Steamer Soup Speed: Aromatic Meals In Minutes

Aroma rice cookers are a popular kitchen appliance, offering a convenient and efficient way to cook rice and steam vegetables, meat, and fish. With various models available, including the Aroma Select Stainless Rice & Grain Cooker and the Aroma Digital Rice & Grain Multicooker, these appliances promise to take the guesswork out of cooking perfect rice. But how fast can an Aroma steamer cook soup?

The Aroma rice cooker and steamer can be used to prepare a variety of dishes beyond rice and steamed vegetables. According to some users, it can be used for cooking soups and stews, although specific instructions and cooking times may vary depending on the model and recipe.

The Aroma Digital Rice & Grain Multicooker, for example, offers a delay timer for planned meals. It also features an induction heating element that cooks food evenly throughout the chamber. This model is said to produce plump and consistent rice grains and alert users when the rice is ready.

On the other hand, the Aroma Select Stainless model is a simpler appliance with a single-button system. It heats rice from a single hot plate, which may result in uneven cooking and slightly wet or hard rice grains.

While specific cooking times for soup are not readily available, the Aroma rice cookers' ability to steam vegetables and cook rice in around 20-30 minutes suggests that preparing a soup using these appliances could be relatively quick and efficient. However, it is important to refer to the product manual or the Aroma website for specific cooking instructions and timings.

How to use an Aroma rice cooker to cook soup

An Aroma rice cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook rice and steam vegetables, meat, and fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an Aroma rice cooker to cook soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start, gather all the ingredients needed for your soup. Cut the vegetables, meat, or fish into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking. Rinse the rice inside the inner pot with water until the water becomes clear, and then drain the water.

Step 2: Assemble the Rice Cooker

Place the Aroma rice cooker on a flat surface and plug it into an electrical socket. Ensure that the switch is turned on. The Aroma rice cooker should be equipped with a steamer tray that needs to be properly placed over the top of the unit. This tray will allow you to steam the ingredients while the soup cooks below.

Step 3: Adjust the Settings

Use the control dial to select the "steam" setting. Preheat the rice cooker for a few minutes to ensure the temperature is optimal for cooking. If your cooker has specific settings for soup, select that option.

Step 4: Add Water and Rice

Add the desired amount of water to the inner pot, ensuring it is cold water. The amount of water should correspond to the amount of rice you plan to cook. For instance, if using one cup of rice, add one cup of water. Then, add the rice to the inner pot and stir it into the water.

Step 5: Close the Lid and Cook

Close the lid of the rice cooker securely. Press the “cook” button to initiate the cooking process. The cooker will automatically switch to the "Keep-Warm" mode once the cooking is complete, which will keep your soup at an ideal temperature until you are ready to serve.

Step 6: Add Ingredients for Steaming

If you wish to steam vegetables, meat, or fish along with your soup, now is the time to add them. Place the ingredients in the steamer tray, ensuring they are submerged in the water. Keep an eye on the ingredients and check their doneness before removing them.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your soup is cooked to your desired consistency, turn off the rice cooker and carefully remove the inner pot. Serve the soup in bowls, and if you steamed any ingredients, serve them alongside for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Remember to clean your Aroma rice cooker after each use. Use a damp cloth to wipe any spills, and then wash the inner pot and lid with mild detergent and warm water. Dry all surfaces before storing the cooker in a cool, dry place.

How long does it take to cook soup in an Aroma rice cooker?

The Aroma rice cooker is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that can be used to cook rice and steam vegetables, meat, and fish. The time it takes to cook soup in an Aroma rice cooker will depend on the type of soup you are making and the specific model of your Aroma rice cooker.

The Aroma Digital Rice & Grain Multicooker is an example of an Aroma rice cooker that can be used to cook soup. This model can cook between two to eight cups of cooked rice per batch. According to the manual, the cook time for this model is around 30 minutes, not including prep and rest time. Therefore, you can expect the total cooking time for soup in this particular model to be around 30 minutes, depending on the recipe and the amount of soup you are making.

Another model, the Aroma Select Stainless Rice & Grain Cooker, has a cook time of 20 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes of rest time. This model can cook between two to six cups of cooked rice per batch. So, if you are making a soup recipe that yields two to six cups of soup, you can expect the cook time to be around 20 minutes with this model.

It is important to note that the specific cook times may vary depending on the ingredients and the recipe you are using. Additionally, different Aroma rice cooker models may have different cooking capacities and settings, which can also affect the total cooking time.

When using an Aroma rice cooker to make soup, it is recommended to follow the included manual for specific instructions on cook times, water ratios, and other important information.

What are the best recipes for soup in an Aroma rice cooker?

Aroma rice cookers are great for making a variety of soups. Here are some recipes to get you started:

Chicken Noodle Soup

A classic and comforting choice, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. The trick to making this soup in a rice cooker is to add the noodles later so they don't get soggy.

Carrot Ginger Soup

This soup is vibrant in color and has a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of heat from the ginger. It's a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables!

Yellow Split Pea Soup

Hearty and nutritious, yellow split pea soup is filling, low in fat and calories, high in protein, and packed with healthy ingredients. It's so tasty that one bowl is never enough!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is a healthy and flavorful option, perfect for a busy weeknight. It includes beans, carrots, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken. The brown rice adds extra nutritional value. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 pound chicken breast, chopped
• 5 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
• 1/2 cup brown rice, raw
• 1/2 cup black beans, canned
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 can corn, drained

Instructions:

• Chop the onion and garlic, and put them in the bottom of a HOT rice cooker with some oil to start browning.
• While the rice cooker is heating up, chop the chicken.
• Add the chicken to the rice cooker and cook until browned.
• Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, brown rice, drained corn, chopped carrots, and black beans.
• Turn the rice cooker on to the 'brown rice' setting, if available. Otherwise, set it to cook for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Serve and enjoy!

