Steaming Veggies: Idli Cooker Hack For Healthy Eating

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook vegetables. It's a great way to retain the taste, colour, flavour, and essential nutrients of the vegetables. It's also one of the easiest and quickest ways to prepare vegetables. You can steam vegetables in an idli cooker by adding water to the pot and bringing it to a boil. Then, place the vegetables in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and steam the vegetables until they are tender. The time required to steam the vegetables will depend on the type of vegetable and the desired doneness.

Preparing the vegetables for steaming

Additionally, steaming is a great way to cook your vegetables as it is one of the healthiest methods. The food does not come into contact with the boiling water, so there is less loss of vitamins and minerals. It also helps to retain the taste, colour, flavour, and essential nutrients. Steaming also does not require oil, so it is a very healthy and light way to cook.

Now you are ready to steam your vegetables!

Steaming the vegetables

Firstly, clean and cut the vegetables into small, uniform sizes. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. Place the vegetables that need the longest to cook in the lower container of the idli stand, and the quicker-cooking vegetables in the upper container.

Next, add water to the main pot of the idli cooker. The amount of water will depend on the type of cooker you are using. For an Instant Pot, add 1 to 1.5 cups of water. For a stovetop pressure cooker, bring 1.5 cups of water to a gentle simmer in the main pot.

Now, grease your idli plates with ghee or oil. Then, fill each groove with batter until it is about three-quarters full. Stack the filled plates on top of each other on the idli stand.

Once the water in the main pot is boiling, carefully place the idli stand inside. Cover the pot, ensuring that the lid is secure. If using an Instant Pot, turn the valve to venting, not sealing.

Set a timer and allow the vegetables to steam. The timing will depend on the type of vegetables you are cooking. For denser vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips, steam for 8-20 minutes. For tender vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, steam for just a few minutes.

After steaming, remove the idli stand and separate the plates. Allow the vegetables to cool for a few minutes before serving.

And that's it! You've now successfully steamed vegetables in an idli cooker. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!

Using an idli cooker to steam vegetables

An idli cooker is a great way to steam vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the vegetables: Clean and cut the vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook.
• Add water to the idli cooker: Pour water into the idli cooker, ensuring it reaches about an inch or two in height. This water will produce steam to cook the vegetables.
• Bring the water to a boil: Turn on the heat source and bring the water to a rolling boil. You'll know it's boiling when you hear the water bubbling and see steam rising from the pot.
• Place the vegetables: Use a steamer basket or an idli stand to hold the vegetables above the water. If using a steamer basket, simply scatter the vegetables over it. If using an idli stand, grease the moulds with oil or ghee first, then fill them with the vegetables.
• Cover and steam: Place the lid on the idli cooker and ensure it is sealed properly. Reduce the heat to medium and start timing. Check the vegetables after a few minutes, as denser vegetables like carrots and potatoes will take longer to cook than more tender ones like broccoli and asparagus.
• Check for doneness: The vegetables are done when they can be easily pierced with a paring knife and are still slightly crunchy. Most vegetables will also be bright and vibrant in colour.
• Serve: Remove the vegetables from the steamer and serve immediately. For a simple side dish, toss them with a little olive oil or butter, salt, and a squeeze of lemon.

Some additional tips for steaming vegetables in an idli cooker:

• Always use enough water in the idli cooker to produce steam and prevent burning.
• You can steam different types of vegetables at the same time without the flavours getting mixed up.
• Avoid over-steaming the vegetables to prevent them from becoming mushy. Use a timer and set it for three minutes initially, then check intermittently.
• If you're steaming denser and more tender vegetables together, add the denser vegetables first and the tender ones after a few minutes.

Benefits of steaming vegetables

To steam vegetables in an idli cooker, you will need to add water to the main pot and heat it up using the saute mode. Once the water comes to a gentle boil, carefully place a steamer basket or colander containing your vegetables into the pot. Close the lid, ensuring that the pressure release valve is set to venting to steam the vegetables instead of pressure-cooking them. Set an external timer and steam the vegetables for around 12 minutes.

Now, here are some benefits of steaming vegetables:

Maximum Nutritional Value

Steaming vegetables is a great way to retain their maximum nutritive value. Compared to boiling, there is practically no loss of nutrients. While some water-soluble nutrients like vitamins B and C are lost in the direct steaming method, the nutrient loss is much less than that of boiling.

Improved Texture and Taste

Steaming results in vegetables that are soft, fluffy, and easy to digest. The texture of the vegetables becomes light and fluffy, and they retain their natural flavour. This makes steamed vegetables ideal for the elderly and people with weak digestion.

No Added Fat

Steaming vegetables requires no added fat, such as oil used for frying. This makes it a healthier cooking option, especially for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Convenience and Ease

Steaming vegetables does not require constant attention, and you can cook other dishes in the same pot after steaming without worrying about washing multiple dishes. Additionally, you don't need any fancy gadgets—a simple colander that fits inside your pot will do the trick.

Increased Nutrient Absorption

Steaming has the potential to increase the nutrient density and absorption for some vegetables. For example, asparagus steamed has a higher nutrient absorption rate than when cooked by other methods.

How to steam vegetables without an idli cooker

Steaming vegetables without an idli cooker is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Using a Metal Strainer or Colander:

• Choose a saucepan that is wide enough to hold a metal strainer or colander around its rim and deep enough so that the strainer doesn't touch the bottom.
• Add about an inch of water to the bottom of the pan.
• Place the strainer or colander over the pan.
• Fill the strainer or colander with vegetables.
• Cook the vegetables until they are tender. Depending on the size of the strainer and the amount of vegetables, you may need to cook in batches.

Using a Wire Cooling Rack:

• Choose a wide saucepan, preferably a Dutch oven or roasting pan.
• Add about an inch of water to the pan.
• Place a wire cooling rack over the pan.
• Place the vegetables on top of the rack.
• Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Using a Splatter Screen:

• Fill a wide saucepan with water.
• Place a splatter screen over the pan.
• Add the vegetables to the splatter screen.
• Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Using a Foil Pie Tin:

• Choose a saucepan that is wide enough to fit a foil pie tin inside.
• Add a thin layer of water to the pan.
• Poke holes in the bottom of the pie tin and place it upside down in the saucepan.
• Place the vegetables on top of the tin.
• Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Using a Microwave:

• Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water.
• Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave until the vegetables are tender, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and amount of vegetables you are steaming. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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