Steaming is one way to prepare quick, simple and clean-tasting vegetables. Steaming takes 3-10 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. You can also purchase a food steamer.
To steam vegetables, simply follow these steps:
1. Wash vegetables
2. Chop vegetables (the smaller the size, the faster they will cook)
3. Bring water to a boil
4. Place vegetables in a steaming basket over water and cover
5. Steam until they become bright in color or have reached desired texture
6. 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 (I like the organic/ low-sodium one) or umeboshi vinegar to add extra flavor
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them to add some zing
Enjoy!
