Steam Kettle Cooking: Easy, Quick, And Delicious Meals

Electric steam kettles are a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently. They are perfect for preparing large batches of soups, stews, sauces, and pastas. With a wide range of sizes and features available, it's simple to find the perfect model for your needs, whether it's a small countertop model or a large floor model.

- Noodles/Pasta

- Couscous

- Boiled eggs

- Rice

- Oatmeal

- Soup

- Fish or poultry papillotes

- Vegetables

Eggs

Electric steam kettles are a convenient and quick way to boil eggs. Here is a guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Before you start, check that your kettle does not have exposed coils at the bottom, as these will burn the eggs. You will also need a bowl of ice/ice water to cool the eggs after boiling.

Boiling the Eggs

First, place the eggs in the kettle. Be careful not to crack them and ensure they do not touch any steam cut-off tubes. The number of eggs you can boil at once will depend on the size and shape of your kettle, but generally, you should not fill the kettle more than halfway with eggs to ensure even cooking.

Next, cover the eggs with water. The water level should be about one inch (2.5 cm) above the eggs. Use cool water to avoid overcooking the eggs.

Now, turn on the kettle and let the water come to a boil. If your kettle does not have an auto-shutoff function, turn it off manually as soon as the water starts bubbling.

Cooling and Peeling

Once the water has boiled, use tongs or a large spoon to remove the eggs from the kettle and place them in the prepared bowl of ice/ice water. This will stop the cooking process and cool the eggs. You can also run them under cold water until they are safe to handle.

After cooling, the eggs are ready to be peeled and eaten! Start peeling by tapping the top of the egg lightly with a spoon to crack it, then use your fingers to carefully lift off the shell.

Tips

• To test if an egg is fresh, place it in a glass of water. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it floats, it is bad.
• To make the eggs easier to peel, add a tablespoon of salt or vinegar to the water before boiling.
• To prevent cracking, avoid moving the kettle once the eggs are inside, and do not use a kettle with an exposed heating element.
• For soft-boiled eggs, set a timer for 5 minutes after the auto shut-off or when the water starts boiling.
• For medium-boiled eggs, set a timer for 7 minutes after the auto shut-off or when the water starts boiling.
• For hard-boiled eggs, set a timer for 10-15 minutes after the auto shut-off or when the water starts boiling.

Pasta

Electric steam kettles are a practical and effective way to cook pasta. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook pasta using an electric steam kettle:

Step 1: Boil Water

Start by filling your electric kettle with water and turning it on to bring the water to a boil. This is a quick and efficient process, as electric kettles can boil water in just a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Once the water has reached a rolling boil, it's time to add the pasta to the kettle. Follow the package instructions for the recommended cooking time and be sure to keep an eye on the steam levels. It is important to ensure that the water is boiling to achieve the best results.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Depending on the type and amount of pasta you are cooking, it should take around two to three minutes to cook in the electric kettle. However, cooking time may vary, so it is crucial to follow the package instructions. Keep in mind that the quality and quantity of pasta can also affect the cooking time.

Step 4: Turn Off the Heat

After the pasta has cooked for the recommended time, turn off the electric kettle. Allow the pasta to sit in the hot water for an additional three to five minutes. This helps the pasta soften and become smoother.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Finally, drain the pasta slowly and serve it warm. Your pasta is now ready to be enjoyed! You can add your favourite sauce or seasonings to enhance the flavour.

Tips for Using an Electric Kettle:

• It is recommended to use an electric kettle with a larger capacity, especially when cooking for a family.
• Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic electric kettles are suitable for cooking pasta. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose one that best suits your needs.
• Electric kettles offer a convenient, fast, and energy-efficient way to cook pasta without the need for additional utensils or pans.
• Always follow the package instructions for cooking times, as different types of pasta may vary.

