Steaming Veggies: Aroma Rice Cooker's Surprising Superpower

The Aroma rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, peas, broccoli, carrots, and corn. The amount of water added to the cooker varies depending on the type of vegetable being steamed. For instance, steaming asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini requires adding 1/2 cup of water, while steaming cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans necessitates 1 cup of water. The Steam/Cook button on the Aroma control panel initiates the steaming process, and the cooker will indicate when it's done by displaying Keep-Warm. It's worth noting that different vegetables have distinct steaming times, and personal preferences for crispness may require some experimentation.

How to steam broccoli in an Aroma rice cooker

Steaming broccoli in an Aroma rice cooker is an excellent way to cook this vegetable, as it ensures even cooking that locks in nutrients and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam broccoli in an Aroma rice cooker:

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your broccoli is clean by rinsing it under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, keeping the tree-like parts and discarding the stalk (or reserving it for another use). Don't forget that the stems are full of flavour and nutrients, so you can slice them up and steam them with the florets.

Cooking

Pour water into the cooking pot of the rice cooker. You only need a small amount of water to create steam—about 1/3 cup or 2 cups of water is enough.

Next, place the broccoli florets into the steamer basket or rack. The Aroma rice cooker should have come with a steaming basket or tray designed for steaming vegetables. Ensure that the basket is above the water level.

Place the cover on the rice cooker, plug it in, and turn it on. Set the timer and allow the broccoli to steam for about 3-7 minutes, depending on your desired tenderness. The broccoli is ready when it is crisp and tender, with a vibrant green colour.

Once the timer goes off, turn off the rice cooker and unplug it. It is important to note that leaving the rice cooker on a 'warm' setting will continue to cook the broccoli, which you want to avoid to maintain that perfect crisp tenderness.

Serving

Transfer the steamed broccoli to a plate and season with salt, pepper, or your favourite spices. You can also add a pat of butter, or drizzle with low-fat ranch dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a more indulgent side dish.

Your delicious steamed broccoli is now ready to be served! Enjoy!

How to steam peas in an Aroma rice cooker

• Rinse the desired amount of peas.
• Place the peas in the steamer basket of your Aroma rice cooker. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use the rice cooker's inner pot as long as you have at least 1 cup of water in the pot.
• Add water to the cooking pot of the rice cooker. The amount of water added will depend on the amount of peas you are steaming.
• Place the steamer basket containing the peas into the rice cooker, ensuring that the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the basket.
• Cover the rice cooker with its lid.
• Plug in the rice cooker and press the "Steam Cook" button.
• Allow the peas to steam for 3 minutes.
• Once the cooker beeps, indicating that the steaming is complete, season the peas to your liking and serve.

Note: The above instructions are for steaming frozen peas. If you are steaming fresh peas, it is recommended to steam them for a shorter duration to avoid overcooking them.

How to steam cauliflower in an Aroma rice cooker

Steaming cauliflower in an Aroma rice cooker is a simple and convenient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable while retaining its natural flavours and textures. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly steamed cauliflower:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Begin by cleaning the cauliflower and removing any leaves or debris. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 2: Add Water to the Rice Cooker

Fill the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, around 1 cup of water is sufficient for steaming cauliflower.

Step 3: Insert the Steamer Basket

Place the steamer basket inside the rice cooker. If your model doesn't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-proof bowl or colander that fits inside the cooker.

Step 4: Place the Cauliflower Florets

Arrange the cauliflower florets in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not tightly packed. Allow space for steam to circulate around them for even cooking.

Step 5: Set the Cooking Time

Close the lid of the rice cooker and activate the steaming function. The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and your desired level of tenderness. For slightly crisp cauliflower, steam for 10-15 minutes. Adjust the time as needed.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After the initial cooking time, carefully open the lid and insert a fork into the largest floret. If it goes in easily and the cauliflower is tender, it's ready. If not, close the lid and continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cauliflower is perfectly steamed, remove the steamer basket from the rice cooker and serve. Enjoy your cauliflower as a side dish or incorporate it into your favourite recipes.

