HELP CLEVER FOODIES

[Chris_]

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...

[bijou]

Do you have a microwave? You could do it in that.

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.

[Chris_]

Do you have a microwave? You could do it in that.

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)

[Chris_]

I forgot to post this -- I think of it every time I buy broccoli:

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

[Chris]

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.

[bijou]

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!

[asdf2231]

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.

[Chris_]

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.

[thundley4]

 (I am determined to eat more veggies)

I know there's a joke about wheel chairs here somewhere. 

[Wineslob]

Next time, if you have one, use a flour sifter......................or buy a pot with a steaming insert.

[debk]

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.

[Thor]

I typically use one of these:



They're very cheap and have other uses.......

[debk]

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.