Now that you are familiar with pressure cookers, let's look at some quick, easy and economical recipes you can make tonight!

Whether a vegetarian, meat or seafood based meal the pressure cooker is one of the best tools for busy families and for those looking to maximize their grocery budget. In my previous hub Pressure Cookers - Revived! I highlighted many of these benefits.

I have had many days when I get home from work and stare blankly at the contents of my refrigerator and sigh....what can I cook tonight that will be fast and tasty? With a pressure cooker the possibilities are only limited by what ingredients you have on hand.

Even using frozen meats you can make a quick, delicious meal in 30 mins. Here are a few recipes from my own collection that I hope you try tonight!

Broccoli and Chicken Roulades

Frozen chicken breasts, frozen broccoli and your choice of cheese make this a very quick and delicious main dish. Substitute spinach for the broccoli if preferred.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed if possible, in microwave)

1 Cup frozen broccoli florets or chopped broccoli - chopped fine

1/2 Cup ricotta, cottage or your favorite shredded cheese

6 cloves roasted garlic (can use fresh garlic if preferred) chopped fine, save 2 cloves

1 can chicken broth

2 - 4 sprigs oregano OR 2 teaspoons dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

1) Pound chicken breasts between 2 sheets of wax paper until 1/4 inch thick

2) Combine broccoli, cheese and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Spread equal portion in the middle of each pounded chicken breast.

3) Starting from the narrow end of the chicken breast begin rolling up similar to a jelly roll.

4) Use toothpicks or twine to secure any open edges

5) Heat a small amount of oil (olive or vegetable) to coat the bottom of your pressure cooker. Add the chicken roulades and brown on all sides.

6) Add 1/2 to 1 can of chicken broth, the reserved garlic and the oregano.

7) Secure lid on pressure cooker. Once a slow steady stream of steam is reached cook for 5 minutes. Release pressure quickly when time is complete.

8) Remove the chicken roulades from the pressure cooker and allow to rest for 5 minutes (this will insure the cheese doesn't ooze too much when you slice).

9) Slice each roulade, revealing the pinwheel of broccoli and cheese. Plate and serve with a spoonful of liquid from the pressure cooker.

Depending on your family's appetite this will serve 4 - 6. Serve with potatoes or rice and a nice green salad.

Mommy Tacos

My kids named this dish, they love Mommy's tacos! You can also cook this in a regular stock pot, but the meat won't be as moist and the flavor can be a bit flat. Serve on your choice of tortillas with the condiments you like. You can also use this as a filling for burritos or enchiladas.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (fat % of your choice)

1/2 small yellow onion chopped fine, OR 1 tablespoon dried onion bits

1 package taco seasoning

1 cup water

1)Saute the onion in a bit of oil in the pressure cooker. When translucent add the ground beef, breaking up with a spatula or potato masher.

2) Add the taco seasoning and water and continue to break up the meat. It should be a very loose consistency.

3) Cover and bring up to pressure, a slow steady stream is perfect. Cook for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the decompress. Open the lid and stir the meat to insure no large chunks. Replace the lid, bring back up to pressure and cook for 5 minutes. Quick release the steam and let the meat rest while you prepare your tortillas.

4) Depending on the fat content of the meat you may need to drain before serving. A little 'juice' is fine as it adds additional flavor to the meat.

Serves 4 - 6 depending on taco size.

Look for my next hub which will include more quick, easy and delicious recipes!

Deberon