How to Use a Steamer Basket to Steam Cauliflower or Broccoli

Steamer baskets make cooking cauliflower and broccoli a cinch. Here are the easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steamer basket
• 4-quart (or larger) stockpot with lid
• 1/2 to 1 cup water
• Cauliflower or Broccoli head

1. Wash the head of cauliflower or broccoli. Remove any leaves at the base of the head. (The leaves are edible, so you can either discard them or save them for a future use).

2. If your head has excess stem attached, cut off the excess so that the head will fit in your stockpot with the lid on.

3. Expand your steamer basket and insert the spike in the center of the bottom of the head.

4. Place the steamer basket in your stockpot.

5. Add water until it reaches 1/4 of an inch high. The water should not be higher than the bottom of the steamer basket.

6. Cook over low to medium-low heat with the lid on until the vegetable reaches desired tenderness. (This usually takes mine about 30-40 minutes, but the desired tenderness is a personal preference).

7. Remove from heat and allow to cool.