Steaming Pasta Perfection: The Epicure Steamer Method

The Epicure steamer is a versatile tool that can cook a variety of dishes, including pasta. To cook pasta in the Epicure steamer, you'll need to place water and pasta in the steamer, ensuring that the pasta is covered with water. Secure the lid and microwave for 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked to your desired texture, carefully remove the steamer from the microwave and drain the excess water. The Epicure steamer is a convenient and efficient way to cook pasta, and with the addition of various seasonings, vegetables, and proteins, you can create delicious and nutritious meals for the whole family.

Cooking times for different pasta shapes

The cooking time for pasta depends on its shape, size, thickness, and whether it's fresh or dry. Fresh pasta is typically made from eggs and flour and cooks faster than dry pasta, which is usually made from durum wheat flour and water. Dry pasta has a firmer texture and a slightly nuttier flavour, making it ideal for serving al dente.

Spaghetti

Fresh spaghetti cooks in 2-3 minutes, while dry spaghetti cooks in 8-12 minutes. Start testing for doneness after 2 minutes for fresh and after 8 minutes for dry, checking every 30 seconds or 1 minute, respectively, until it's cooked to your liking.

Orzo

Orzo, a rice-like pasta, cooks in 5-7 minutes for fresh and 8-10 minutes for dry. Keep a close eye on it as it cooks to ensure it doesn't get overcooked or mushy, especially if you prefer your orzo firmer.

Penne

Penne pasta typically takes 2-3 minutes for fresh and 11-13 minutes for dry. Undercooked penne can be too firm and chewy, while overcooked penne can become mushy, so be sure to cook it just right.

Linguine

Fresh linguine cooks in 2-4 minutes, while dry linguine cooks in 8-12 minutes. Both types can quickly become mushy, so it's important to check for doneness by tasting a piece to ensure it's cooked al dente.

Rigatoni

Fresh rigatoni, made with a higher percentage of egg, cooks in 2-3 minutes. Dry rigatoni needs more time to rehydrate and soften, taking 8-12 minutes to cook.

Fettuccine

Fresh fettuccine cooks in 2-4 minutes, and dry fettuccine cooks in 8-12 minutes. Start testing for doneness around the 8-minute mark and adjust according to your preference.

Rotini

Fresh rotini, typically made with eggs and flour, cooks in 2-3 minutes. Dry rotini, made from semolina flour and water, takes 8-10 minutes to cook.

Gnocchi

Gnocchi has a short cooking time due to its soft texture. Fresh gnocchi cooks in 2-3 minutes, and dry gnocchi cooks in 4-5 minutes. To test if it's cooked, cut a piece in half; if the centre is no longer doughy, it's ready.

Macaroni

Small macaroni shapes like elbows and small shells cook in 8-10 minutes, while larger shapes like large shells may take 10-12 minutes. Fresh macaroni cooks in 2-4 minutes, and dry macaroni in 8-12 minutes. Taste-test during cooking to ensure your desired texture.

Cavatappi

Fresh cavatappi cooks in 2-3 minutes, and dry cavatappi in 8-10 minutes. Dry cavatappi is more common due to its longer shelf life, but it requires a longer cooking time.

Ziti

Fresh ziti cooks in 3-5 minutes, resulting in a soft and tender texture. Dry ziti, made from durum wheat semolina, cooks in 8-12 minutes and has a firmer texture.

Fusilli

Fresh fusilli, made with eggs and water, cooks in 2-4 minutes. Dry fusilli, which doesn't contain eggs, cooks in 8-10 minutes.

Capellini

Also known as angel hair pasta, fresh capellini cooks very quickly in 1-3 minutes, and dry capellini cooks in 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on fresh capellini to avoid overcooking.

How to prepare the steamer

The Epicure steamer is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the steamer for cooking pasta:

Firstly, get your Epicure steamer ready. This steamer is made of 100% food-grade silicone and is safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven. It consists of a steamer body and a lid with steam vents. Place the steamer on a flat surface and ensure it is stable.

Next, fill the steamer with water. Place the steamer body on a scale and measure the desired amount of water as per the pasta recipe you are following. It is important to ensure you have the right amount of water for the pasta to cook effectively.

