It sat in a reduced section in the supermarket amongst unsold Valentine tat, unwanted toys and tools. Not exactly expensive to begin with, the cost had been reduced by over a third, and for something I fancied trying £11 was not much to pay. Into the trolley it went and yesterday evening I used my new steamer to cook vegetables to accompany our chicken dinner.
I cut carrots in thick diagonal slices and put these in the bottom basket and set it to steam. Then I cut sticks of celery into two inch pieces, and placed broccoli florets in beside these with a scattering of thinly sliced red pepper to add colour. That went into the second basket which was placed onto the one already cooking.
The basic booklet with the steamer said not to season until cooked when I added a grinder twist of salt to both and black pepper and a knob of butter to the carrots.
The veg was excellent with an unbelievably rich flavour, and the cooking juices which had gathered in the drip tray I added to give additional oomph to the chicken gravy.
The way you can mix veg is very satisfying. It looks good from the time you put it in the steamer.
I have a marrow for this evening. Can’t wait to taste the result. Think I’m hooked.
Does anyone have any great steaming recipes they’d like to share?
I am me. For more click image.
Yum! I’ve only steamed one vegetable at a time in a pan but this sounds wonderful to mix them all up and steam them. I might have to go looking for one of these.
With three baskets you separate them into baskets according to cooking time. But I feel compelled to make the veg in the baskets look attractive to eat so add extra bits and pieces. Seems to work. Now looking for more adventurous recipes.
What a coincidence. I was thinking of buying a steamer such as the one you pictured here. Right now I just use a colander over a pot of water, but I think maybe an actual steamer would be better.
Go on, treat yourself and your tastebuds.