Steaming Veggies: Pressure Cooker Perfection In Minutes

Steaming veggies in a pressure cooker is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook your vegetables. It is a convenient, hands-off method that saves energy and retains the colour, texture, and nutrients of the vegetables. This guide will show you how to steam veggies in a pressure cooker, with tips on equipment, preparation, timing, and seasoning.

Cut veggies into equal pieces

Cutting your veggies into equal pieces is an important step in the process of steaming them in a pressure cooker. This ensures that all the vegetables cook evenly, so that you don't end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.

The size you cut your veggies into will depend on the type of vegetable and your desired texture. For example, if you're cooking broccoli or cauliflower, you'll want to cut them into florets. For carrots, you can cut them into 1-inch pieces or 2-inch pieces, depending on whether you want them softer or crunchier. If you're cooking root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, or potatoes, you'll want to dice them into smaller pieces, around 1/2 to 1-inch in size, so that they cook through.

You can also leave certain vegetables whole, such as baby carrots, or cut them into larger chunks if they cook quickly, like cauliflower and broccoli.

Remember, the key is to ensure that all the vegetables are a uniform size so that they cook evenly in the pressure cooker.

Use a steamer basket

Using a steamer basket is a great way to steam vegetables in a pressure cooker. This method ensures your veggies are cooked to perfection, retaining their nutrients, colour, and texture. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, gather your tools and ingredients. You will need a pressure cooker, a steamer basket or trivet, water, and your choice of vegetables. It is recommended to use fresh vegetables and cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and green beans are popular choices.

Next, add water to your pressure cooker. Pour about 1-2 cups of water into the bottom, ensuring it's enough to generate steam without reaching the vegetables. The amount of water may vary depending on the size of your cooker.

Now, insert the steamer basket or trivet into the pressure cooker, making sure it sits above the water level. Place the prepared vegetables into the basket or onto the trivet, spreading them out evenly. Avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking and steam circulation.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker securely, ensuring the steam valve is in the correct position. Set the cooking time, usually 2-3 minutes for softer vegetables like spinach, and up to 5 minutes for harder ones like carrots. You can adjust the time based on the type and size of your vegetables.

After cooking, use a natural release method for about 5 minutes, then switch to a quick release to expel any remaining steam. Be careful when handling the cooker to avoid steam burns. Open the lid away from your face and test a vegetable for tenderness. If further cooking is needed, close the lid and continue for another 1-2 minutes.

Finally, remove the vegetables promptly to prevent overcooking. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, butter, or olive oil to taste, and enjoy!

Using a steamer basket is a convenient and effective way to steam vegetables in a pressure cooker, ensuring delicious and nutritious results every time.

Add water to the pot

Adding water to the pot is the first step in steaming veggies in a pressure cooker. The amount of water added will depend on the size of your cooker and the quantity of vegetables you are cooking. For example, if you are using a 6-quart cooker, you will need to add 1 cup of water, whereas an 8-quart cooker will require 2 cups.

The water is added directly to the stainless-steel insert of the Instant Pot. A steamer basket is then placed inside the insert, and the vegetables are spread out evenly within the basket. It is important that the vegetables do not touch the water, as they will boil rather than steam, which may result in overcooked veggies.

The amount of water required will also depend on the type of vegetables you are cooking. For every 350 to 500 grams of cut vegetables, you will need to add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water. This amount of water is sufficient to steam all the vegetables in the pressure cooker.

Once the water and vegetables are in the pot, you can move on to the next steps of the cooking process, such as sealing the lid and setting the desired cooking time and pressure.

Release pressure immediately

Releasing the pressure immediately is an important step in the process of steaming vegetables in a pressure cooker. This step ensures that the vegetables do not overcook and retain their colour, nutrition, and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

After the pressure cooker beeps, indicating that the cooking time is complete, it is crucial to release the pressure right away. This is done by following the quick-release instructions provided by your cooker. Typically, this involves moving the steam valve to the 'venting' position. This action allows the steam to escape, reducing the pressure inside the cooker.

For pressure cookers without a steam valve, an alternative method is to hold the cooker under running water. This method helps to cool down the cooker and release the pressure built up inside.

Once the pressure is released, the lid of the cooker should open with ease. It is important to note that the pressure should be completely released before attempting to open the lid.

After releasing the pressure and opening the lid, the cooked vegetables are ready to be served or used in other recipes.

By releasing the pressure immediately, you prevent overcooking and ensure that the vegetables retain their colour, texture, and nutritional value. This step is crucial in achieving perfectly steamed vegetables that are not mushy and are cooked just right.

Season to taste

Seasoning your vegetables is an important step in bringing your dish to life. The right combination of spices and herbs can enhance the natural flavours of the veggies and make them more appetising.

Before steaming your vegetables, you can lightly toss them with some seasoning to give them an extra punch of flavour. A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic option, but you can also experiment with other spices and herbs to find a blend that suits your taste.

If you want to keep things simple, a drizzle of olive oil or butter can add a rich, indulgent touch to your veggies. Alternatively, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavours and add a tangy twist.

For those who enjoy a bit of kick, garlic is a great option to consider. You can also explore using fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil, either on their own or in combination with other seasonings.

Additionally, you can try drizzling your steamed veggies with a dressing of your choice or serving them with a side of sauce. Some popular options include lemon caper sauce, green goddess sauce, or jalapeno avocado sauce.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to find a balance that enhances the natural flavours of the vegetables without overwhelming them. So, start with a light hand and adjust as needed.

Frequently asked questions