Steaming Veggies: Using Your Aroma Rice Cooker

Aroma rice cookers can be used to steam vegetables as well as cooking rice. The process is simple: add the recommended amount of water to the cooker, fill the steamer basket with your chosen vegetables, and position it over the water. Cover with the lid, plug in the cooker, and push the steam button. The timer will count from when the unit comes to a boil, so your actual cooking time will be longer than the time you've chosen. You can also steam vegetables over the rice as it cooks, but this works best with small batches of rice.

How to steam broccoli in an Aroma rice cooker

Steaming broccoli in an Aroma rice cooker is a simple and effective way to cook this vegetable, locking in its natural goodness and colour. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed broccoli.

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your broccoli is clean by rinsing it under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Cut the broccoli into individual florets, and slice each floret into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and make it easier to eat.

Steaming

Add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water to the rice cooker, and insert the steam rack. Stack the broccoli florets on the steam rack, filling it about 2/3 full. You can place the thicker pieces at the bottom and thinner pieces at the top.

Refer to your Aroma rice cooker manual for specific instructions, but generally, you will need to turn on the rice cooker and manually time the steaming. The average steaming time for broccoli is around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how tender you like your broccoli.

Once the time is up, turn off the rice cooker and unplug it. Leaving it on a 'warm' setting will continue to cook the broccoli, which you want to avoid to prevent overcooking.

Serving and Storing

Drain the broccoli and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. You can now serve the broccoli as a side dish, or add it to a salad.

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, you can microwave the broccoli for about a minute or steam it on the stovetop until hot.

Tips

• When preparing the broccoli, don't discard the stems as they are full of flavour and nutrients.
• Be careful not to add too much water to the rice cooker, as this can make the broccoli soggy.
• Season your steamed broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
• For a more indulgent side dish, drizzle the broccoli with melted butter or soy sauce.

Now you're ready to steam broccoli in your Aroma rice cooker! Enjoy!

How to steam cauliflower in an Aroma rice cooker

Steaming cauliflower in an Aroma rice cooker is a convenient and nutritious way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it, along with some helpful tips for achieving perfect results:

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by cleaning the cauliflower and removing any leaves or debris. Cut the cauliflower into florets of uniform size to ensure even cooking.
• Add Water: Fill your Aroma rice cooker with the recommended amount of water, usually around 1-2 cups.
• Use the Steamer Basket: Insert the steamer basket that comes with your rice cooker. If you don't have one, use a heat-proof bowl or colander that fits inside.
• Place the Cauliflower: Arrange the cauliflower florets in the steamer basket or heat-proof container, ensuring they're not tightly packed for even steaming.
• Set the Cooking Time: Close the lid and set the steamer function on your Aroma rice cooker. For tender yet slightly crisp cauliflower, steam for about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the time based on your desired texture.
• Check for Doneness: After the set time, carefully insert a fork into the largest floret. If it goes in easily and the cauliflower is tender, it's ready. If not, steam for a few more minutes.
• Serve and Enjoy: Once perfectly steamed, remove the cauliflower from the rice cooker and serve as a side dish or use it in your favorite recipes.

Helpful Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the steamer basket to allow steam to circulate and prevent sogginess.
• Cut the cauliflower into uniform-sized florets for even cooking.
• Season the cauliflower after steaming to maintain its natural flavor and versatility in seasoning options.
• Experiment with cooking times to achieve your desired texture. For a crunchier bite, reduce the steaming time, and for softer cauliflower, extend the cooking time.

How to steam carrots in an Aroma rice cooker

Step 1: Prepare the rice cooker

Make sure your Aroma rice cooker is unplugged. Press the "Lid Release" button on the top of the cooker to open it. Remove the inner pot from the cooker.

Step 2: Add water

Add water to the inner pot of the Aroma cooker using the measuring cup provided. For steaming carrots, you need to add 1 cup of water.

Step 3: Prepare the carrots

Wash and peel your carrots. For denser vegetables like carrots, it is best to slice them thinly or shred them so that they cook evenly.

Step 4: Add the carrots to the cooker

Place the steam tray inside the Aroma cooker and put the carrots into it.

Step 5: Program the cooker

Close the lid of the cooker and plug it into the power outlet. Press the "Steam/Cook" button on the control panel. The cooker will now begin to steam the carrots.

Step 6: Serve the carrots

Once the steaming is complete, the Aroma cooker will display "Keep-Warm" on the control panel. Remove the steamed carrots from the cooker and serve them immediately while they are still hot. You can also chill the carrots and serve them with your favorite sauce.

Tips:

• If you don't have a steam tray, you can use a small trivet that fits into the cooker. Place the carrots in a small bowl or on a plate or a sheet of foil, and steam them on top of the trivet.
• You can also place a bowl or a colander inside the cooker along with the water and steam the carrots in that.
• If you want to steam the carrots over the rice, add them to the cooker when the rice is partly cooked. This will give you more flexibility in the cooking time for the carrots, but be careful of the hot steam when removing the steam tray.

How much water to add to the Aroma rice cooker for steaming veggies

The amount of water you need to add to your Aroma rice cooker for steaming veggies depends on the type of vegetable you're cooking.

For steaming asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini, add 1/2 cup of water to the inner pot. To steam cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans, add 1 cup of water. For steaming denser vegetables like potatoes, you may need to add more water.

If you're using the steam tray, place 2 cups of water in the inner pot. This will allow you to steam vegetables or meats.

When steaming vegetables in the rice cooker, it's important to note that different vegetables have different steaming times. Some vegetables steam more quickly than others, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

Additionally, the size and shape of the vegetable pieces can affect the steaming time. For example, broccoli cooks faster than cauliflower, so if you want to steam them together, make the cauliflower florets smaller than the broccoli florets. For carrots and other dense vegetables, slicing them thinly or shredding them can help them cook at a similar pace as faster-cooking vegetables.

How to steam veggies in an Aroma rice cooker without a steamer basket

Rice cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used for steaming healthy vegetables with or without a steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, there are several alternative methods you can use to achieve the same result. Here are some simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Prepare your vegetables

Wash your vegetables thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly and take less time to steam. If you are steaming vegetables with a tough skin, like pumpkin or squash, peel the skin first to reduce cooking time.

Step 2: Choose a steaming method

Without a steamer basket, you can use a small trivet, bowl, plate, or even a sheet of foil to elevate your vegetables above the water. You can place the vegetables directly on the foil or use a heat-resistant dish. Another option is to roll foil into balls, set a plate on top, and use that as a platform for steaming. You can also place a bowl or colander inside the rice cooker, adding water to the insert and steaming your vegetables in that.

Step 3: Add water to the rice cooker

Pour water into the rice cooker, following the recommended amount specified in your cooker's manual. Usually, 2-3 cups of water is sufficient. This water will create the steam needed to cook your vegetables.

Step 4: Place the vegetables in the rice cooker

Arrange your chopped vegetables in a single layer on the chosen steaming platform. If using foil, you can create a packet by bringing the sides together and folding them over to enclose the vegetables. Ensure the packet has some space for steam to circulate inside.

Step 5: Cover and steam

Cover the rice cooker with its lid. If using a plate or bowl, you may need to drape a clean kitchen towel over the top as well, to trap the steam inside. Turn on your rice cooker. If it has a steam setting, select that option and adjust the time as needed. If it has a single "on" button, simply press it and monitor the vegetables for doneness.

Step 6: Check for doneness and serve

Depending on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness, steaming can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Broccoli, for example, will turn bright green when it's cooked just right. You can also use a fork to test for tenderness. Once your vegetables are steamed to your liking, turn off the rice cooker and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions