The Conservative Cave

Interests => All Things Edible (and how to prepare them) => Topic started by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 12:25:07 PM

Title: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 12:25:07 PM
I have some broccoli I want to steam and not boil.  Problem -- I have no steamer.

I have a plastic colander that I think won't survive -- I am thinking about rigging a steamer by putting a 2 quart saucepan with about 1/4" of water and the broccoli into a large pot of boliing water with the lid on (although the handle will keep the lid from closing all the way).

Think that will work?  I am not in a position to run to the store to buy a steamer or a screen...
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: bijou on September 30, 2008, 12:29:49 PM
Do you have a microwave? You could do it in that.

Quote
Microwave steaming

To steam in the microwave, you will need a covered microwave-safe dish or bowl.


1. Place the cut or chopped broccoli in the dish.

2. Add one to two tablespoons of water to the dish, depending on the amount of broccoli.

3. Cover the dish tightly, either with a lid or with microwave-safe plastic wrap.

4. For two cups of broccoli, cook on high for three to five minutes. For a larger amount of broccoli, you will need to increase the cooking time.

5. Remove the lid from the dish once the broccoli is done or it will continue to cook.

Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 12:37:05 PM
Do you have a microwave? You could do it in that.

Quote
Microwave steaming

To steam in the microwave, you will need a covered microwave-safe dish or bowl.


1. Place the cut or chopped broccoli in the dish.

2. Add one to two tablespoons of water to the dish, depending on the amount of broccoli.

3. Cover the dish tightly, either with a lid or with microwave-safe plastic wrap.

4. For two cups of broccoli, cook on high for three to five minutes. For a larger amount of broccoli, you will need to increase the cooking time.

5. Remove the lid from the dish once the broccoli is done or it will continue to cook.


MUCH better -- thanks Bijou!  You saved me a lot of work.

I don't know why I didn't think of it -- probably because I am new to the veggie thing (I am determined to eat more veggies)
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 01:15:39 PM
I forgot to post this -- I think of it every time I buy broccoli:

[youtube=425,350]Hz2Dpb1Sdik[/youtube]

Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Chris on September 30, 2008, 05:26:47 PM
I have a large stock pot, and I picked up a set of basket-shaped mesh strainers.  It seems to work pretty well, but it's not as nice as the professional pressure steamers I've used at work.
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: bijou on September 30, 2008, 05:34:41 PM
I forgot to post this -- I think of it every time I buy broccoli:

[youtube=425,350]Hz2Dpb1Sdik[/youtube]


Hehe, as long as you don't start singing it in the shop you'll be OK!
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: asdf2231 on September 30, 2008, 09:32:06 PM
Dood...

Take a regular sauce pan with a lid and put in 1-3 inches of water.

Add your broccoli and put the lid on.

As soon as it boils, turn the heat down and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Let sit for another 2-3.

it will be almost perfectly steamed.

Pour off water and voila.
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 09:53:58 PM
Dood...

Take a regular sauce pan with a lid and put in 1-3 inches of water.

Add your broccoli and put the lid on.

As soon as it boils, turn the heat down and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Let sit for another 2-3.

it will be almost perfectly steamed.

Pour off water and voila.

The microwave version ended up working great.

But thanks -- next time, I'll try this approach.
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: thundley4 on October 01, 2008, 09:30:18 AM

 (I am determined to eat more veggies)


I know there's a joke about wheel chairs here somewhere.  ::)
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Wineslob on October 02, 2008, 04:34:02 PM
Next time, if you have one, use a flour sifter......................or buy a pot with a steaming insert.
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: debk on October 02, 2008, 10:51:54 PM
I have a really cheap little steamer that lays flat in a pot. I put about an 1 or so water in the bottom, lay my veggies (fresh) on top, cook on medium, covered, and cook until a fork barely goes in. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans and carrots... colors turn bright and if they start to fade, they are going to be overcooked

For broccoli or asparagus, I melt butter and lemon juice in the microwave and pour it over when I put it in a serving platter, and heavy sprinkle with lemon pepper.

Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: Thor on October 03, 2008, 11:25:40 PM
I typically use one of these:

(http://www.cooking.com.edgesuite.net/images/products/enlarge/117046e.jpg)

They're very cheap and have other uses.......
Title: Re: HELP CLEVER FOODIES
Post by: debk on October 04, 2008, 08:30:18 AM
That's the same one I have.

I've used that kind forever. I think in the last 20 years, I've only replaced it once.