Steaming Cauliflower: The Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker Way

The Pampered Chef Micro Cooker is a versatile kitchen tool designed for steaming vegetables in the microwave. It is made from durable materials and features a vented lid, which allows steam to escape while retaining moisture. This ensures that vegetables are cooked evenly and retain their colour, flavour, and nutrients.

To steam cauliflower in the Micro Cooker, start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Place the florets in the Micro Cooker, adding just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl (around 2-3 tablespoons). Cover the bowl with a plate or the vented lid and microwave for 3-4 minutes, depending on how large the florets are and how powerful your microwave is.

The Micro Cooker is available in different sizes (1-qt, 2-qt, and 3-qt) and can be used for cooking a variety of foods, including rice, pasta, and eggs. It is also dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient and quick option for preparing healthy meals.

Preparing the cauliflower

Start by removing any tough outer leaves from the cauliflower head. Wash the cauliflower thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep "X" shape on the bottom of the stem, then cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also chop the cauliflower into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Place the chopped cauliflower into a microwave-safe bowl or container, such as the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, usually around 2 to 3 tablespoons. The water will create steam during the cooking process, helping to soften the cauliflower.

If using the Micro-Cooker, secure the vented lid on top, ensuring that the venting holes are aligned and faced appropriately to allow steam to escape while preventing liquid from accumulating on the lid.

Place the bowl or cooker with the cauliflower into the microwave. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, the size of the cauliflower pieces, and the power of your microwave. As a general guideline, cook the cauliflower for 3 to 4 minutes, and then let it sit in the microwave for 1 minute before removing it carefully, as the steam trapped under the lid will be hot.

Check the doneness of your cauliflower, and if needed, return it to the microwave for an additional minute or two.

Once cooked to your liking, remove the cauliflower from the microwave and season it with salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, or your favorite herbs and spices. Enjoy your perfectly steamed cauliflower!

Adding water to the Micro Cooker

Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the Micro Cooker. This amount of water is generally recommended for steaming vegetables. However, you can use more water if needed and strain the excess water after cooking. The water level should be just enough to cover the bottom of the bowl.

The Micro Cooker comes in different sizes, so adjust the amount of water accordingly. For example, if you are using the 3-qt. (3-L) Micro Cooker® Plus, you may need to add a bit more water compared to the smaller sizes.

If you are cooking cauliflower, simply add enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl. This will ensure that the cauliflower steams properly without becoming mushy.

The Micro Cooker is an excellent tool for steaming vegetables, and adding the right amount of water is key to achieving perfectly cooked, nutritious, and vibrant veggies every time.

Placing the cauliflower in the cooker

To place the cauliflower in the cooker, start by washing your cauliflower head thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also remove the leaves and trim the core and bottom of the cauliflower so that it fits easily into the cooker. Place the chopped cauliflower into the Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker®, ensuring that they are arranged in a single layer with enough space for steam to circulate. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the cooker. The water will create steam during the cooking process, helping to soften the cauliflower. Secure the vented lid on top of the cooker, ensuring that the venting holes are aligned to allow steam to escape while preventing liquid from accumulating on the lid.

Covering with the vented lid

After placing the cauliflower in the Micro Cooker, it's time to cover it with the vented lid. This step is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, the vented lid allows steam to escape, which prevents explosions and splatters during cooking. Secondly, it also helps to retain moisture, ensuring that your cauliflower cooks evenly and maintains its colour, flavour, and nutrients.

When covering the Micro Cooker, ensure that the venting holes in the lid are aligned and faced appropriately. This will enable steam to escape while preventing liquid from accumulating on the lid. The Micro Cooker's unique venting system is designed to allow steam to circulate, ensuring even cooking while retaining the vegetable's colour, flavour, and nutrients.

The Pampered Chef Micro Cooker comes in different sizes—1-qt. (1-L), 2-qt. (2-L), and 3-qt. (3-L)—so you can choose the right size for the quantity of cauliflower you're cooking. Remember, it's important not to overcrowd the cooker, as this can affect steam circulation and lead to uneven cooking.

Once you've secured the vented lid, you can place the Micro Cooker in the microwave. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the quantity of cauliflower you're cooking. As a general guideline, most vegetables take between 3 to 8 minutes to steam in the microwave. However, it's always a good idea to refer to the cooking chart that often comes with the product for specific recommended cooking times.

If you're unsure whether your cauliflower is done, it's better to start with a shorter cooking time and then return it to the microwave for an additional minute or two if needed. Overcooking can lead to a loss of texture and nutrients, so it's important to be cautious.

Microwaving the cauliflower

Next, cover the bowl with a plate and place it in the microwave. The cooking time will depend on your desired texture, the size of the cauliflower pieces, and the power of your microwave. As a general guideline, microwave the cauliflower for 3-4 minutes.

After microwaving, let the cauliflower sit in the microwave for about a minute before removing it. Be cautious as the steam trapped under the plate will be hot. Your steamed cauliflower is now ready to be seasoned and served as a simple side dish or used in recipes such as cauliflower pizza crust or mashed cauliflower.

The Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker® can also be used to steam cauliflower. This cooker is designed for microwave cooking and comes in different sizes: 1-qt. (1-L), 2-qt. (2-L), and 3-qt. (3-L). To steam cauliflower in the Micro-Cooker, follow the same steps as above, placing the cauliflower and water in the cooker and covering it with the vented lid before microwaving.

Frequently asked questions