How to steam vegetables without a steamer? 3 professional chef methods

Read in EnglishAmong the cooking methods available, steaming our food is one of the most beneficial, for example, it helps preserve fiber and other important nutrients that are usually lost with other cooking methods, so it is very useful to know how to steam vegetables without a steamer.According to El pequeño Larousse Gastronomique in Spanish, this method for cooking food involves using liquid to a quarter of the volume of the container in which you will cook, then placing a rack or basket that allows steam to pass over the boiling liquid and thus slowly cook the food covered.However, having a steamer is not necessary to steam vegetables, and to achieve it in the most practical and successful way, we asked Brenda Villagomez, a chef from kiwilimón, for her best tips.Three ways to steam vegetables without a steamer Do it in the microwavePlace the already cut vegetables in medium-sized pieces on a wide plate that can accommodate, in addition to the vegetables, a cup of water. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the vegetables you have chosen, but the tip that Chef Brenda gives us is to cover with cling film and give intervals of 1 or 2 minutes; don’t forget to check that the vegetables are getting tender.In a large covered potAnother very common way to steam vegetables without a steamer is to use a very large pot with a lid, and arrange the vegetables from the hardest to the softest, for example, first the carrots and next to them, the chayote and spinach. Pour a splash of water, cover the pot, and cook on low heat. This is the easiest and most popular way to steam vegetables without a steamer.Use a metal colanderIf you have a metal colander with a round base for washing vegetables, you can get creative and use it as a rack to steam your vegetables. Place the colander inside a very large pot where it fits, place the vegetables on top, cover with aluminum foil, and cook on low heat.Take advantage of this cooking method that ensures you preserve the most nutrients in most vegetables, and with these tips for steaming vegetables without a steamer, you will have no excuses.