Steaming Directions

Steamed broccoli can be used to compliment a variety of meals.

Steaming is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to cook fresh vegetables. Boiling would also work, but as vegetables sit in boiling water they tend to lose nutrients. Steamed vegetables retain their nutrients, and can be prepared in roughly the same amount of time. This way, you can use the boiling water to prepare something else, such as rice, that would otherwise consume an extra burner on your stove. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Things You'll Need

• Vegetables
• Large pot
• Metal basket or colander (small enough to fit inside the pot)
• Loose-fitting lid
• Stove
• Vegetable steamer (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the vegetables and place them in the basket or colander.

2. Place the basket or colander in the pot. The sides of the basket or colander should protrude beyond the sides of the pot, allowing the basket or colander to be suspended over the pot.

3. Place a bit of water in the bottom of the pot. This doesn't have to be very much water, just enough to boil for a few minutes without completely evaporating.

4. Cover the pot with the loose-fitting lid. Make sure it's not tightly sealed; the steam needs to be able to escape.

5. Place the pot on the stove. Turn the burner on "High" until the water starts boiling, then turn the burner back down to "Low." Keep the water at a slow, steady boil.

6. Steam the vegetables for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the water and make sure it doesn't evaporate.

7. Operate a vegetable steamer using the same basic principles outlined above. If you are steaming two dishes at once, place the dish with the longest cook time on the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• Lots of foods can be steamed this way, including chicken and turkey. Cut meat into 1/2 inch strips before steaming to make sure it is cooked thoroughly.

References

• Cuisinart: Rice Cooker/Steamer Instructions

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in UK English