How to steam vegetables without a steamer

Steaming is among the fastest and simplest ways to cook fresh, nutritious veggies. Steaming veggies could save your life, particularly if you’re short on time or hungry. However, when it comes to cooking, there are more than one or two ways to do something, even steaming. If you are cooking vegetables, a steamer basket comes in useful.

You really shouldn’t rush out and get a steaming basket if you do not even steam meals often or if you realize that you need. You can steam with a wide variety of items that you probably already have in your kitchen. You only need a metal bowl or a baking dish, a large pot, as well as some aluminium foil to create a steamer at home. So, without the need for a steamer basket, how do you steam veggies?

Fill A Metal Strainer or Colander in a Saucepan

The pot should be filled in with about half an inch of water. Place a metal colander or strainer inside, and ensure that there is enough space between the strainer and the boiling water. If your strainer doesn’t sit on the pot’s edge, you can hold it. In that situation, a strainer with a heat-resistant handle would be ideal. You can also use an oven mitt to protect yourself.

Heat the water to a boil with the food in a single layer in the strainer, then reduce the heat to slightly bubbling. Cover the pot with a lid as much as possible to keep steam from leaking. Also, keep an eye on your vegetables frequently to avoid overcooking. Please remember that the length of time you need to steam your food will differ based on the type of veggies you’re cooking. You might have to cook in rounds, although this depends on the size of the strainer as well as the quantity of food you’re preparing.

Obtain a Cooling Rack Made of Wire

When it comes to steaming, you don’t only need a stove. For this procedure, I would recommend that you use bigger cookware or an oven for steaming. It will offer a better cooking experience. I also recommend using a Dutch oven or roasting pan with a rack for this.

Pour approximately an inch of water into the oven or big saucepan, preheat it up to a boiling point, lay the cooling wire rack on top, and place the vegetables on it in a single layer. To prevent steam from leaking, wrap the entire system with aluminium foil until the vegetables are cooked. After that, pat yourself on the back now that you know how to steam vegetables without a steamer.

Put a Splatter Screen

Splatter screens are useful for more than just keeping spills out of the kitchen. Place the splatter screen over the top of a big saucepan filled with water, and then add the vegetables and start cooking.

Consider Using a Foil Pie Tin

It seems that foil tins are not only for baking. Use a saucepan with a large and sufficient opening to put the pie tin inside, and fill it halfway with water. Make holes at the bottom of the pie tin and put it in the saucepan inverted. Steam the vegetables by placing them on top of the tin.

Also, there is an alternative for this method, especially if you don’t have a metal strainer. Fill a big pot halfway with water. Take a break now for quick arts and crafts work. Make three balls of aluminium foil that are nearly similar in size.

Place a heat-resistant plate on top of the foil balls. If you don’t have a suitable plate, a tiny baking rack or a splatter guard can be substituted. Place the food on the plate in a single layer, bring the water to a low boil, and lid the saucepan. In a few minutes, your vegetables will be cooked.

Start The Microwave

One of the most basic methods is this one. However, I decided to make it the last. Microwaving vegetables is one of the simplest and quickest methods to steam them, and it may also be one of the healthiest. Try it out and see if it works for you.

Conclusion

Steaming is among the fastest and simplest ways to cook fresh, nutritious veggies. Steaming veggies could save your life, particularly if you’re short on time or hungry. If you are cooking vegetables, a steamer basket comes in useful. But you really shouldn’t rush out and get a steaming basket if you do not even steam meals often or if you realize that you need. Follow the steps above to help you create your own veggie steamer.