Steaming Veggies: Pampered Chef Micro Cooker Style

The Pampered Chef Micro Cooker is a versatile kitchen tool designed for steaming vegetables efficiently in the microwave. It consists of a pot with a vented lid, which allows steam to escape while retaining moisture, ensuring your vegetables are cooked evenly and retain their colour, flavour, and nutrients. The Micro Cooker is available in various sizes and can be used for cooking pasta or even baking.

To steam vegetables, start by washing your chosen fresh vegetables and cutting them into uniform pieces. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the Micro Cooker, place the vegetables on top, cover with the vented lid, and microwave for 3-8 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness. Season and serve immediately.

How to prepare your vegetables for steaming

Preparing your vegetables for steaming is a simple process and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, select your choice of fresh vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and green beans are all great options. Wash your chosen vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Next, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. For example, chop broccoli into florets, slice carrots into rounds or sticks, and trim the ends off green beans.

Once your vegetables are prepared, you can place them into your Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker. Do not overcrowd the cooker; instead, arrange the vegetables in a single layer to allow for even cooking. For optimal results, add approximately 2-3 tablespoons of water to the cooker, as this will create steam and help to soften the vegetables during the cooking process.

With your vegetables in the cooker, secure the vented lid on top, ensuring the venting holes are aligned to allow steam to escape. Now, you are ready to place the Micro-Cooker into the microwave. The cooking time will vary based on the type of vegetable and your microwave's wattage. As a general guideline, most vegetables will take between 3 to 8 minutes to steam.

After the specified time, carefully remove the Micro-Cooker and check if your vegetables are cooked to your desired level of doneness. If needed, return them to the microwave for an additional minute or two.

Once your vegetables are cooked, remove the lid and allow any excess steam to escape. Your vegetables are now ready to be seasoned and served. Enjoy!

How much water to add to the Micro Cooker

The amount of water you need to add to your Pampered Chef Micro Cooker depends on the type and quantity of vegetables you are preparing. For fresh vegetables, you only need a small amount of water—approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons—in the bottom of the cooker. This water will create steam during the cooking process, helping to soften the vegetables.

If you are cooking frozen vegetables, it is best to follow the package directions. However, as a general rule, you can use a few tablespoons of water for every cup of vegetables. It is better to use more water than necessary and then strain the excess water when the vegetables are done cooking.

When placing the vegetables in the Micro Cooker, ensure that you do not overcrowd the cooker. This allows the steam to circulate effectively, resulting in more evenly cooked vegetables.

It is also important to note that the cooking time will vary based on the type of vegetable and the microwave's wattage. Therefore, it is recommended to start with the suggested cooking time and then adjust as needed.

How to place vegetables in the Micro Cooker

Placing vegetables in the Micro Cooker is a simple process. Firstly, ensure you have washed your chosen vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. For example, you could chop broccoli into florets, slice carrots into rounds or sticks, and trim the ends off green beans.

Next, pour 2-3 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the Micro Cooker. This water will create steam during cooking, helping to soften the vegetables.

Now, it's time to place the vegetables inside the cooker. Position the chopped vegetables on top of the water, ensuring they are not overcrowded. For maximum effect, try to arrange them in a single layer, allowing the steam to circulate around each piece of vegetable.

Once you have placed the vegetables inside, secure the vented lid on top of the Micro Cooker. Ensure the venting holes are aligned and faced appropriately to allow steam to escape while preventing liquid from accumulating on the lid.

Finally, place the Micro Cooker in the microwave. The cooking time will vary based on the type of vegetable and the microwave's wattage. As a general guideline, refer to the cooking time chart:

• Broccoli: 3-4 minutes
• Carrots: 3-4 minutes
• Cauliflower: 4-5 minutes
• Green beans: 3-4 minutes
• Asparagus: 2-3 minutes

After the specified time, carefully remove the Micro Cooker and check the doneness of your vegetables. If needed, you can always return them to the microwave for an additional minute or two.

How to cover the Micro Cooker with the vented lid

To cover the Micro Cooker with the vented lid, first ensure that the venting holes are aligned and faced appropriately. This will allow steam to escape while preventing liquid from accumulating on the lid. Secure the vented lid on top of the Micro Cooker and place the cooker in the microwave. The cooking time will vary based on the type of vegetable and the microwave's wattage. As a general guideline, cook your vegetables for 3 to 8 minutes. After the specified time, carefully remove the Micro Cooker and check the doneness of your vegetables. If needed, you can always return them to the microwave for an additional minute or two.

How long to microwave the vegetables

The time it takes to microwave vegetables in the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker depends on the type and amount of vegetables you are preparing, as well as the wattage of your microwave.

As a general rule, most vegetables will take between 3 to 8 minutes to steam in the microwave. For example, Buttery Dill Carrots take around 6 minutes to cook in the Micro-Cooker.

When cooking vegetables in the Micro-Cooker, it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time and then adjust as needed. You can always microwave the vegetables for an additional minute or two if they are not done to your liking.

• Fresh vegetables: Add 2-3 tablespoons of water for every cup of fresh vegetables and cook until they reach the desired doneness.
• Frozen vegetables: Follow the package directions for cooking frozen vegetables. As a reference, frozen broccoli takes around 6-7 minutes to cook.
• Baby carrots, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, and corn: Start with 4 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Broccoli florets, carrot rounds or sticks, and green beans: Place the vegetables in a single layer in the Micro-Cooker and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking at regular intervals. Remove the vegetables when they are bright green and still crisp.

It is important to note that the cooking times mentioned above are just guidelines, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the specific model of the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker you are using, the wattage of your microwave, and the type and amount of vegetables being cooked. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the cooking chart or instructions that come with the Micro-Cooker for specific recommended cooking times.

Frequently asked questions