How to steam vegetables

How to Steam Vegetables StockFood Creative/John P Kelly/Getty Images
How to Steam Vegetables

Vegetables are steamed by boiling water and cooking the vegetables in the steam generated from the boiling water.

Water is not the only liquid that can be used when steaming. Many people like adding some lemon juice, wine, soy sauce or other liquids to the water to add flavor to the vegetables. You can also throw in a fresh sprig of thyme, rosemary or other herbs. A slice of onion or garlic also adds a mellow flavor to the dish.

There are several ways to steam vegetables. The easiest way is to purchase an electric steamer. A second option is to buy a metal steamer pot. A steamer pot has a colander that is slightly smaller than the pot itself that fits into the pot and leaves a few inches of clearance at the bottom for the water. A third option is to fashion your own steamer. Place a large pot on the stove and add an inch or two of water. Place a small footed sieve or colander in the pot so that the vegetables are not touching the water. If you do not have a footed colander, use one with a handle that can be attached (or even held if need be) at the top of the pot. Make sure that the water almost reaches the very bottom of the colander. The important thing is that the water does not actually touch the vegetables, but it is close enough for the steam to cook the vegetables.

Almost any vegetable or vegetable mixture can be steamed. Depending on the type of steamer and size of vegetable, steaming times can vary greatly. When you are steaming mixtures of vegetables, make sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces if it requires longer cooking times. Add potatoes, carrots and other firm vegetables to the mixture first so they can cook a little before adding tender vegetables like green beans. Add greens like spinach last as they take just a short time to cook.



A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.