Steaming Veggies: Using Your Aroma Rice Cooker

The Aroma rice cooker and steamer can be used to steam vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, peas, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, squash, and zucchini. The amount of water added to the cooker varies depending on the type of vegetable being steamed. For instance, asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini require 1/2 cup of water, while cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans require one cup of water. The vegetables are then placed into the steam tray inside the cooker. The Steam/Cook button on the control panel is then pressed, and the cooker will begin to steam the vegetables.

How to Steam Veggies in an Aroma Digital Rice Cooker

How to steam different vegetables in the Aroma rice cooker

The Aroma rice cooker can be used to steam a variety of vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, peas, broccoli, carrots, corn, and green beans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam different vegetables in the Aroma rice cooker:

• Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. For vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, turn the flesh-side down.
• Add water: Fill the inner pot of the Aroma rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water. The amount of water varies depending on the vegetable. For example, use 1/2 cup of water for asparagus, spinach, and zucchini, and 1 cup of water for cabbage and carrots.
• Place the vegetables: Put the steam tray inside the rice cooker and arrange the vegetables in a single layer.
• Start the cooking process: Close the lid of the rice cooker and plug it into a power outlet. Press the "Steam/Cook" button on the control panel. The cooker will begin steaming the vegetables.
• Check for doneness: The Aroma rice cooker will automatically switch to "Keep-Warm" mode when the steaming cycle is complete. The steaming time will vary depending on the type of vegetable and your desired doneness. Experiment with the steaming time to find your preferred texture.
• Serve: Remove the steamed vegetables from the rice cooker and serve immediately while hot. Alternatively, chill them and serve with your favorite sauce.

It is important to note that different vegetables have different steaming times. For example, tender vegetables like spinach and zucchini will take less time to steam compared to harder vegetables like carrots and cabbage. Additionally, some vegetables, such as broccoli, are more prone to becoming soggy when steamed for too long. Therefore, it is recommended to experiment with the steaming time to find the ideal doneness for each vegetable.

The amount of water required for steaming

The amount of water required to steam vegetables in an Aroma Digital Rice Cooker depends on the type of vegetable being cooked. For example, according to the Aroma 10-Cup Digital Rice Cooker and Food Streamer Instruction Manual, steaming vegetables such as asparagus, peas, spinach, squash and zucchini requires adding 1/2 cup of water to the inner pot of the cooker. On the other hand, steaming vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn and green beans requires adding 1 cup of water.

In general, when steaming vegetables in a rice cooker, it is recommended to add 1 to 2 inches of water to the cooker, followed by inserting a steamer basket. This is a similar amount of water used when steaming vegetables in a saucepan on a stove.

It is important to note that the amount of water added to the rice cooker may vary depending on the specific model and brand of the cooker, as well as the type and quantity of vegetables being steamed. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the instruction manual of your specific rice cooker for the most accurate information.

How to steam vegetables without making them soggy

Steaming vegetables in your Aroma Digital Rice Cooker is a great way to cook without making them soggy. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, check your rice cooker's instruction manual to ensure it has a steam function. If it does, you're good to go!

Now, let's get started. Fill the water reservoir with the appropriate amount of water as per the cooker's specifications. Next, place the steaming tray or basket inside the cooker. It's important to cut your chosen vegetables to size before steaming, and for vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, ensure they are placed flesh-down in the tray.

Add your vegetables to the tray, ensuring they are in a single layer. Close the lid, and select the steam function. The steam will now work its magic, cooking your veggies to perfection. Depending on the type of vegetable, this should take around 5 to 15 minutes.

If you want to add extra flavour, try experimenting with herbs, spices, or even citrus slices in the steaming water. You can also try adding broths or flavoured liquids to the water reservoir for an extra kick.

To ensure your vegetables aren't overcooked or soggy, keep an eye on them and check periodically for doneness. Most vegetables should be tender but still slightly firm, and the colour may brighten during cooking.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed vegetables, cooked without losing their nutritional value, texture, or flavour. Enjoy!

The best vegetables to steam in a rice cooker

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal with minimal effort. The rice cooker's gentle and even cooking process ensures that the vegetables retain their natural goodness, colour and texture.

Some of the best vegetables to steam in a rice cooker include:

Broccoli

Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and place them in the steamer basket. Broccoli is a veggie powerhouse, packed with nutrients and vibrant colour. Steaming broccoli in a rice cooker yields tender-crisp florets that are perfectly cooked and retain their vibrant green colour.

Carrots

Carrots are a great option to steam in a rice cooker. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in the steamer basket. Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals and have a natural sweetness that is enhanced when steamed.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious option to steam in a rice cooker. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in the steamer basket. Steamed sweet potatoes are a healthy and tasty side dish, low in calories and high in fibre.

Green Beans

Green beans are another excellent choice for steaming in a rice cooker. Simply place them in the steamer basket and cook until tender-crisp. Green beans are a healthy and versatile vegetable that pairs well with many dishes.

Pumpkins and Squash

Pumpkin and squash, such as kabocha squash or butternut squash, are also great options for steaming in a rice cooker. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in the steamer basket. They are nutritious, low in calories and high in fibre.

With your Aroma Digital Rice Cooker, you can follow the simple steps of adding water, placing the vegetables in the steamer tray, pressing the "Steam/Cook" button, and serving when ready.

How to steam vegetables at the same time as cooking rice

The Aroma rice cooker can be used to cook rice and steam vegetables simultaneously, saving you time and counter space. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Start by opening the Aroma rice cooker by pressing the "Lid Release" button and ensuring it is unplugged. Remove the inner pot and measure the desired amount of rice using the provided measuring cup. Rinse the rice inside the pot with water, and drain it.

Step 2: Add Rice and Water

Once the rice is rinsed and drained, add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot. The amount of water will depend on the type of rice you are cooking. For example, for two cups of rice, use 2.5 cups of water. Refer to the directions on your rice package for specific measurements.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the rice is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Clean and cut the vegetables to fit in the steam basket or tray. Vegetables with stiff skins, like squash or pumpkin, should be turned flesh-down in the basket.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Steam

Place the steam tray inside the rice cooker and put your vegetables into it. Close the lid of the cooker and plug it in. Press the Steam/Cook button on the control panel to begin steaming. The steaming time will vary depending on the type of vegetables and your desired doneness.

Step 5: Serve

Once the steaming cycle is complete, remove the vegetables and serve them immediately while hot. You can also chill them and serve with your favorite sauce.

Tips:

• Experiment with steaming times to achieve your desired vegetable doneness.
• Avoid adding vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower directly to the rice during the cooking process, as they may become soggy.
• You can add spices, herbs, or seasonings to your vegetables for extra flavor.
• If you are cooking meat or fish, use foil to prevent the flavors from seeping into the rice.

Frequently asked questions