Steaming Veggies: Using Your Aroma Rice Cooker

Rice cookers are a handy kitchen appliance with versatile capabilities. They can be used to steam tender and flavourful vegetables, either simultaneously with the rice or separately. The Aroma rice cooker, for instance, has a steam setting and a steaming basket, making it possible to steam vegetables while the rice is cooking. The process is simple: add water to the cooker, place the chosen vegetables in the basket, and cover with a lid before pushing the button. The timer will count from when the unit comes to a boil, and you can steam until your vegetables reach the desired texture.

How to steam vegetables in an Aroma rice cooker

Aroma rice cookers are a great way to cook rice, but they can also be used to steam vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, check if your rice cooker has a steam basket. Most rice cookers, including Aroma, come with a small steamer basket that fits perfectly inside the cooking pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, don't worry, there are alternative options which we will cover later.

If you do have a steamer basket, the next step is to add water to the cooking pot. The recommended amount is usually around 2 to 3 cups. Then, simply fill the basket with your chosen vegetables. If you are using vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, make sure to place them in the basket with the flesh side down. You can also add spices to your vegetables if desired.

Now, place the steamer basket over the water in the cooking pot and cover it with the lid. If your Aroma rice cooker has a one-button function, simply push the button and let it work its magic. If it is a processor-controlled cooker, select the steam option from the menu and set the time using the up and down buttons. You can refer to the manual for specific instructions on how to do this and for a chart on recommended steaming times for different types of vegetables.

It is important to note that the timer on your rice cooker starts counting from when the unit comes to a boil and begins steaming, so the actual cooking time will be longer than the time you set. After a few tries, you will get a better sense of how long it takes to steam your vegetables to your preferred doneness.

If you want to steam your vegetables and cook rice at the same time, it is best to do this when making a small batch of rice, as there might not be enough room in the cooker for both the rice and the steamer basket. Also, keep in mind that some vegetables steam faster than others, so you might want to adjust the size of the florets or slices to ensure even cooking. For example, broccoli cooks faster than cauliflower, so make the cauliflower florets smaller than the broccoli ones.

Now, what if you don't have a steamer basket? Well, there are a few alternative options you can try:

• Use a small trivet that fits into your cooker and place the vegetables on a small bowl, plate, or foil on top of it.
• Roll foil into balls, place a plate on top, and use that as a platform for your steamed vegetables.
• Place a bowl or colander inside the cooker along with the water and steam your vegetables in that.
• Use a wire-mesh strainer over the pot, place the vegetables in it, and cover with the lid. You will also need to drape a kitchen towel over the cooker to trap the steam inside.

So, there you have it! A step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables in your Aroma rice cooker. With these instructions, you can easily prepare tender and nutritious vegetables to accompany your rice dishes.

Vegetables that can be steamed in a rice cooker

Yes, you can steam vegetables in an Aroma rice cooker. The rice cooker is capable of steaming vegetables as well as cooking rice. Most rice cookers come with a steamer basket that fits perfectly inside the cooking pot. To steam vegetables, add the recommended amount of water to the cooker, fill the basket with vegetables, and position it over the water. Cover the cooker with the lid and press the button to start steaming.

Some vegetables that can be steamed in a rice cooker include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• French-cut green beans

When steaming vegetables in a rice cooker, it is important to consider the size and density of the vegetables. Smaller and denser vegetables, such as carrots, will cook faster than larger and more bulky vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces.

Additionally, the cooking time for vegetables in a rice cooker is relatively short, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable. Therefore, it is important to monitor the vegetables to avoid overcooking.

You can also steam vegetables without a steamer basket by using a small trivet, bowl, plate, or foil to elevate the vegetables above the water.

By steaming vegetables in a rice cooker, you can save time and enhance the nutrients and flavor of your meal.

How to steam vegetables without a steamer basket

Yes, you can steam vegetables in an Aroma rice cooker. Here are some ways to steam vegetables without a steamer basket:

Using a Metal Strainer or Colander

Choose a saucepan that is wide enough to hold the metal strainer around the rim and deep enough that the strainer doesn't touch the bottom. Add about an inch of water to the bottom of the pan, place the strainer over the pan, fill it with veggies, and cook. Depending on the size of the strainer and the amount of vegetables, you may need to cook in batches.

Using a Wire Cooling Rack

For this method, a wider saucepan is preferable. Add about an inch of water to the pan, place the cooling rack over the top, add the veggies, and cook.

Using a Splatter Screen

After filling a wide saucepan with water, place the splatter screen over the top, add the veggies, and start cooking.

