How to Fake a Steamer

Fake steamer

Difficulty level: Easy

Fake a steamerSteaming is a quick and healthy way to cook things like vegetables and tempeh so that they are moist without being waterlogged. You can purchase a steamer, of course, or you can just make one with two kitchen tools you probably already own: a pot and a metal colander large enough to sit on top of it.
 

How to steam

Put a couple of cups of water into the pot, place the colander on top, and add the food. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a simmer. If you have a lid that fits just inside the colander without resting on top of the food, go ahead and use that; otherwise, just steam a bit longer than the recipe says to.
 

Steaming tips

  • It’s ok if the colander sits partly in the pot, as long as it’s at least an inch above the water level. You don’t want the water to boil all the way up to the colander – the veggies can’t steam if they’re touching the water.
     
  • Adjust the heat to keep the water at a constant simmer, rather than an all-out boil.
     

Also see How to fake a double boiler.
 

How to fake a steamer