What is the best way to steam vegetables?!
What is the best way to steam vegetables?
Is there such thing as a steamer? If so, what would be the best way to steam them without a steamer?
Answers:
The trick to steaming vegetables is to not have them touch the simmering water. The best way to do that is with a special steamer appliance, bamboo steamer or a steamer insert for your pot. If you don't have the insert, or a steamer, use aluminum foil to make balls about the size of a baseball. Make enough to cover the bottom of the pot you're using and make sure the water level is well below the tops of the balls. You can use this as a bed for for the veggies.
When the water is boiling, trim and cut your vegetables. It's best to do this as close to cooking as possible so they won't dehydrate or oxidize.
Place them in the steamer, on the steamer rack or on the bed of foil balls and cover.
Steam them only until they're done; most cut vegetables only need to steam for a minute or two. Thicker pieces might steam for two to three minutes. Potatoes take 15 to 30 minutes.