How To Make Scalloped Potatoes And Ham In The Power Electric Pressure Cooker

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious and easy recipe for making scalloped potatoes and ham in the power electric pressure cooker. This classic comfort food dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal at home. With the help of your trusty pressure cooker, you can whip up this hearty and satisfying dish in no time.

The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will please even the pickiest of eaters. The pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal in under an hour.

Whether you are new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to make scalloped potatoes and ham in your power electric pressure cooker. From preparing the potatoes and ham to layering them in the pressure cooker and cooking everything to perfection, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your ingredients, dust off your pressure cooker, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To make scalloped potatoes and ham in the power electric pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 pound of cooked ham, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

These simple and readily available ingredients come together to create a deliciously cheesy and flavorful dish. The potatoes provide a hearty base, while the ham adds a savory touch. The combination of cheese, milk, and spices creates a creamy and indulgent sauce that brings the whole dish together.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your preference and the size of your pressure cooker. You can also add other vegetables like peas or carrots to amp up the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the potatoes and ham.

Equipment Needed

To successfully make scalloped potatoes and ham in your power electric pressure cooker, you will need the following equipment:

• Power electric pressure cooker: Ensure that your pressure cooker is in good working condition and has all the necessary safety features. Different models may have varying settings and capacities, so be sure to read the manual for your specific pressure cooker.
• Peeler: A vegetable peeler will come in handy for peeling the potatoes.
• Knife and cutting board: Use these to chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the ham.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking, so have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
• Whisk or spoon: You will need a utensil to mix the flour into the sauce and blend it smoothly.
• Grater: If you’re using block cheese, a grater will be needed to shred the cheddar cheese.
• Serving dish: Have a suitable dish ready to transfer the cooked scalloped potatoes and ham for serving.

Make sure to have all these items readily available before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Having the right equipment will help you to prepare the ingredients properly and achieve the desired results.

With your ingredients prepped and your equipment ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process of making this delectable dish. Let’s get started with the first step: preparing the potatoes.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

The first step in making scalloped potatoes and ham in the power electric pressure cooker is to prepare the potatoes. Follow these simple instructions:

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the potatoes. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
3. Once peeled, slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8 inch to ensure even cooking.
4. After slicing, place the potato rounds in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown while you prepare the other ingredients.

Preparing the potatoes before cooking is an important step to ensure they cook evenly and have the desired texture. Slicing the potatoes thinly helps them to cook faster in the pressure cooker, resulting in tender and delicious scalloped potatoes.

With the potatoes prepped and ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the ham.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Now that the potatoes are ready, it’s time to prepare the ham for your scalloped potatoes and ham dish. Follow these simple instructions:

1. If you haven’t already, cook the ham according to the package instructions. You can use leftover ham from a previous meal, or cook a fresh ham specifically for this recipe.
2. Once the ham is cooked, let it cool slightly before handling. This will make it easier to dice.
3. Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.

Preparing the ham is crucial for adding a savory and meaty element to your scalloped potatoes. You can choose to use any type of ham you prefer, such as ham steak, smoked ham, or even honey-roasted ham for a touch of sweetness.

With the potatoes and ham prepared, you’re one step closer to enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal. The next step involves layering the potatoes and ham in the pressure cooker, so let’s move on to that.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Ham in the Pressure Cooker

Now that you have prepared the potatoes and ham, it’s time to start layering them in the power electric pressure cooker. Follow these steps to ensure an even and flavorful distribution:

1. Lightly grease the inner pot of your pressure cooker to prevent sticking.
2. Begin by layering a single layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the pot. Arrange them in an even layer, slightly overlapping each other.
3. Next, add a layer of diced ham on top of the potatoes. Spread it evenly across the potatoes, covering as much surface area as possible.
4. Repeat the process by adding another layer of sliced potatoes, followed by another layer of diced ham. Continue this layering process until you run out of potatoes and ham, making sure to end with a layer of potatoes on top.

The layering process is important as it creates a balanced and delicious dish. The potatoes cook to tender perfection while absorbing the flavors of the ham and sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The ham adds an extra layer of savory goodness that enhances the overall taste.

With the potatoes and ham layered, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the sauce that will make this dish irresistibly creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Creating a delicious and creamy sauce is an essential part of making scalloped potatoes and ham. Follow these steps to prepare the sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the melted butter and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for a minute or two to cook out the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
7. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and reaches a velvety consistency.

The sauce is the star of the dish, providing a luscious and creamy coating for the layers of potatoes and ham. The sautéed onions and garlic add a depth of flavor, while the Dijon mustard and thyme add a subtle tang and herbaceous note.

With the sauce prepared, it’s time to move on to the next step: pouring the sauce over the potatoes and ham in the pressure cooker.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce over the Potatoes and Ham

Now that you have prepared the creamy sauce, it’s time to pour it over the layered potatoes and ham in the pressure cooker. Follow these simple steps:

1. Ensure that the layers of potatoes and ham are evenly distributed in the pressure cooker.
2. Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the layers, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
3. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press down on the layers, ensuring that the sauce seeps through all the gaps and coats everything evenly.

Pouring the sauce over the potatoes and ham is a crucial step as it adds moisture and flavor to the dish. The sauce will permeate through the layers as the pressure cooker does its magic, resulting in perfectly cooked and deliciously coated scalloped potatoes and ham.

With the sauce poured, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking the dish in the power electric pressure cooker.

Step 6: Cook in the Pressure Cooker

With the scalloped potatoes, ham, and sauce all layered and ready in the pressure cooker, it’s time to cook the dish to perfection. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:

1. Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the cooking time according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Select the appropriate cooking setting, such as the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode.
3. Adjust the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your potato slices and the desired tenderness.
4. Once you have set the cooking time and selected the appropriate setting, allow the pressure cooker to come to pressure and cook the scalloped potatoes and ham.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method specified in your pressure cooker’s manual.

Allowing the pressure to release ensures that the dish is cooked thoroughly and allows the flavors to meld together. It’s important to follow the specific instructions for your particular pressure cooker model to ensure safety and optimal results.

Once the pressure has been released, it’s time to move on to the final step: serving and enjoying your delicious scalloped potatoes and ham!

Step 7: Quick Release and Serve

After cooking the scalloped potatoes and ham in the power electric pressure cooker, it’s now time to quick release the pressure and serve up this delectable dish. Follow these simple steps:

1. Carefully and quickly release the pressure from the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can generally be done by turning the release valve from the sealing position to the venting position.
2. Once the pressure has been fully released, remove the lid of the pressure cooker. Be cautious of any remaining steam and handle the lid with oven mitts or a towel.
3. Give the dish a gentle stir to ensure that the sauce has evenly coated the scalloped potatoes and ham.
4. Using a serving spoon or spatula, portion out the scalloped potatoes and ham onto plates or bowls.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an added pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Now, your delicious scalloped potatoes and ham are ready to be enjoyed! The potatoes should be tender, the ham should be flavorful, and the sauce should be rich and creamy. Serve this comforting dish alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Remember to exercise caution when handling the pressure cooker due to the heat and pressure it generates. Follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid any accidents or injuries.

With that, you have successfully cooked and served scalloped potatoes and ham using your power electric pressure cooker. Grab your fork and dig into this delightful combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!