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with this citrus and dill-flavored soup. It's cleansing and bright, and can be served with a side of baguette or topped with a poached egg.

Indian Coconut Soup

This unique soup includes green radish, corn, sliced coconut, dried figs, and Chinese dates—a combination of ingredients you've never tasted before!

Other Options

In addition to these specific recipes, you can also make tasty soups using the slow cooker function on your Aroma rice cooker. This is ideal for cooking less expensive portions of meat, making them tender and tasty. You can also use the rice cooker to boil water, which is faster than doing so on a stovetop.

Remember to always check the capacity of your rice cooker against the yield of your recipe, as rice cookers tend to be smaller than the average volume of a soup recipe. You may need to adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly. Additionally, precook any meats and crunchy vegetables before adding them to the rice cooker, as the cooking time may not be sufficient to fully cook them.

What are the best Aroma rice cookers for making soup?

Aroma offers a wide range of rice cookers that can be used to make soup. Here are some of the best options:

Aroma ARC-914SBD Digital Rice Cooker

This rice cooker is perfect for those who want a simple, intuitive, and affordable option. It has a capacity of 4 cups and features settings for white rice, brown rice, keeping warm, steaming, delay timer, and flash rice. It produces fluffy and perfectly cooked grains, and its keep-warm setting works well, maintaining the rice's moisture without overcooking it. Its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces.

Aroma 6-Cup Pot-Style Rice Cooker

This Aroma rice cooker is a versatile and efficient appliance with a 6-cup capacity. It has a simple one-touch operation and an automatic cooking feature that detects when the rice is ready, switching to Keep Warm mode. It comes with a nonstick inner pot, tempered glass lid, rice measuring cup, and serving spatula. In addition to rice, it can also be used for preparing omelets, soups, and more. Its compact size and durable construction make it a convenient option for any kitchen.

Aroma Housewares 14-Cup Pot Style Rice Cooker and Food Steamer

This rice cooker and food steamer have a capacity of 4 to 14 cups and feature a one-touch operation with an automatic keep-warm mode. It can simultaneously steam vegetables and meat while cooking rice. The nonstick inner cooking pot and accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. This appliance is ideal for those who want to cook rice and steam food simultaneously.

Aroma Housewares 20-Cup Pot-Style Rice Cooker & Food Steamer

This rice cooker has a large capacity of 4 to 20 cups and features a simple one-touch operation with an automatic Keep Warm mode. It comes with a nonstick removable inner pot, a full-view tempered glass lid, and accessories such as a rice measuring cup, serving spatula, and steam tray. In addition to rice, it can also be used for preparing soups, jambalaya, chili, and more. Its affordable price and reliable performance make it a great addition to any kitchen.

Aroma Housewares ARC-5200SB Rice & Grain Cooker

The Aroma ARC-5200SB is a versatile and programmable rice cooker with a capacity of up to 20 cups. It features 15 automated controls for various cooking options, including steamed veggies, rice, cakes, soup, risotto, and multi-grains. It comes with a non-stick inner pot, rice measuring cup, plastic rice spatula, and steam tray. All parts are BPA-free, and its durable coating makes it easy to clean. This rice cooker is ideal for both individual and family use.

How does an Aroma rice cooker compare to other soup-making methods?

The Aroma rice cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for more than just cooking rice. It is a convenient option for preparing soups, offering both beginner and intermediate cooks a range of benefits.

Aroma Rice Cooker vs Other Soup-Making Methods:

Benefits of Using an Aroma Rice Cooker for Soup:

• Easy preparation: Soup-making in the Aroma rice cooker is straightforward, making it ideal for novice cooks.
• One-pot wonder: You can simmer your ingredients without needing to constantly stir them on a stove.
• Infusion of flavors: The gentle and consistent heat of the rice cooker allows flavors to blend beautifully.
• Texture control: Experiment with different ingredients and cooking times to achieve your desired soup consistency.
• Creative combinations: Explore unique ingredient pairings and culinary traditions to enhance your soup.
• Temperature precision: The rice cooker maintains a steady temperature, ensuring your soup is cooked evenly.

Drawbacks of Using an Aroma Rice Cooker for Soup:

• Limited capacity: Many rice cookers have smaller capacities than the average soup recipe, requiring you to adjust ingredient amounts.
• Meat and crunchy vegetable prep: Meats and crunchy vegetables like peppers, carrots, and celery may need precooking or pre-steaming for optimal results.
• Residue: You will likely encounter residue at the bottom of your rice cooker, which can be mitigated by pouring a few inches of water and boiling to loosen it.

Tips for Using an Aroma Rice Cooker for Soup:

• Choose high-quality broth: Opt for vegetable, chicken, or beef broth based on your soup preference.
• Uniform vegetable prep: Chop your veggies evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Layering: Place veggies at the bottom, followed by proteins like chicken or beans.
• Seasoning: Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Simmering: Allow the soup to simmer with occasional stirring to prevent sticking.
• Umami boost: For intermediate cooks, add ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, or fish sauce for depth.
• Acid balance: Brighten the flavors with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Ingredient variations: Experiment with grains, legumes, or creamy additions for heartier soups.
• Garnishing: Top your soup with fresh herbs, crunchy toppings, or a drizzle of oil for a satisfying finish.

In conclusion, the Aroma rice cooker is a versatile tool for soup-making, offering convenience, flavor infusion, and texture control. However, it may require adjustments to ingredient amounts and additional prep for certain ingredients.

Frequently asked questions