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Cauliflower:

• Avoid overcrowding the steamer basket to prevent the cauliflower from becoming mushy.
• Cut the florets into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Check for doneness by inserting a fork; the cauliflower should be tender but still slightly crisp.
• Season the cauliflower after steaming to maintain its natural flavours and prevent sogginess.
• Add aromatic herbs, spices, or lemon juice to the water for extra flavour.
• Be cautious of hot steam when opening the lid of the rice cooker.
• Experiment with cooking times to achieve your desired texture.

How to steam carrots in an Aroma rice cooker

Steaming carrots in an Aroma rice cooker is a convenient and simple way to prepare this nutritious vegetable while retaining its texture, taste, and nutritional value. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Gather your ingredients:

You will need fresh carrots, water, and optionally, your favourite seasonings. Popular seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or other herbs and spices.

Prepare the carrots:

Start by washing the carrots thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the tops and ends of the carrots, and peel off the skin if desired.

Cut the carrots:

You can leave the carrots whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them into uniform slices or sticks will ensure even cooking. If you prefer whole carrots, make sure they are of similar size.

Add water to the rice cooker:

Most Aroma rice cookers come with a removable steamer basket or tray. Fill the rice cooker pot with water, following the manufacturer's instructions. For steaming vegetables, it is typically recommended to fill the pot with about 1 inch of water.

Place the steamer basket:

Place the removable steamer basket inside the rice cooker pot. If your Aroma rice cooker does not have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-safe bowl or plate that fits snugly on top of the rice cooker pot.

Add the carrots:

Arrange the prepared carrots in the steamer basket or directly in the rice cooker pot. If steaming different vegetables together, place the carrots at the bottom and denser vegetables on top for even cooking.

Season to taste:

Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the carrots. Be mindful not to overseason, as the steaming process will concentrate the flavours.

Cover and steam:

Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the steaming function if available. If there is no dedicated steaming function, use the regular cook function. Set the timer according to the size and thickness of your carrot pieces. For thin slices or sticks, steam for 10-15 minutes, and for larger pieces, steam for 15-20 minutes.

Check for doneness:

After the recommended cooking time, carefully open the lid and test the carrots with a fork or skewer. They should be tender but still slightly firm. If they need more time, continue steaming for a few extra minutes.

Serve and enjoy:

Once the carrots are steamed to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to a serving dish and enjoy as a nutritious and flavourful side dish, or add them to your favourite recipes. Steamed carrots pair well with roasted meats, grains, and salads.

Additional tips:

• If you are using frozen carrots, it is recommended to microwave them separately before adding them to the rice cooker to avoid overcooking.
• You can steam a variety of vegetables alongside carrots in the rice cooker, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and asparagus. Just ensure they have similar cooking times.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific Aroma rice cooker model when steaming vegetables.

How to steam cabbage in an Aroma rice cooker

Steaming cabbage is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable. It is a healthy, low-calorie, low-carb option that is packed with vitamins and fibre.

Preparation

First, wash the cabbage and pat it dry. Remove the outer leaves, as they can be tough and may carry residual pesticides. You can then cut the cabbage into wedges or slices, depending on your preference.

Using the Rice Cooker

Add water to the cooking pot of the rice cooker. You can then place the cabbage into the steamer basket, ensuring it is not overfilled. Place the steamer basket into the rice cooker, close the lid, and turn it on.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the type of cabbage you are using and your desired texture. For crisp cabbage, steam for 6 minutes, flip, and then steam for a further 6-8 minutes. For softer cabbage, you can increase the cooking time.

Seasoning

Once cooked, you can season the cabbage with butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs or spices for extra flavour.

Tips

• You can experiment with steaming different types of vegetables in your rice cooker, such as broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms.
• If you are adding vegetables to rice, it is recommended to add frozen vegetables to avoid sogginess.
• You can also add spices and broths to enhance the flavour of your rice and vegetables.

Frequently asked questions