chosen liquid over the ham.

Lock the cooker's lid. Directions for locking the lid are specific to individual pressure cookers. Read your pressure cooker's users guide for directions on how to lock the cooker's lid.

Place the pressure cooker on an oven burner set to low. Allow the pressure to slowly rise to the pressure setting recommend in the user's guide for cooking fresh ham. Turn the burner setting to high.

  • Place the ham in the pressure cooker fat side up.
  • Allow the pressure to slowly rise to the pressure setting recommend in the user's guide for cooking fresh ham.

Cook the ham. A 1.4 to 2.3 kg (3 to 5 lb) ham should be cooked for 35 to 45 minutes.

Use the quick release button on your pressure cooker to release the steam in your cooker. You will not be able to open your pressure cooker until the steam has been released. Once the steam is released, remove the pressure cooker from the burner.

  • A 1.4 to 2.3 kg (3 to 5 lb) ham should be cooked for 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Use the quick release button on your pressure cooker to release the steam in your cooker.

Remove the ham from the pressure cooker. Your ham is now ready to serve. Unlike oven-baked meats, it doesn't need any resting time.

TIP

You can add seasonings to your ham when you add the liquid. Sliced onions, chopped garlic cloves, diced celery or carrots are good additions to savoury liquids. Adding 1/8- to 1/4-teaspoon of cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg or allspice will provide a depth of flavour when used with sweet liquids.

WARNING

Pressure cookers never should be filled beyond the 2/3 mark.