Steaming vegetables is a quick, easy, flavorful way to enjoy them. In fact, most vegetables require little or no seasoning when steamed to taste good. This is also a great way to whip up an inexpensive side dish or meal component - most veggies in the bulk section of your grocer are relatively cheap. As an added bonus, steamed vegetables are also very healthy.
Steaming vegetables retains nutrients because they are not in contact with a high volume of water. If you keep the veggies in their whole form, or cut them into big pieces, they are more nutritious because the fewer openings the less opportunity vitamins have to escape. If you'd like to ensure that you consume the most nutrients possible, you can drink the remaining water after you steam the vegetables - enjoy it warm or cool. Because of the health drawbacks of using microwaves, it is recommended that you use a stove-top steamer.
Other benefits of eating steamed vegetables include:
- improve digestion
- boost immune system
- facilitate detoxification
- lower the risk of high cholesterol
- low fat or fat free
Vegetables that great steamed:
- asparagus
- boy choy
- broccoli
- brussel sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- cauliflower
- kale
- spinach
If you prefer to season steamed vegetables, here are some yummy ideas:
- sprinkle on a pinch of salt or dulse flakes
- top with your favorite dried herbs
- toss a little bit of oil, soy sauce, or red wine vinegar
- squeeze on lemon or lime juice
Pair steamed vegetables with a plant-based protein, like tofu, or a grain, like rice, for a delicious and healthy meal.
Whitney Lauritsen is a filmmaker, environmentalist, and vegan who promotes healthy living on her site www.ecovegangal.com. She shares tips on how to be kind to your body and the earth via video, photography, and writing. You can find her talking about being healthy and green on Twitter and Facebook.
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