Steaming Cabbage: Can Faber Ware Cookers Handle It?

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in various ways, including steaming. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the vegetable's flavour, colour, and nutrients. While you can steam cabbage on the stove or in the microwave, can you cook it in a Faberware steam cooker?

How to prepare cabbage for steaming

Firstly, choose fresh, crisp cabbage. Look for crisp leaves without any marks or signs of browning. There shouldn't be many loose outer leaves, and the stem should not appear dry or cracked. The colour of the cabbage will depend on the variety:

• Green cabbage: dark green outer leaves, pale green inner leaves, round head.
• White cabbage: very light outer leaves with patches of white, firm, tightly packed head.
• Red cabbage: reddish-purple colour, tough outer leaves, round head.
• Savoy cabbage: crinkled, loose, dark to light green leaves, round head.
• Napa cabbage: tall, pale green leaves.
• Bok Choy: tall white stalks, dark green leaves.

Next, remove any damaged leaves by hand. These are any leaves that are discoloured or wilted. For round-headed cabbages, also remove the thickest outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into halves or quarters. Hold the cabbage still and cut through the stem end. If you see any insects or worms, soak the cabbage in heavily salted water for 20 minutes, then cut away the damaged parts.

Now, remove the core by cutting wedge-shaped sections from the bottom of each half or quarter to remove the stem. For napa cabbage and bok choy, leave the leaves intact and on the stem.

At this point, you can shred the cabbage if you wish. Slice each quarter into thin pieces and separate the layers by hand. Wash the cabbage by rinsing it in a colander under cool, running water. Drain the cabbage over clean paper towels for a couple of minutes.

Your cabbage is now ready to be steamed!

How to steam cabbage on the stove

Steaming cabbage is a fantastic and healthy dish. It is a quick and easy side that works great with beef, pork, ham, and sausage. Here is how you can steam cabbage on the stove:

Steps to steam cabbage on the stove:

• Prepare the cabbage: Choose fresh, crisp cabbage with crisp leaves and no marks or signs of browning. Remove any damaged leaves and cut the cabbage into halves or quarters. Remove the core by cutting wedge-shaped sections from the bottom of each half or quarter. You can shred the cabbage or leave it in big pieces.
• Boil water in a stockpot: Fill a large stockpot with water and place it on the stove. Heat it over high heat to bring the water to a rapid boil. The amount of water in the pot should be just below the steamer basket or colander.
• Use a steamer basket or colander: Fit a steamer basket into the stockpot, making sure the bottom of the basket does not touch the water. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal or wire mesh colander instead.
• Season the cabbage: Place the prepared cabbage in the steamer basket or colander, spreading it out evenly. Season the cabbage with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other dry seasonings at this stage.
• Cover and cook: Cover the pot with a lid and cook the cabbage until it is tender-crisp. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of cabbage and the size of the pieces. For shredded cabbage, cook for 5 to 8 minutes. For Napa, bok choy, and savoy cabbage, cook for 3 to 5 minutes. For quarters, cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Add an additional 1 to 2 minutes for cabbage halves.
• Serve: Remove the steamer basket or colander from the pot and let the cabbage drain on clean paper towels. Serve the cabbage hot, and add additional seasonings or dressings if desired. You can drizzle melted butter or olive oil over it, or sprinkle with salt and pepper. For a stronger flavor, try drizzling apple cider vinegar over the cabbage.

How to steam cabbage in the microwave

Yes, you can cook cabbage in a Faberware steam cooker. Steaming cabbage is an indirect cooking process that gently cooks the vegetable, retaining its flavour and nutrients. Steaming cabbage also helps to avoid the unpleasant smell associated with boiled cabbage.

Preparing the Cabbage:

First, choose fresh, crisp cabbage with no marks or signs of browning. Remove any damaged or discoloured outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into halves or quarters, then cut away the core from each section. You can then shred the cabbage or leave it in bigger pieces, depending on your preference.

Steaming the Cabbage:

Place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish or bowl, adding a small amount of water (about 1/4 inch or 1/4 cup). Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving one corner open to vent moisture. Alternatively, you can use an upside-down microwave-safe plate to cover the dish.

Microwave the cabbage on high for around 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For wedges, cook for 5-6 minutes, and for shredded cabbage, cook for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Serving the Cabbage:

Drain the cabbage in a colander or on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, or add melted butter or olive oil. For a stronger flavour, drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Steamed cabbage pairs well with rich foods and sauces, such as fried sausages or wine-based sauces.

Enjoy your tasty and healthy steamed cabbage!

How to serve steamed cabbage

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this vegetable, and it can be done on the stove or in the microwave. It is a healthy dish, as steaming preserves the nutrients in the cabbage.

To steam cabbage on the stove, you will need a large pot or stockpot with a lid and a steamer basket or metal colander. Fill the pot with water, place the steamer basket inside, and bring the water to a boil. Add the prepared cabbage to the steamer basket, cover, and steam until tender. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of cabbage you are using, but it usually takes around 5-10 minutes. Once it is cooked, remove the steamer basket from the pot and let it drain on clean paper towels before serving.

If you are using a microwave, place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, cover loosely, and microwave on high until tender. This usually takes around 5-8 minutes. After cooking, let the cabbage drain in a colander or on paper towels before serving.

When it comes to serving steamed cabbage, there are a few simple ways to enhance its flavour. You can drizzle it with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also get creative with seasonings like dried herbs, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or freshly chopped dill. For a stronger flavour, try drizzling apple cider vinegar over the cabbage, especially if you are using napa or red cabbage. You can also experiment with toppings like grated parmesan cheese, bacon bits, or a drizzle of flavoured olive oil or soy sauce.

Steamed cabbage is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. It goes great with beef, pork, ham, sausage, and grilled meats. It can also be served with corned beef, smoked pork chops, grilled steaks, pot roast, or chicken dishes.

How to store leftover steamed cabbage

Yes, you can cook cabbage in a Faber ware steam cooker. Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable, which is packed with nutrients.

• Allow the cabbage to cool.
• Place the cabbage in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator.
• Leftover steamed cabbage will last for up to five days in the fridge, although it will lose its crispness over time.
• To reheat, use the microwave on low heat or a small pot with a little water, just until the cabbage is warm.
• Alternatively, you can repurpose leftover cabbage in dishes such as colcannon, soup, or sandwiches.
• You can also freeze leftover cabbage for longer-term storage.

Frequently asked questions