a bowl of fun

How To Steam Vegetables.

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

I am so glad to have come across this. I steamed some brocolli a few weeks ago and it was a disaster. Really bad. I hope it will be a lot better next time.

Ingredients
Vegetables
Water

Tools
Cutting board and knife
Saucepan with lid
Steamer basket (stainless steel or bamboo) or heat-resistant colander

Instructions
1. Clean and slice vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

2. Fill a saucepan with an inch or two of water. It should come close to, but not touch, the bottom of the steamer basket or colander.

3. Place the steamer basket or colander in the saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat.

4. Add the vegetables, cover, and reduce heat to medium. If steaming more than one vegetable at a time, place heavier vegetables, such as root vegetables and winter squash, at the bottom, and lighter vegetables, such as leafy greens, at the top. (You can also steam tofu or fish on top of the vegetables for a simple, complete meal.)

5. Make sure the water doesn’t boil away. If necessary, add more water during steaming.

6. Cook the vegetables until vibrant in color and just tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Most vegetables taste better when they’re still a bit crisp. Depending on the vegetables, it may take anywhere from 1-40 minutes. Keep an eye on things so the vegetables don’t overcook and turn mushy.

7. Immediately remove the vegetables from heat, season if desired, and serve.

Additional Notes:
• Open the pot lid away from you to prevent your face from being blasted with hot steam.
• For approximate cooking times of different vegetables, see Bon Appétit’s list. However, always rely on your own senses because times may vary.
• You can add herbs, olive oil, or other seasonings during or after steaming. For some ideas, see our Eight Ways to Perk Up Steamed Vegetables.

Snagged from http://www.thekitchn.com/.