Steaming Carrots: Pressure Cooker Timing Tips

Steamed carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be made in a pressure cooker in just a few minutes. They are naturally sweet and can be seasoned with your favourite spices. The cooking time for carrots in a pressure cooker is around 2 minutes, but it will take about 10 minutes for the cooker to reach the required pressure, so the total time is around 12 minutes.

How to prepare carrots for steaming

Preparing carrots for steaming is a simple process. First, decide whether you want to use baby carrots or whole carrots. If you opt for whole carrots, peel them and cut them into 2-inch pieces of roughly equal size. This ensures even cooking.

Next, add water to the inner bowl of your pressure cooker. The amount of water required depends on the size of your cooker; as a guide, add 1 cup of water for a standard-sized cooker, and increase to 2 cups if using an 8-quart cooker.

Now, add the carrots to the pressure cooker. If you have a steamer basket, place the carrots inside it, and then lower the basket into the cooker. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can place the carrots directly into the cooker, on top of a steam rack or metal trivet with at least 1-inch clearance from the bottom of the pot.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker, ensuring the vent is set to sealing. For fork-tender carrots, set the cooker to high pressure for 2 minutes. If you prefer softer carrots, increase the cooking time to 3 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure manually by following your model's quick-release instructions. Carefully remove the steamer basket or trivet and allow it to cool before handling.

How to steam carrots without a steamer basket

Using a Plate and Tinfoil

Fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water and place three golf ball-sized balls of aluminium foil on the bottom. Rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Add the carrots to the plate, cover, and steam until they reach your desired level of crispness or tenderness.

Using a Microwave

Place carrot pieces in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on how tender you want the carrots to be.

Using a Frying Pan

Rinse and prepare the carrots. Add about 1 inch of water to a large frying pan with a fitted lid. Add a dash of salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the carrots into the water, cover the pan, and leave to simmer. The carrots are done when the water has evaporated and a fork can slide through them with ease.

Using a Metal Colander or Strainer

Fill a pot with approximately 1/2 inch of water. Place a metal colander or a strainer inside, leaving enough room so that the boiling water won't touch it. Place the carrots in a single layer in the strainer, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat so it's barely bubbling. Cover the pot as much as possible to prevent steam from escaping and check on the carrots often to prevent over-cooking.

How to season steamed carrots

Steamed carrots are a great side dish to accompany a variety of meals. They are easy to make and can be seasoned in many different ways. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to season steamed carrots:

Butter and Salt

A classic way to season steamed carrots is to toss them in melted butter and sprinkle them with salt. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds a savoury touch.

Herbs

Adding fresh or dried herbs to steamed carrots can elevate their flavour. Some recommended herbs include parsley, thyme, chives, basil, oregano, and dill. These herbs bring a bright, fresh flavour to the dish. You can also experiment with other herbs of your choice.

Spices

If you want to add some extra kick to your steamed carrots, consider using spices like garlic powder, cumin, or chilli powder. A pinch of these spices can transform the dish and make it more exciting. You can also try other spices that pair well with your main course.

Sweet Toppings

For a sweeter twist, you can drizzle honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar over the steamed carrots. These toppings enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and make them even more delectable. You can also experiment with other sweet toppings, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Cheese

Adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to steamed carrots can take them to the next level. The salty, savoury flavour of the cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots. You can also try other types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta crumbles.

Citrus

A spritz of fresh lemon or lime juice can brighten up the flavour of steamed carrots. The acidity of the citrus juice balances the sweetness of the carrots and adds a refreshing touch. You can also add some lemon or lime zest for extra flavour.

Nuts

To add some crunch and texture to your steamed carrots, consider topping them with slivered toasted almonds or other nuts of your choice. The nutty flavour and crispness of the nuts create an interesting contrast with the soft, sweet carrots.

When seasoning steamed carrots, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of the above ingredients. You can also adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy exploring the various ways to season this versatile side dish!

How to store and reheat steamed carrots

Storage

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, in airtight containers, and consumed within three to four days to ensure maximum freshness and food safety.

Reheating

Reheating steamed carrots in the microwave is not recommended due to their high nitrate content. Instead, use a skillet on the stove or oven.

Stove

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots and cook for about five minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also sauté them with a little butter or olive oil to retain their texture and natural sweetness.

Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

How long does it take to steam baby carrots?

Steaming baby carrots in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare this healthy vegetable. The whole process, including the time it takes for the pressure cooker to build up steam, should take around 12 minutes.

How to Steam Baby Carrots in a Pressure Cooker

First, rinse the baby carrots and place them in the Instant Pot with water. You don't need to slice or chop baby carrots, but thicker carrots tend to work better as skinny ones may fall apart. You can also add a steamer basket to the Instant Pot before adding the carrots.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook the carrots for 2 minutes. If you prefer softer carrots, increase the cooking time to 3 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully release the pressure manually and remove the carrots from the cooker. You can now season the carrots as desired.

Seasoning Ideas for Steamed Baby Carrots

• Butter, salt, and pepper
• Butter, brown sugar, and thyme
• Butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or cilantro
• Olive oil, honey, and cinnamon
• Grass-fed butter, honey, and herbs
• Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Frequently asked questions