Why did the water from my dal spew out of the whistle?

Question

Learn common causes of spewing and how to manage foam and liquid levels.

Answer 1

The water from your dal likely spewed out of the pressure cooker whistle because the cooker was overfilled, the dal created excessive foam, or the whistle was partially blocked. Reducing the liquid, adding a defoaming agent, or cleaning the whistle can prevent this.

Detailed Explanation:

Several factors can cause water to spew out of the pressure cooker whistle when cooking dal:

1. Overfilling the Cooker: Pressure cookers need space for steam to build. If you fill the cooker too high with water and dal, the boiling water can easily reach and clog the whistle vent.
2. Excessive Foaming: Certain types of dal, especially toor dal, tend to foam a lot during cooking. This foam can rise and block the whistle, causing water to be ejected.
3. Blocked Whistle: If the whistle is partially blocked by food particles or mineral deposits, it can restrict the steam flow and cause water to escape.
4. Improper Sealing: A worn-out gasket or improperly sealed lid can cause steam and water to leak around the edges, including through the whistle.

Pro Tip:

To prevent dal from spewing, add a teaspoon of oil or ghee to the cooker before cooking. This acts as a natural defoaming agent and helps to reduce the amount of foam produced during cooking.