How to Create a Makeshift Steam Cooker
Steam cooking foods keeps dumplings soft and moist, keeps vegetables crisp and nutritious and gently cooks delicate foods when boiling, baking or roasting is too harsh. Many different kinds of steamers are currently made and sold for home cooking, from inexpensive microwavable steamers and baskets to pricey stainless steel and electric products. But you can easily create a makeshift steam cooker with a few basic items that are already in your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Place 3 to 4 inches of water in the bottom of the pot.
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Tear off a sheet of foil from the roll at least twice the diameter of the pot rim.
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Place the foil over the rim of the pot, leaving 1 to 2 inches of excess foil over the rim all the way around.
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Hold the foil in place with one hand and gently push down in the center of the foil to form a small concave area like a bowl or basket. Make sure the concave area rests at least 2 inches above the water. Pull the foil further over the rim to raise the bottom of the concave area if necessary.
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Fold the foil edges over the rim of the pot all the way around.
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Carefully poke small holes into the concave area with a knife. Space holes 1/4-inch apart.
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Place the food to be steamed inside the makeshift foil basket, cover tightly with the lid and turn the heat to medium-high. As the water boils, steam will accumulate and cook the food.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a small metal colander inside the pot and cover with the lid instead of using foil. Prop the colander up on a brick to prevent it from sitting in the water at the bottom of the pot, if necessary. Carefully remove the colander with pot holders or tongs.
Adjust the size of the basket as needed for the size and quantity of food items.
Use heavy-duty foil for durability and for large pots.
Close or cover any ventilation holes in the lid before turning on the heat.
Dense foods or excess weight may be too heavy for the foil and can cause it to rip apart. Stick with lightweight foods and small batches when using this method. Use the colander method for heavy foods or larger quantities.
References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
