How to Stop Starch from Shooting Out
As previously stated, the main objective of this pasta-cooking technique in the Instant Pot is to stop starch from escaping during the release and splattering starchy liquid throughout your kitchen. It was actually one of the first times I made gluten-free pasta in my Instant Pot, and when the starch started splattering all over my kitchen, I was unsure of how to handle it. Since so much had leaked out of the release valve, I was afraid that my Instant Pot was damaged because everything around it was covered in a starchy slime. Fortunately, it was saved after a few dishwasher cycles and disassembling the valve for cleaning.
However, there is a way to stop the starch from escaping in the future. First, this cooking method was developed, which lowers the initial amount of starch that escapes. It truly makes a difference. However, if starch did leak out of the pasta, the next step was to stop it without overcooking it.
If a large amount of starch begins to shoot out of the pressure release valve, gently close it with a towel and leave it closed for 20 seconds. The valve can be released once more after 20 seconds have elapsed. Until all of the pressure has released, you can repeat this procedure as needed. This lessens the chance of starch escaping from the Instant Pot by helping to regulate the temperature and quick boiling.
Another tactic is to only partially open the valve, allowing the pressure to release. Releasing the pressure gradually prevents the starch from bubbling up.
Why Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot
There are three justifications for using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to cook pasta.
- It’s a true one pot dish. Pasta will absorb all of the water while cooking, so there’s no need to strain it after it’s done.
- Set it and forget it. It’s not necessary to watch the pot to make sure it doesn’t boil over. Just turn the machine on and walk away.
- Preserve the starch: Since the pasta isn’t strained, all of its natural starch remains in the pot and acts as a natural thickener for any sauce that is added, such as creamy cheesy sauce or marinara sauce (like in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese).
Whole Wheat / Alternative Pasta
No modifications to the recipe are required if you use whole wheat or another type of pasta. Any kind of pasta can be cooked using this method because it is based on the suggested cook time on the package.
We used a variety of whole wheat pasta and a variety of alternative pasta (black bean, lentil, and chickpea pasta) to test this method.
