Steaming Carrots: Using Your Pressure Cooker Perfectly

Steaming carrots in a pressure cooker is a quick, simple, and tasty way to cook this versatile vegetable. It is a great option for a super easy side dish, which can be seasoned to your preference.

How to prepare carrots for steaming

The first step in preparing carrots for steaming is to peel them using a potato peeler. If you are using whole carrots, cut them into equal sizes—about 2-inch pieces, similar in size to baby carrots. You can also use baby carrots, which require no preparation as they are already peeled and cut into the perfect size.

Once your carrots are peeled and cut to the desired size, you can place them into a steamer basket or directly into the instant pot steel insert. If using a steamer basket, add a cup of water to the instant pot insert first, then place the steamer basket inside. If steaming directly in the instant pot, simply add 1-2 cups of water (depending on the size of your cooker) to the pot before adding the carrots.

Now your carrots are prepared and ready for steaming!

How to set up the pressure cooker

Setting up the pressure cooker is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, add water to the inner pot of the pressure cooker. The amount of water will depend on the size of your cooker. For a smaller cooker, you will need around 1 cup of water, while for a larger 8qt cooker, you will need 2 cups.

Next, prepare your carrots. You can use either baby carrots or whole carrots. If using whole carrots, peel and cut them into equal-sized pieces of around 2 inches in length. Try to cut them to a similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

Now, add the carrots to the pressure cooker. If you have a steamer basket, place this inside the cooker first and then add the carrots. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal trivet that comes with most electric pressure cookers, or anything else with holes that is pressure cooker-friendly. Place the carrots on top, trying to keep them on the track as much as possible.

Finally, close the lid of the pressure cooker, making sure the vent is set to sealing. Your pressure cooker is now ready to start cooking!

How long to steam carrots

The time it takes to steam carrots in a pressure cooker depends on the level of crunchiness or softness you desire. For crunchier carrots, 2 minutes at high pressure is enough. If you prefer softer carrots, increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

Steps to steam carrots in a pressure cooker:

• Add a cup of water to the inner pot of the pressure cooker.
• Place a steamer basket or steam rack inside the pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use the steam rack that usually comes with the cooker.
• Add the carrots. If using baby carrots, you can add them directly. For whole carrots, peel and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
• Close the lid, ensuring the vent is set to sealing.
• Set the cooker to high pressure for 2 minutes for crunchy carrots or 3 minutes for softer carrots.
• Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure manually and carefully remove the steamer basket.

Tips:

• The cooking time remains the same even if you double or triple the quantity of carrots.
• If you're using whole carrots, the cooking time will depend on their thickness. For thinner carrots, 3 minutes on Steam mode should be enough. Increase the time for thicker carrots.
• You can also steam carrots directly in the pot without a steamer basket. However, this method may require more cleaning and can lead to overcooking.

How to season steamed carrots

Steamed carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with many main courses. They have a fresh, naturally sweet taste and require minimal seasoning. Here are some tips on how to season your steamed carrots to elevate your meal:

Butter and Salt

A classic way to season steamed carrots is to toss them in butter and sprinkle them with salt. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Kosher salt is a good option for the salty component. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the carrots, then sprinkle with salt and give them a good toss to coat.

Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper can add a nice kick to your steamed carrots. Combine it with the butter and salt for a simple yet flavorful seasoning.

Fresh Herbs

Adding fresh herbs is a great way to bring flavour to steamed carrots. Thyme, parsley, chives, basil, oregano, and dill all pair well with carrots. Chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the carrots, or add them to the melted butter before drizzling it over the vegetables.

Honey

For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey over your steamed carrots. This can be especially delicious when combined with butter and herbs.

Garlic

A hint of garlic can add depth of flavour to steamed carrots. You can use grated garlic or garlic powder to enhance the dish.

Spices

Experiment with spices like cumin, chilli powder, or Italian seasoning blend to give your steamed carrots a kick. You can sauté the carrots with these spices or add them to the melted butter before tossing with the vegetables.

Lemon Juice

A spritz of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavour of steamed carrots. It adds a tangy, refreshing note to the dish.

Cheese

For a savoury twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or feta cheese over your steamed carrots. This can add a salty, creamy dimension to the dish.

Nuts

Toasted slivered almonds can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to steamed carrots.

Remember, when seasoning steamed carrots, it's essential to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Start with a small amount of each seasoning and add more as needed. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles!

How to store leftover steamed carrots

Once you've steamed your carrots, you may find yourself with leftovers. Here's how to store them:

Allow the carrots to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to five days.

If you want to keep your carrots for longer, you can freeze them. First, you'll need to blanch them to preserve their nutrients and taste. To do this, cut off the tops of your carrots, wash and peel them, then chop them into your desired size. Place the carrots in boiling water for 2-5 minutes, depending on their size. Remove the carrots from the pot and immediately place them in an ice bath for the same amount of time. Drain the carrots and lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the freezer until the carrots are frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Label the bag and store the carrots in the freezer for up to a year.

Frequently asked questions