How do you steam veggies?

[Anonymous]

A stupid question, I know but I do not like cooked veggies at all. My mom used to boil all veggies and I hated it. I have a toddler and do not want to pass along my hatred of cooked veggies. What is the quickest and easiest way to steam veggies? TIA.

[Anonymous]

I use the steamer basket in my rice cooker. Quick and easy, plus delish!

[Anonymous]

If you are steaming small portions for a toddler, I highly recommend getting a mini-microwave steamer (they sell great little ones at Rodmans on Wisconsin). You just fill the base with about an inch or less of water, put in your cut veggies (or even frozen) and put in the microwave. If your microwave has a fresh vegetable setting, just push that and they should come out about right. Same with frozen, but use the frozen veggie function. If your microwave doesn't have the veggie functions, it takes a little trial and error, depending on the strength of your microwave. I find that sliced squash takes just a few minutes on high, while carrots take a bit longer. Better to undercook and test interrmittently.

[Anonymous]

put them in a strainer over a boiling pot of water.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I will try just using our strainer over boiling water. About how long should I steam them (say a few spears of broccoli) over boiling water?

[Anonymous]

Pick up one of these at the grocery store or Target, etc.
Put it over about an inch of simmering water in a saucepan with the lid on.
http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Expandable-Vegetable-Steamer/dp/B00004UE8F/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1230779964&sr=1-5

It really varies by veg on the time, just keep checking on it.

Roasting is another way to bring out the flavors--love roasted green beans with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

[pamD]

It just takes a few minutes to steam - maybe 5 min for broccoli? FWIW, I just throw the broccoli in the microwave for a minute or two, with a little water in the bottom of the bowl, and voila!

[Anonymous]

For DS, I have some small glass pyrex custard size, stuff it with veggies, add a 1/2inch of water, cover the top with plastic wrap, vent, and then micro for 45 seconds and let it sit with the plastic cover on and serve.

When cooking for DH&I I use a steamer basket in a pan with an inch of water and steam until just done.

Warning, do not boil like your mom did. A lot of the vitamins are lost in the water. Also, do not steam too long or else vitamins will be killed that way too.

[Anonymous]

I do it the most half-assed way possible. I put my veggies in a sauce pan with a little bit of water (half an inch?), cover, and cook 'til bright green.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pick up one of these at the grocery store or Target, etc.
Put it over about an inch of simmering water in a saucepan with the lid on.
http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Expandable-Vegetable-Steamer/dp/B00004UE8F/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1230779964&sr=1-5

It really varies by veg on the time, just keep checking on it.

Roasting is another way to bring out the flavors--love roasted green beans with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

this is what i have. works great for steaming shrimp too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do it the most half-assed way possible. I put my veggies in a sauce pan with a little bit of water (half an inch?), cover, and cook 'til bright green.

however, this is what i do 90% of the time too. (i'm the pp)

[Anonymous]

I use a steamer insert that came with my pots and pans.

[Anonymous]

I use the ziploc steam bags for the microwave.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Gotta love DCUM for your help. I actually went out to dinner tonight (it was great after I got over the shock of having enough money and getting a babysitter at the same time). I had the best steamed veggies so I am making it one of my New Years' resolutions to make yummy steamed veggies for my little one.

[Anonymous]

The above ideas all work great. I also use a large bamboo steamer such as this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-12-Inch-Bamboo-Steamer/dp/B0009XYW48/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1230867084&sr=8-2

I have one that fits right over a large pot for cooking pasta so it makes a very easy meal with easy cleanup.

1. Fill the pot with water and set on high to boil (for the pasta).
2. Place fresh or frozen veggies in the steamer, with lid on top. (just need on of the two levels of steamer)
3. While water heats up to boil the pasta, it also steams the veggies.

Usually, I steam: broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, or a leafy green like chopped kale. I usually just steam the veggies 5 to 8 minutes, or until they aren't crunchy anymore.

Remove the veggies; add pasta to pot and cook. Drain the pasta, mix with steamed veggies, Italian Herb Seasoning mix, some parm cheese, a little olive oil, pepper.

You could also steam some shrimp in the second bamboo basket to add to the meal.