Out of all the cooking methods, steaming is considered the easiest way to prepare food. Steaming makes the vegetables soft and easy to chew. It doesn't require much effort as the vegetables cook fast in the steam. In fact, nutritionists suggest eating steamed food over fried food because steaming doesn't require oil for cooking and keeps the nutrients intact. Also, steamed vegetables are light to eat and can be digested easily. One can simply steam vegetables in a steamer; however, if you don't have a steamer, there are many other ways you can steam vegetables at home.
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Here Are 5 Ways To Steam Vegetables Without A Steamer:
1. Boil In Water
While we understand that boiling and steaming are two different methods. But both of them give the same taste and texture if you boil the vegetables correctly. All you need to do is boil water in a pot and add the vegetables to it. Now boil it for 5-10 minutes only, and with the help of a fork, poke the vegetables and check if they are slightly cooked. Take the vegetables out in a bowl and cover it with a plate to let it cook more in the steam. Ensure you do not overboil the veggies as they will become soggy.
Boil the veggies in a pot on medium heat. Photo Credit: pixabay
2. Use A Strainer
We all have strainers in our kitchen. They are handy and easy to use when it comes to straining food. This quick hack of using a strainer to steam vegetables is super easy. Here's what you need to do - half-fill a pot with water and let it boil. Next, put the strainer on top and place the roughly chopped vegetables in it. Cover the top with a lid and let the vegetables cook in the steam. Make sure the water does not touch the vegetables. Use a large strainer that doesn't fall inside the pot.
Strainer is a handy kitchen tool used to strain water. Photo Credit: pixabay
3. Use Aluminum Foil
Did you know that aluminum foil could be helpful in steaming food? This hack is unique and very useful. Just make 4-5 balls of aluminum foil and place them in a pot of boiling water. Now place a plate on top of the balls; these will help the plate to float on water. Keep the vegetables on it and cover the pot with a lid to keep the steam inside. Let the veggies steam until cooked properly.
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4. Use A Metal Rack
A metal rack is a round stainless-steel plate with high edges and multiple gaps. The rack is usually used to place hot utensils but you can use it to steam food by keeping it at the bottom of a pot over the boiling water. Place the vegetables in the metal rack and close it with a lid. Let the veggies cook for 15 minutes and take them out once they are cooked.
Mental racks are available in different sizes in market. Photo Credit: pixabay
5. Cook In A Pressure Cooker
In many Indian kitchens, pressure cooker is used for cooking, dal, rice, khichdi, etc. And you will be happy to know that this multipurpose utensil can be used for steaming vegetables too. In a pressure cooker, add roughly chopped vegetables, then add water in it. For example, if you have one cup of vegetables, use half cup of water. Close the lid properly and give it 1-2 whistles to cook the veggies. Make sure to cook on low to medium heat because overheating the cooker will overcook the vegetables inside.
You can steam vegetables like broccoli, carrots, corn, potatoes, etc. through these steaming methods.