Thanks for your response, and I should have mentioned explicitly. Any ways on a related note, is there anything I should be doing particularly to have less residue, like constant stirring or mixing the contents on the side of the vessel to the bottom periodically...?
Many recipes for IP say to heat the inner pot, and add oil only after it says HOT. Apparently, this prevents the ingredients from sticking to the pot base. Any science to this? I usually add the oil right away when I press Saute. Or after a minute if pot is moist.
Please may I get a recommendation for stacked containers to put in a 6 quart IP so I can cook dal and veggies simultaneously. An Amazon link would be much appreciated. Thank you.
When hot, the oil becomes thin (viscosity down) as well as more oil vapours happen. The oil/vapours coat the bottom surface. However, adding oil when the pan isn't wet ,& not hot yet, is OK. When it gets hot, the oil would thin out, and spread -- even with the (dry) Tadka-items floating it in. If saute'ing any wet items (onions, ginger, garlic, curry leaf etc..) wait till oil is hot and the surfaces coated with it. In saute'ing using a sauce pan, you'd notice (in TV cooking shows) that the chef would pick up the pan by its handle and do a swirl to coat the bottom and sides with the hot oil, and then put it back on the flame/heater, before adding the tadka-oilfry-items. Coating of the surface helps prevent stick-ons. After all, oil is a release-agent, lubricant etc.. I could attach a youtube video where a chef actually does/says this... One girl (met at an old potluck) uses the oil-soaked pom to coat the inside of her rice cooker at every start; says that it prevents rice from sticking to the bottom.
Amazon.com: Stackable Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker Steamer Insert Pans with Sling and egg rack - Instant Pot in Pot Accessories- Food Steamer for cooking- Fits 6 & 8 qt instant pot (On Sale Limited Time!): Kitchen & Dining It's 25$. If you have someone visiting or your having plans to go India. Prestige stores have 2 set steel insert for 950INR. Very sturdy and has the brand prestige.
@Amica I have got this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BD1XYW...colid=4R3KLYXB8Y37&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
I got this one. I use it to cook rice and dal at one go. I also use a single pan to use for PIP cooking. Haven't used both for pip so far. One of the pans dented in the dishwasher. Still useable but a bit misshapen. That has happened to an Indian separator pan too. I would wash it only on the top rack.