One pot, one hour, Sunday dinner perfection - Fagor Duo Pressure Cooker, review

On many occasions, I really like to cook. While I may watch tons of cooking shows and read many cookbooks, I don't think that I would be considered a gourmet cook. Cooking a good dinner for my family is enjoyable for me. From the preparation to the presentation on the table, I find the experience fulfilling.

The biggest part with many of the dishes that I like or want to cook is the length of time that it takes to cook them. Unfortunately, our family is always pressed for time. Even on the weekends, there are so many activities that limits the amount of time that is available to cook. Many friends have suggested a slow cooker. While that may be an option, personally I don't like to leave an appliance cooking all day long.

 To reduce my cooking time and keep the meal healthy, I have chosen to try a pressure cooker. For some, a pressure cooker may be scary. Will it build up too much pressure? Will I be unable to get it open? The new pressure cookers from Fagor take all the questions and fear out of using this device.


The Fagor DUO offers the following:
1. Fast: save up to 70% of the cooking time
2. Energy Efficient: less time spent cooking equals less energy used
3. Healthy: retains more vitamins and minerals
4. Easy: Just add the ingredients, close the lid and let the pressure cooker do the cooking.

We have been using the Fagor DUO pressure cooker for a variety of items. Personally, I really like how the veggies retain their flavor and color. Most importantly, it is so easy to use. There is a triple safety mechanism that ensures the device works properly. I have never had a problem with this pressure cooker.

Here's the most recently Sunday night dinner that we had - Everyone's Favorite Meatball Stew. 

Serves 4
1 1/2 pounds of chopped meat, either all beef or a mixture of beef, pork and veal
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 slices of white bread, soaked in water and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chicken or beef stock
flour for dusting
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 carrots, cubed or cut into sticks
2 medium potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 cup chicken or beef stock
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf

In a large bowl combine the chopped meat with egg, bread, parsley, nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and a tablespoon of stock. Form into 2 inch meatball and dust lightly with flour. Heat the oil in the cooker, add the meatballs and brown well on all sides. Add the peas, carrots, potatoes, stock, wine and bay leaf. Close the cover and bring to pressure. Cook for 5-9 minutes. Release the pressure and remove the lid. Discard the bay leaf. Serve with a good crusty bread.

The family loved this dinner. Since I don't follow directions well, I made a few modifications to the recipe. We added more veggies and our meatball included a spicy sausage. These changes increased the cooking time slightly, but it was done in about 15 minutes. We even had enough for leftovers. 

The Fagor DUO can be purchased at Sur La Table, Kohls, Bed Bath and Beyond and more. 

If you are looking to add to your kitchen cookware, I would highly suggest a pressure cooker. It makes your next dinner, fast, easy and done in a single pot.



Disclosure: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.