Then, add the pasta. Choose the type of pasta you want to cook, such as macaroni, penne, or spaghetti. Refer to the pasta package for the recommended cooking time, as different types of pasta may have varying cooking durations. Place the pasta into the steamer, ensuring it is fully submerged in the water.

Now, you are ready to microwave your pasta. Cover the steamer with the lid and place it in the microwave. Set the timer according to the pasta cooking instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for dried pasta. The timing may vary depending on the type of pasta and your desired doneness.

Finally, exercise caution when removing the steamer from the microwave. It will be very hot, so use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands. Carefully lift the steamer out of the microwave and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Remove the lid, again being mindful of the escaping steam. Drain the pasta in a colander or sieve, and your pasta is now ready to be served or mixed with your favourite sauce!

Adding ingredients to the steamer

To cook pasta in an Epicure steamer, you'll first need to place water and pasta in the Multipurpose Steamer. The amount of water you use will depend on the type of pasta you're cooking. As a general rule, you'll want to cover the pasta with about one inch of water. If you're cooking shorter pasta shapes like elbows, you'll need less water, and if you're cooking longer shapes like spaghetti, you'll need more.

Once you've added the water and pasta to the steamer, you'll need to microwave it with the lid on for 8-10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of pasta you're using. Shorter, thicker shapes like bows or penne will take closer to 10 minutes, while fresh pasta like ravioli and tortellini will only take 3-5 minutes.

After microwaving, carefully remove the steamer from the microwave and drain the pasta. Now you can begin to add your ingredients. If you're making a simple pasta dish, you might just need to stir in some seasoning, milk, and butter. If you're making a heartier meal, you might want to add in some protein like cooked ground beef, pulled pork, or rotisserie chicken. You can also add in some vegetables, like steamed peas or corn.

If you're looking to add more flavour to your pasta dish, you might consider adding some lemon or lime juice. Squeeze this over the top just before serving for a zesty kick. Alternatively, you can add in some spices and herbs to taste. Adding ingredients to your pasta dish in the Epicure steamer is a quick and easy way to create a tasty, healthy meal.

Microwaving the pasta

To cook pasta in an Epicure steamer, you will need the Multipurpose Steamer and a microwave. This method is ideal for busy parents who need a quick, tasty meal for their children.

Firstly, place water and pasta in the Multipurpose Steamer. The amount of pasta and water you use will depend on how many servings you want to make. As a guide, for one serving, you will need 1/3 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter (optional). Adjust the quantities accordingly if you are cooking for more people.

Once you have added the pasta and water to the steamer, secure the lid and place the steamer in the microwave. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you are using, with shorter times for elbow pasta and longer for spaghetti. Always refer to the cooking instructions on your packet of pasta.

After microwaving, carefully remove the steamer from the microwave, as it will be hot. Drain the pasta, and then return it to the steamer or a bowl. If you are making macaroni cheese, stir in the seasoning, milk, and butter (if desired). Stir well to coat the pasta, and then add frozen peas to the mixture.

You can also add extra vegetables and protein to your dish. Stir in 2 cups of steamed vegetables, such as leftover cooked ground beef, pulled pork, or rotisserie chicken.

Draining the pasta

Once the pasta is cooked, it's time to drain the water. Be very careful as the steamer will be hot from the microwave. Place the steamer on a heat-resistant surface and remove the lid, pointing it away from you to avoid steam burns. You may want to use oven mitts for this step.

Hold the steamer body with one hand and use your other hand to tilt the steamer slightly, allowing the water to drain out of the steamer vents into the sink. Keep the steamer tilted until most of the water has drained. You can also carefully pour out the water into the sink if you prefer.

If your Epicure steamer has a drain plug, you can open it to drain the water. Make sure to place a bowl or container under the steamer to collect the water. Once the water has drained, close the plug securely before removing the steamer from the sink.

After draining, return the steamer to the countertop and open the lid to allow any remaining steam to escape. Give the pasta a gentle stir with a fork to prevent clumping and ensure even cooling. Leave the lid off for a few minutes until the pasta is cool enough to handle.

Frequently asked questions