Using a Foil Pie Tin

Use a saucepan that is wide enough to fit the pie tin inside and fill the pan with a thin layer of water. Poke holes in the bottom of the pie tin and place it upside down in the saucepan. Place the veggies on top of the tin and steam.

Using a Microwave

Lay vegetables in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the vegetables with a couple of damp paper towels. Microwave on high heat until the vegetables are tender.

Using a Rice Cooker

Add an inch or two of water to the rice cooker, then insert a steamer basket. Place the vegetables in a single layer in the basket, close the lid, and start the rice cooker. If you have a basic rice cooker, press the button and check the vegetables periodically for doneness. More advanced rice cookers may have a steaming function that can be set for specific time increments. Depending on the vegetables, this should take about 5 to 15 minutes.

How to steam vegetables and cook rice simultaneously

Yes, you can steam vegetables and cook rice at the same time using an Aroma rice cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, check your rice cooker comes with a steam basket. Most rice cookers do, and this will be essential for steaming your vegetables. If your rice cooker didn't come with a steam basket, you can use a small trivet that fits inside your cooker, or a small wire-mesh strainer.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Clean and cut your chosen vegetables, and place them into the steam basket. If you're using vegetables with stiff skins, like squash or pumpkin, place them in the basket flesh-side down. You can also add spices to your vegetables at this stage.

Now, prepare your rice cooker. Add the recommended amount of water to the cooker, usually around 2-3 cups. Then, place the steam basket of vegetables into the cooker, and put on the lid.

If you have a basic rice cooker with a single "on" button, simply push the button and wait for the rice cooker to switch to "keep warm" mode. This means your rice is cooked, and your vegetables should be steamed. If you have a processor-controlled rice cooker, select the steam option from the menu, and set the time using the up and down buttons.

If you want to steam your vegetables over the rice as it cooks, this is also possible, but it works best with a small batch of rice, as there may not be enough room in the cooker for both. You can also add the steamer basket partway through the cooking process, or remove it early, to give you more flexibility with cooking times.

Finally, if you don't want to steam your vegetables, you can also cook them directly in the rice. Frozen vegetables work well for this, and you can simply add them to the rice at the beginning of the cooking cycle.

Now you know how to steam or cook your vegetables, you can experiment with different combinations of rice and vegetables to find your favorite flavor combinations!

How to steam vegetables with frozen rice

Yes, you can steam vegetables in an Aroma rice cooker. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables with frozen rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Fill the inner pot of your rice cooker with the required amount of water, as specified in the user manual or on the rice cooker itself. Make sure the water level is correct, as too much water can cause overflow during cooking. Place the steamer basket that came with your rice cooker on top of the inner pot. If your rice cooker didn't come with a steamer basket, you can create your own using aluminium foil and a disposable pie pan (see the DIY Steamer Basket section below for instructions).

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Rice

Select the vegetables you want to steam. Almost any frozen vegetable can be steamed in a rice cooker, including asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, corn on the cob, green beans, and mixed vegetables. Chop any large vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also add frozen rice to the steamer basket to cook it alongside the vegetables.

Step 3: Steam the Vegetables and Rice

Place the prepared vegetables and rice into the steamer basket. Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the "Steam" function. The steaming time will vary depending on the type of vegetable and the size of the pieces. Refer to your user manual or a vegetable steaming guide for specific timings. For example, broccoli typically takes around 15 minutes to steam, while asparagus only takes 12 minutes.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the steamer has finished cooking, carefully open the lid and check that the vegetables and rice are cooked to your desired doneness. If you're happy with the results, remove them from the steamer and season to taste. You can add salt, pepper, herbs, butter, or oil to enhance the flavour of your steamed vegetables and rice.

DIY Steamer Basket

If your rice cooker doesn't have a steamer basket, you can make one using aluminium foil and a disposable pie pan. Here's what you'll need to do:

• Roll three sheets of aluminium foil into balls and place them in the inner pot of your rice cooker.
• Add about 1 cup of water to the inner pot.
• Take a disposable pie pan and poke 10-15 holes in the bottom.
• Place the pie pan on top of the aluminium foil balls, ensuring that it's stable and secure.
• Place your frozen vegetables and rice in the pie pan, close the lid of the rice cooker, and select the "Steam" setting.

Tips for Steaming Vegetables and Rice:

• Avoid overcrowding your steamer basket. It's best to have only one layer of vegetables and rice to ensure even cooking.
• Check your vegetables and rice before serving to ensure they're cooked to your desired doneness.
• Experiment with different combinations of vegetables and seasonings to find your favourite flavour pairings.

Frequently asked questions