how to cook veggies safely - steamer? microwave? need recs, too

[BarbieSmith]

I have been using a Pampered Chef microwave steamer and it is too small but now I also worry about heating in plastic (even if "safe"). Should I be?

I would love something bigger, though, so I can steam a whole head of cauliflower (or more), for example.

I would love some recommendations on what would be safest and easiest? Thanks SO much!!!

[egoldber]

I use a stainless steel steamer insert in a pan and it works very well. The cheap kind that you can find at Bed Bath & Beyond for about $5.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Expandable-Vegetable-Steamer/dp/B00004UE8F/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1259843256&sr=8-10

[JBaxter]

I use a stainless steel steamer insert in a pan and it works very well. The cheap kind that you can find at Bed Bath & Beyond for about $5.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Expandable-Vegetable-Steamer/dp/B00004UE8F/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1259843256&sr=8-10


This is what I use also

[lizzywednesday]

Count me as a 3rd with the steamer insert ... plus, I still have fond memories of playing with my mom's when I was a kid. We used to pretend it was a satellite dish or a UFO, depending on our mood.

I am also big on blanching stuff like broccoli or asparagus rather than steaming, but this requires you to be good with timing.

[jgenie]

Steamer insert here too...

[Melaine]

I like using the rice cooker, but I am pretty sure it is aluminum!:banghead:

[elliput]

For microwave steaming, I use Corningware. The French White 2.5 qt casserole (http://www.amazon.com/CorningWare-French-White-2-Quart-Casserole/dp/B00005B8JO/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1259847789&sr=8-10) is the perfect size for a large head of cauliflower. For larger quantities, I use the pasta insert in my large stock pot on the stove top.

[neeter]

For microwave steaming, I use Corningware. The French White 2.5 qt casserole (http://www.amazon.com/CorningWare-French-White-2-Quart-Casserole/dp/B00005B8JO/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1259847789&sr=8-10) is the perfect size for a large head of cauliflower. For larger quantities, I use the pasta insert in my large stock pot on the stove top.

erica - how does this work with the corningware? do you just put a little water in the bottom and put the lid on top? i always learn so much on this board!! :) thanks!

[boolady]

I use a stainless steel steamer insert in a pan and it works very well. The cheap kind that you can find at Bed Bath & Beyond for about $5.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Stainless-Steel-Expandable-Vegetable-Steamer/dp/B00004UE8F/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1259843256&sr=8-10

This is what we use, too.

[mommylamb]

I much prefer to do veggies in the oven than to steam them. Things like green beans or asparagus are so much better roasted.

[Moneypenny]

erica - how does this work with the corningware? do you just put a little water in the bottom and put the lid on top? i always learn so much on this board!! :) thanks!

I'm not Erica, but that is exactly how I do it. Maybe a tablespoon of water is all you need and then they steam themselves. Generally 3-5 minutes depending on the vegetable.

[Momof3Labs]

I do a covered corning ware dish in the microwave, too - veggies plus a small amount of water. DH steams them on the stove in a metal insert that came with one of our pots. I ordered these for him for Christmas; my mom uses one for potatoes and they come out GREAT!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=35886608

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=35886612