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8 devices to steam cook and keep all the nutrients

Embraced by all food cultures, steaming is the star of healthy cooking, although the technique dates back some 5,000 years to China, where the “mushiki,” a hemp and bamboo basket, was used.

There are many cooking methods, but steam is distinguished by cooking food without submerging it in any liquid, neither water nor oil. So hardly any nutrients are lost The colour, aroma or flavor do not change, and textures are achieved at their point: tender, but firm. The food does not touch the water and the temperature never exceeds 100 °C.

How to choose the best steamer

Steam is perfect for cooking all kinds of vegetables, tubers, grains, and even biscuits. In addition, it is an easy, affordable, clean and light technique that, by not using grease, helps to have light digestions.

For steam cooking we find up to 8 different systems, from simple bamboo baskets or steel accessories to casseroles with built-in glass, metal or platinum silicone steamers, multi-storey electric appliances and high-end, high-performance steam ovens.

To choose one or the other, we must analyze several factors:

Size.Adaptability to pots that we already have at home.Frequency of use (there are 2-story ones).Space they occupy in our kitchen (there are folding options).Choose quality, toxic-free materials.Types of accessories for outdoor cooking steam.quote

1. Bamboo steamer

It is the ancestral and rustic option. These are round baskets that fit inside a pot of boiling water and allow different ingredients to be cooked at the same time.

The bamboo it’s natural, resistant, hygienic, sustainable and, along with glass, a good alternative to steel for people who are allergic to nickel. Make sure that it adapts to your pans and that it is 100% bamboo.

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2. Extendable Steel Kettle

It is the simplest and cheapest option. It is known as “Daisy flower” because it is a perforated stainless steel basket that “opens” and adapts to different pot sizes thanks to its drop-down leaves.

It takes up little space and is easy to use, but in some the holes are few and small, which lengthens the cooking time. Also, if the basket is low, you have to put little water and it is easy to get confused and the pot burns.

3. Platinum Silicone Steamer

It is like a “cover” for the casserole, with steam holes, lid, handles, and drip-proof slots. You can cook on two levels. 100% platinum silicone (silica sand) is a very stable, inert and non-toxic material. It resists temperatures from -60 °C to 220 °C.

4. Glass steamer

This glass accessory is placed on pots of the same diameter. Sold alone or together, it is stackable and includes a lid. Glass and steam are considered the “Perfect Match”: the most innocuous material for healthy cooking with the healthiest and most nutritious method.

5. 2-tier casseroles with a steamer

They combine the classic pot with the steamer and lid. Very comfortable, because we make sure that both pieces fit together perfectly. We find them in stainless steel in different sizes, round or oval in shape and with various features, such as transparent glass lids or thermometers.

The dome-shaped tall ones stand out, a design that favors the circulation of steam and maintains a constant temperature at 95 0C.

6. Electric steamer

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It is a very complete and efficient appliance, because It generates steam very quickly. It allows you to cook several foods at the same time in a controlled way and with two steam options, soft or intense. It is best to opt for glass or steel shelves.

The most complete include timer and up to 4 temperatures: from 40 °C to heat food without cooking (ideal for raw recipes and preparing yoghurts); 60°C to reheat or keep warm; 80 °C for gently cooking vegetables, and 100 °C for foods such as cereals.

7. Kitchen robots

Some kitchen robots (type Thermomix) have a top steam accessory.

They are usually made of polypropylene (PP) plastic, which is the only one recommended by the WHO for being in contact with food and the least toxic. Still, there are better material options.

8. Steam oven

It is very comfortable and allows homogeneous cooking and a steam regulation that prevents food from overcooking. It is also a good option for making softer cakes or for bread doughs to acquire greater volume.

The most basic ones only have the added steam function together with baking, but the best ones are versatile and allow you to cook like a traditional oven, 100% steamed or combine both. They also highlight specific functions for vacuum cooking, dehydrating or fermenting.

How to steam cook step by step

Cut the food into similar pieces, not too large, and arrange them in a single layer that facilitates the circulation of the steam. Put the food in the steamer when the water is already boiling. You can use water or broth. You can also flavor the water with aromatic plants such as rosemary or thyme, spices or crushed garlic. Do not lift the lid all the way. Each time you lift it, it loses its effectiveness. In general, most vegetables can be steamed in 5 to 10 minutes. The cabbages should not be left for more than those 10 minutes because their glucosinolates are very sensitive to heat and would be lost for the most part. To cook cereals such as rice or quinoa, put a cheesecloth so that the grains do not escape. Once the cabbages are cooked food, remove it from the steamer so that it does not continue to cook. The water is not thrown away. If you flavor it with spices, aromatic plants or some other seasoning ingredient, you can save the water once cooking is finished. It will serve you to prepare a soup or pasta.

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