This is something I tried and was totally surprised

Canada
February 14, 2008 2:23pm CST
Ok now you must ahve seen those microwavable steam bags, well being on disability I can`t afford them so I first tried just a plain ziplock and I wasn`t happy how the veggies turned out at all . I love my veggies but am nervous to carry a heavy pot of water to drain, due to the MS I tend to drop things and now won`t carry a pot of hot water to the sink ... Then I thought well if they can steam them and they turn out fine why can`t I just boil the water PLOP the veggies in, bring it to a boil and turn it off . Make sure there is enough water that covers the veggies though . AND THE LID FITS TIGHT or have extra water with a lose lid would work ... After it boils turn off the water so your not boiling all the good out of the vegetables and walk away, depending on what itt is, say baby carrots I let stand in the pot of hot water for about 30 minutes and spoon them out, if their not done the way you like them you can bring the water back to a boil and do it again until their the way you like them . This way THEIR STEAMED and theres no worries of burning and once your used to the way you like them you can go on doing whatvever ... Even if you need to go to work turn it off and reheat in the microwave .... AND THERE IS NO BIG HEAVY POT OF HOT WATER TO DRAIN AS IT WILL BE COOLED BY THE TIME YOU GET HOME ... JUST DRAIN AND REHEAT, EMPTY .... Thats all there is to it, sorry if it sounds complicated, but try it out, you`ll be surprised ... I like my veggies with a little bit of a bite so it varies on what I`m having ... Happy cooking, made my cooking alot easier .... Oh and the light bill won`t be as much where the stove is only on to boil the water not for the half hour it normally would be on . I just started this about a week ago so I`m wondering how it will reflect my bill ... My bill is normally about 90-100 dollars a month so I can`t wait to see how much it will be this month ...
1 person likes this
3 responses
@tinkerick (1257)
• United States
14 Feb 08
Strainer and a Steamer - Strainer with handle - can be found in different sizes and very cheap at dollar stores.

Steamer - found by the kitchen gadgets usually not too expensive either.
Hi, sounds like you've found a solution that works for you - great!Here's just another couple of suggestions you can try/consider. Get an insertable steamer (see bottom right of pic). I used to use this ALL the time especially when my kids were babies and I made their baby food by steaming veggies and mashing them. You can still boil the water til hot and steamy then place the lid on tight and leave for 30 minutes just like your above method to save on your bills. I then used a pot holder to just remove the insert and dump the veggies in a dish. No need to move the whole pot!Another idea - one I use now because my steamer has since been retired from overuse (smile). Is to use a strainer much like the one in the pic. Place this on top of your pot of water and then use a lid that fits over it or aluminum foil to cover. -Tink
1 person likes this
@tinkerick (1257)
• United States
14 Feb 08
Hi, sounds like you've found a solution that works for you - great! Here's just another couple of suggestions you can try/consider. Get an insertable steamer (see bottom right of pic). I used to use this ALL the time especially when my kids were babies and I made their baby food by steaming veggies and mashing them. You can still boil the water til hot and steamy then place the lid on tight and leave for 30 minutes just like your above method to save on your bills. I then used a pot holder to just remove the insert and dump the veggies in a dish. No need to move the whole pot! Another idea - one I use now because my steamer has since been retired from overuse (smile). Is to use a strainer much like the one in the pic. Place this on top of your pot of water and then use a lid that fits over it or aluminum foil to cover. -Tink
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
15 Feb 08
I am so glad you have found an alternate to plastic for your veggies. I am very wary of heating any form of plastic. The metal steamers, all the ladies are talking about are great...use little water, then put the water in ice cube trays & freeze to later add to soup/stew stock.