Alternatively, if you’re trying to take the subsequent step and purchase a steamer, see our round-up of the highest fashions to purchase on this greatest steamers overview. Additionally learn extra of our picks of kitchen equipment and important cooking tools to inventory your kitchen.
For extra tips about cooking and preserving veg, learn our guides on the right way to freeze fruit and veg and what meals you may freeze plus see our recipe for roasted greens.
Watch our video for the right way to steam greens, then try our steps under:
Which greens can I steam?
Technically, it’s doable to steam all greens. However some work a lot better for steaming than others. All veg steams at totally different charges, so at all times preserve any eye on the recipe you’re following, or our timing information under:
Good greens to steam:
Broccoli, spinach and different leafy greens; cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, inexperienced beans, small potatoes and artichokes.
Veg to keep away from steaming:
Any giant chunks of exhausting veg, resembling potatoes, squash or celeriac.
Find out how to put together greens for steaming
- Any giant veg must be reduce into smaller chunks or bite-sized items.
- Root veg resembling carrots ought to be sliced, except you are utilizing child ones.
- Some veg will be stored entire, resembling artichokes (simply be sure to trim it properly). Inexperienced leafy veg resembling spinach and chard may also be steamed in entire items.
- Cauliflower and broccoli ought to be damaged into florets.
Do I would like any particular kitchen tools to steam greens?
It is good to have some package at hand for steaming veg, though it may be finished with out particular tools by merely utilizing a pan (see our technique under). Nonetheless, this technique will not be as efficient as utilizing specialty package.
Steaming choices:
Steamer pan insert – Some saucepans include a steamer insert. It’s a second stage of the pan which inserts snugly excessive and has small holes within the backside to assist you to steam veg. You too can purchase these as a separate attachment.
Collapsible steamer basket – A collapsible steamer basket suits instantly right into a saucepan, sitting simply above the underside of the pan. It folds up, is reasonable to purchase and efficient at steaming veg. An incredible choice for smaller portions of veg.
Electrical steamer – An electrical steamer can maintain a big amount of greens, takes up much less energy and precisely occasions your veg cooking. They’re nice for cooking giant batches of veg.
Find out how to steam greens in a pan
And not using a steamer pan insert:
- Fill a medium pan with round 2 inches of water and convey to the boil.
- Add the veg, cowl and prepare dinner till tender, following the under timings for steerage.
- High up with a splash extra water if the pan boils dry.
With a steamer pan insert:
- Place your strainer, steamer insert or basket over the pan, in order that it doesn’t contact the underside.
- Fill the strainer with the greens and prepare dinner till tender, utilizing the under timings as a information.
How lengthy to steam greens
- Sliced carrots – 6-8 minutes
- Cauliflower florets – 5-6 minutes
- Asparagus (thick spears) – 5-6 minutes
- Broccoli florets – 5 minutes
- Brussels sprouts – 8-10 minutes
- Inexperienced beans – 4-5 minutes
- Spinach and leafy greens – 5 minutes
- Peas – 3 minutes
- Entire artichoke – 25-35 minutes
- Small potatoes – 15-20 minutes
- Bigger chopped potato – 25-30 minutes
Find out how to steam greens in a microwave
To steam veg in your microwave:
- Put your veg in a microwave-safe bowl, then tip in 2-3 tbsp water and canopy with a plate or heatproof lid.
- Microwave on excessive in line with the steaming occasions above.
Are you able to steam frozen greens?
Sure, steaming your greens from frozen is likely one of the greatest methods to protect their vitamins, since these will usually be at peak stage when the veg was initially frozen.
There isn’t any want so that you can thaw most greens earlier than cooking, as this will likely really make them mushy. Merely add them straight from the freezer to a steamer basket. Nonetheless, veg with a better moisture content material, like spinach, will must be gently defrosted earlier than you steam them.
How lengthy to prepare dinner frozen greens
In a pan: We advocate including an additional 5 minutes to the above occasions.
Within the microwave: Prepare dinner on excessive for round 5 minutes. Then in the event that they nonetheless aren’t completely thawed or cooked via, put them again and microwave for 1-minute bursts till they’re warmed via however not mushy.
Attempt our recipe…
Steamed leeks and peas
Want a speedy, wholesome aspect dish with loads of seasonal flavours? Make a batch of our steamed leeks & peas with herby French dressing. It is so easy to make, and the honey and mustard dressing provides sweetness and somewhat heat to the recent greens. Add a pop of color to your Sunday lunch or a summery unfold.
Put these methods to good use with a few of our greatest vegetable recipes.
Want extra skilled cookery recommendation? Learn our different guides…
Find out how to prepare dinner hen breast
Find out how to prepare dinner broccoli
Find out how to prepare dinner salmon
Find out how to prepare dinner cabbage
Find out how to prepare dinner pasta
What’s your favorite approach to take pleasure in steamed veg? Depart a remark under…
