Steaming vegetables is one of the healthiest cooking methods. The fact is that when cooking or frying, especially important vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are contained in vegetables are lost. However, these nutrients and elements can be saved by cooking vegetables in a double boiler.
Instructions
Step 1
The steamer allows you to cook a variety of dishes with a jet of steam that comes from the boiling water in the tank. Usually, a steamer contains from one to three compartments for cooking several dishes at the same time. Cooking food in a double boiler does not require your direct participation. It is enough to put the desired food in it and remove it from the steamer after cooking. Cooking does not require the use of oils and fats.
Step 2
The vegetables you will be cooking must be clean. Wash them thoroughly, using a soft cloth or sponge if necessary, then dry with a towel. To speed up the cooking of large vegetables, slice them. You need to cut vegetables just before turning on the steamer, to prevent them from drying out. Vegetables such as carrots or potatoes can be steamed whole. When doing this, also focus on the size of your steamer.
Step 3
If you are cooking vegetables together, use different sections of the steamer for different vegetables. For example, the beets should be lower than the carrots because they take a little longer to cook and can release juice that will color the carrots.
Step 4
Try not to overcook the vegetables. This applies in particular to potatoes. So that it does not boil over, 15-20 minutes is enough to cook it. Remember that longer cooking times do not mean better cooking times. You can check the readiness of vegetables by their color and softness. Vegetables should not change their color. As far as softness is concerned, it is easy to check it with a knife or fork, which should easily go into finished vegetables.
Step 5
Cook vegetables right before serving to keep them attractive. They are already completely ready for use and do not require any additional processing. You can drizzle lightly with soy sauce, lemon juice, or olive oil, or garnish with herbs such as basil or parsley leaves.
Step 6
For convenience, you can use the table of the approximate cooking times for various vegetables in a double boiler. However, it should be borne in mind that this is an approximate time, so it is advisable to adhere to your experience and taste when cooking.
Step 7
Steaming vegetables is natural: the dish is cooked at a high temperature, without unnecessary additives, while retaining the beneficial properties, minerals and vitamins that are not preserved with other methods of heat treatment. Another advantage of steaming vegetables is the cooking time. It is quite fast compared to conventional cooking methods (boiling or roasting), since the steam is hotter than boiling water and therefore the food is cooked faster. In addition, the steamer is quick and easy to clean after use. If you still haven't purchased such a useful household item as a steamer, and haven't tried steamed dishes and vegetables, be sure to do so in order to appreciate their natural taste and usefulness.
