Get Your Steam On! Simply Steamed Spring Veggies
You Can Steam Fresh Vegetables without the Special Kitchen Gadgets
Spring is almost here, with its fresh vegetables that just beg to be devoured. Steaming is my very favorite way to bring out their natural flavors while keeping their textures firm. Spring vegetables like asparagus and spinach become limp or wilted without becoming soft or slimy. Steaming brings out the sweetness of summer vegetables such as broccoli and carrots.
What I don't care for with most steaming methods is the basket and pot for boiling water. I don't like the time it takes or how closely I need to watch to make sure I don't over-do the steaming process. Most steaming baskets have lots of holes where bits of food can get stuck or hide. They can be difficult to get clean, and since I don't have a dishwasher, it makes steaming less feasible.
On this page, I'm going to share my quick and easy, (almost) fool proof steaming method that's quicker to clean up than any other. Read on to find out more!
All photos on this page are my own.
All the Best Gadgets for Steaming Your Vegetables
No doubt about it... There are a lot of kitchen gadgets out there for steaming vegetables. Large and small, stainless or silicone, low-tech or digital... There are lots of choices. Here are a few to consider or you can just scroll on down to see a simple method for steaming with a tool you probably already have in your kitchen.
Cute, compact, and multi-use... this steam pan is designed for the microwave. With 4 pieces, it can be used as a steamer with the added perk of a 4-muffin pan.
Low-tech and flexible, this steamer works in your own sets of pots and pans. It can handle small batches as well as larger batches of whatever you want to steam. Stainless steel makes it a little easier for cleanup than some other steamers.
Silicone makes this steamer an easy option for storage and clean-up. Its flexibility makes it fit in a variety of pot sizes. A fun color makes you want to use it.
This sauce pot doubles as a steamer when you include the basket. Put the veggies in the basket and boil the water underneath. A little bulkier than the Norpro steamer above, and also easier to clean since it has fewer nooks and crannies to clean out.
Hamilton Beach has the corner on the market of digital small appliances and this steamer can handle steaming vegetables in large quantities. With its 2 tiers, it can cook large foods, including vegetables, fish/seafood, and more.
Steaming...
... is a great way to prepare your vegetables! They do not lose their nutrients they way they do in boiling and end up tender while staying firm. And steaming takes much less time than roasting.
What is your favorite steamed vegetable?
What is your favorite steamed vegetable?
How To Steam Vegetables without the Special Tools
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Sauces and Other Delicious Vegetable Toppings
- Gruyere Sauce (from The Comfort of Cooking)
Gruyere Sauce (sometimes called mornay sauce) is a French delight, and this recipe makes it easy to feel like a chef. - Ponzu Sauce (from Just One Cookbook)
Ponzu sauce is Japanese in origin and adds a citrusy flair to any vegetable side dish. - Romesco Sauce (from Fine Cooking)
Romesco sauce has its origins in Spain. Its tomato base is enhanced by hazelnuts and ancho chiles for a warmth that can't be beat. - Chojang (from TriFood)
The base for this Korean sauce is red chili pepper paste. Delicious!!
How do you like to serve/eat steamed vegetables? - I love to hear new ideas from readers!
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