Steaming
Steaming is one way to prepare simple, clean-tasting vegetables. Steaming takes 5-10 minutes for green leafy vegetables, and 10-25 minutes for roots. All you need is a steaming basket and a pot with a lid, filled with about 2 inches of water.
Steamers come in a variety of forms. The stainless steel fold-up variety fits inside a pot to keep the vegetables above water. Some pots are specifically made with holes in the bottom for steaming over another pot of water. To steam vegetables, simply follow these steps:
Wash vegetables
Chop vegetables (the smaller the size, the faster they will cook)
Bring water to a boil
Place vegetables in a steaming basket over water and cover
Steam until they become bright in color or have reached desired texture
Remove vegetables from pot and run under cool water
Some ways to add variety to steamed vegetables:
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or toasted sesame oil to every 2 cups of greens
Add 2 bay leaves or 1 teaspoon cumin seeds to the water
Sprinkle greens with toasted pumpkin, sesame, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts
Sprinkle greens with fresh herbs: mint, dill, basil, parsley, cilantro, scallions
Use tamari soy sauce or umeboshi vinegar to add extra flavor
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them to add some zing and don't forget the zest!
Steaming is one way to prepare simple, clean-tasting vegetables. Steaming takes 5-10 minutes for green leafy vegetables, and 10-25 minutes for roots. All you need is a steaming basket and a pot with a lid, filled with about 2 inches of water.
Steamers come in a variety of forms. The stainless steel fold-up variety fits inside a pot to keep the vegetables above water. Some pots are specifically made with holes in the bottom for steaming over another pot of water. To steam vegetables, simply follow these steps:
Wash vegetables
Chop vegetables (the smaller the size, the faster they will cook)
Bring water to a boil
Place vegetables in a steaming basket over water and cover
Steam until they become bright in color or have reached desired texture
Remove vegetables from pot and run under cool water
Some ways to add variety to steamed vegetables:
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or toasted sesame oil to every 2 cups of greens
Add 2 bay leaves or 1 teaspoon cumin seeds to the water
Sprinkle greens with toasted pumpkin, sesame, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts
Sprinkle greens with fresh herbs: mint, dill, basil, parsley, cilantro, scallions
Use tamari soy sauce or umeboshi vinegar to add extra flavor
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them to add some zing and don't forget the zest!
