Steaming Veggies: Thermomix Style

Steaming vegetables in a Thermomix is a quick and easy way to cook veggies while retaining their nutrients and flavour. The Thermomix Varoma allows you to steam a variety of vegetables, from zucchini and carrots to potatoes and broccoli, to your desired texture. The process is simple: fill the mixing bowl with water, prepare your chosen vegetables, place them in the simmering basket or Varoma tray, and cook for around 20-25 minutes at Varoma temperature. With the Thermomix, you can also make delicious mashed potatoes to accompany your steamed veggies.

How to cook steamed vegetables in a Thermomix

How to prepare vegetables for steaming

Preparing vegetables for steaming in a Thermomix is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wash the vegetables thoroughly: Before steaming, ensure all your chosen vegetables are clean and free of dirt or chemicals. Wash them under running water and gently rub or scrub to remove any residue.
• Peel and chop the vegetables: Some vegetables, like carrots or potatoes, may require peeling. Use a vegetable peeler or a small knife to remove the outer skin. Then, chop the vegetables into your desired size and shape. Smaller pieces will cook faster and fit more easily into the Thermomix basket or tray.
• Place the vegetables in the simmering basket or Varoma tray: The type of vegetable and your personal preference will determine their placement. For denser vegetables like potatoes, corn, or carrots, use the simmering basket. For more delicate vegetables like broccoli or green beans, use the Varoma tray.
• Layer the vegetables correctly: When using the Varoma, place the largest and most dense vegetables at the bottom. Layer the softer, more delicate vegetables on top or add them towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Add water to the Thermomix bowl: Pour in enough water to cover the blades, usually around 500 grams or 1 litre. This water will generate the steam for cooking.
• Season the vegetables (optional): If desired, you can add seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs to the vegetables before steaming. This can enhance their flavour.
• Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures: The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable and your desired doneness. Refer to the Thermomix recipe instructions for specific cooking times and temperatures.

Remember, steaming vegetables in a Thermomix is a versatile and nutritious cooking method. You can experiment with different combinations of vegetables and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy exploring the possibilities!

How to steam vegetables in the Thermomix

Steaming vegetables in the Thermomix is a quick and easy way to cook veggies while retaining their nutrients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Wash your chosen vegetables thoroughly. You can use a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, French beans, potatoes, broccoli, or corn. Peel the vegetables that can be peeled, or simply wash those that don't need peeling. Cut the vegetables into your desired size and shape—smaller or larger pieces, or even slices or wedges.

Step 2: Set Up the Thermomix

Pour water into the mixing bowl of your Thermomix. The amount of water can vary from 500 grams to 1 litre, depending on the model and your preferences. Place the simmering basket into the mixing bowl.

Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables

Place the vegetables into the simmering basket and/or the Varoma tray. If using the Varoma, put denser and larger vegetables at the bottom, and add smaller or more delicate vegetables to the Varoma tray for the final few minutes of cooking. You can also fill the simmering basket with potatoes for mashing, if desired.

Step 4: Start Steaming

Close the Thermomix lid and set the temperature to Varoma. Set the speed to 1 or 2, and the cooking time to around 20-25 minutes, depending on your vegetables and how soft you like them. Remember that denser vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes may take longer to cook.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

Check the vegetables after about 20 minutes to see if they are done to your liking. Test with a skewer and adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer softer vegetables, you may need to extend the cooking time. Remember that residual heat will continue to cook the vegetables for a few minutes after removing them from the Thermomix.

Step 6: Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, remove the Varoma and/or simmering basket from the Thermomix. Drain any excess water from the potatoes if you plan to mash them. Serve the steamed vegetables as a side dish, or dress them with extra virgin olive oil and salt to taste. Enjoy!

How to make mashed potatoes in the Thermomix

Ingredients:

• 500-1000g potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-3cm pieces
• 250g milk (or half milk, half water)
• 30g butter, cut into pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chives
• Coriander
• English mustard
• Coconut cream

Method:

• Place the potatoes, milk, salt, and pepper into the TM bowl.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes at 100°C on speed 1.
• Check that the potatoes are well cooked before mashing. They are ready when they start to fall apart.
• Add the butter and mash for 20-30 seconds on speed 3-4 until you reach your desired consistency.
• For smaller quantities, simply reduce the amount of potato and liquid proportionately. If reducing the quantity, reduce the cooking time by approximately 5 minutes.
• If you prefer a creamier mash, use half cream, half milk, or all cream instead of milk.
• For extra flavour, add parmesan cheese and fresh chives, or try adding coriander and English mustard.

How to steam vegetables without overcooking them

Steaming vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook them while retaining their nutrients and vibrant colours. However, it's important to avoid overcooking them, which can result in a soggy, bland texture. Here are some tips to help you steam vegetables without overcooking them:

Choose the Right Steaming Method

Use a stovetop and a steamer basket to lift the vegetables off the bottom of the pan, preventing them from getting soggy. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a parchment paper pouch in the oven or even a microwave as a last resort.

Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. More tender vegetables, like broccoli, will cook faster than denser vegetables, like carrots. If steaming a mix of vegetables, add the denser, longer-cooking veggies first and then add the quicker-cooking veggies after a few minutes.

Use the Right Amount of Water

Add about 1 inch of water to the bottom of your saucepan or pot. The water level should be just under the steamer basket. The vegetables steam from the rising steam, not by being submerged in water.

Timing is Key

The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the vegetables. As a general rule, tender vegetables like asparagus or green beans will cook in a few minutes, while denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes will take longer. Set a timer to avoid overcooking, and start checking the vegetables after a few minutes.

Test for Doneness

The vegetables are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife or fork. They should still have a bit of crunch in the middle, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat. Remove the vegetables from the heat when they are just shy of being fully cooked to prevent overcooking.

Seasoning

Once the vegetables are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and transfer them to a plate or bowl. Season with kosher salt, olive oil or butter, and any desired herbs or spices.

How to steam vegetables with a Combi-Steam oven

Steaming vegetables in a combi-steam oven is a quick and easy way to cook them while retaining their nutrients and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash your chosen vegetables thoroughly. You can steam a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, French beans, potatoes, broccoli, corn, or asparagus. Cut the vegetables into your desired size and shape. Keep in mind that denser vegetables will take longer to cook, so you may want to cut them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Set Up the Combi-Steam Oven

Fill the water reservoir of your combi-steam oven with water. The amount of water will depend on the model of your oven and the amount of vegetables you are cooking. Refer to your oven's instructions for the recommended water level.

Step 3: Place the Vegetables in the Steaming Tray

Arrange the prepared vegetables in the steaming tray of your combi-steam oven. Place denser and harder vegetables in the bottom layer, as they will take longer to cook. Add more delicate vegetables to the Varoma tray if you have one, and place it on top.

Step 4: Start Steaming

Close the combi-steam oven and set the temperature and timer. The steaming time will depend on the type and quantity of vegetables you are cooking, as well as your desired doneness. As a guide, steamed vegetables are typically cooked for around 13 to 25 minutes. Remember that residual heat will continue to cook the vegetables for a few minutes after you remove them from the oven.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

To check if your vegetables are done, insert a skewer or a knife into the thickest part of the vegetable. If it pierces easily, your vegetables are ready. If you prefer softer vegetables, you may need to steam them for a few minutes longer.

Step 6: Serve

Once your vegetables are steamed to your desired doneness, remove them from the combi-steam oven and serve immediately. You can season them with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, or a dressing of your choice. Enjoy your freshly steamed vegetables as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.

Frequently asked questions