Rice

Electric steam kettles are a handy appliance to have in your kitchen, especially if you're cooking with limited resources. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, including rice. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook rice in an electric steam kettle:

Step 1: Wash and Soak the Rice

Start by taking a cup of rice and thoroughly washing it. Soaking the rice in water for around 20 minutes to half an hour is an important step as it increases the speed of the cooking process and enhances the flavour of the rice.

Step 2: Drain and Add to the Kettle

After soaking, drain the water and add the washed rice to your electric kettle. Pour in half a litre of fresh water and turn on the kettle. Allow the water to boil.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Keep the kettle's lid open and stir the rice occasionally to check its progress. Once the rice is cooked to your liking, switch off the kettle. Leave the rice to rest inside the kettle for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Check the Rice

Use a wooden ladle or your fingertips to check if the rice is completely cooked. If there is excess water, strain it using a sieve or a strainer. Your rice is now ready to be served hot with your choice of curry or vegetables.

Pro Tip for Cleaning:

After cooking rice in your electric kettle, it's important to clean it properly. Allow the kettle to cool down for 15-20 minutes, and then wash the jar with a soft scrub pad and a mild dishwasher. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and distilled vinegar. Boil this mixture in the kettle, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then scrub and rinse.

Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of rolled or quick oats (per serving)
• 1 cup of water (per serving)
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• Your choice of toppings and flavourings (e.g. honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, nuts, etc.)

Method:

• Put your desired amount of oats in a bowl. You can use rolled or quick oats, or a combination of both.
• Boil twice as many cups of water as oatmeal. For example, if you're cooking 1 cup of oatmeal, boil 2 cups of water.
• (Optional) Add a pinch of salt to the dry oats to bring out more of their flavour.
• (Optional) Add spices and flavourings to your water, such as nutmeg, brown sugar, cinnamon, or allspice.
• Pour the boiling water over the oats and stir continuously. For creamier oats, use about 1 cup of water per 1/2 cup of oats. For thicker oatmeal, use less water.
• Let the oatmeal sit for 2-5 minutes to cool and allow the oats to absorb the water.
• Add your favourite toppings and flavours. You can sweeten your oatmeal with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup, and top with berries, bananas, granola, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Tips:

• If you're in a rush, add a splash of cream or Greek yoghurt to help the oatmeal cool faster.
• If you want thicker, creamier oatmeal, use milk instead of water.
• If you're making oatmeal for the whole family, set out your toppings buffet-style to create a build-your-own oatmeal bar.

Soup

Electric steam kettles can be used to make a variety of soups. Here are some ideas and instructions for preparing soup in an electric kettle:

Reheating Canned Soup

If you have canned soup, simply open the can and pour the contents directly into the electric kettle. Do not heat the soup in the can, as this can cause harmful chemicals to leach into your food. If the soup is condensed, be sure to add water or milk as per the directions on the label. Heat the soup over medium heat for about 8 minutes, then let it cool before consuming.

Instant Noodle Soup

Instant ramen or noodle soup is another easy option. Place the noodle brick and flavour packet contents into a bowl. Boil water in your electric kettle and pour it over the noodles until they are covered. Wait for about 5 minutes before enjoying your tasty and quick noodle soup.

Chickpea Soup

For a simple and nutritious soup, try making chickpea soup. You'll need canned chickpeas, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced sugar snap peas, soy sauce, and ground coriander. Place these ingredients in a container and cover them with boiling water. Add a lid or plate to retain heat and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, blend all the ingredients with boiling water for about 20 seconds.

Cup-a-Soup

If you have access to instant soup mixes or "cup-a-soup," the preparation is simple. Just boil water in your electric kettle and pour it into a mug with the soup mix. No need to use the kettle itself for cooking.

Tips and Considerations

When preparing soup in an electric kettle, be mindful of the following:

• Keep an eye on the kettle to avoid boiling the soup, which can cause it to thicken too much or burn.
• Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the powder from settling at the bottom and burning.
• Clean the kettle thoroughly after each use, as soup residue can affect the taste of your drinks and lead to interesting smells.
• Be cautious when handling the kettle to avoid steam burns.

Frequently asked questions