Broccoli is one of the top-notch, healthiest, loaded-with- nutrients, foods you can serve yourself and your family. It has lots of advantages that many probably don’t know.
First of all, broccoli is a cancer-fighting food that you should consider adding to your diet. Secondly, it assists in the cell rejuvenating process. The other benefit is there is the promotion of digestive health, most importantly, colon health. Next, it helps with bone health through the production of collagen. Also, it gives strength to your bone mass.
Besides, broccoli is low in calories. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which boosts our health. If we want these vitamins to stay intact as much as possible while cooking, it’s best to steam broccoli. Or better still, less cook them. When using this method, you avoid unnecessary calories of oil or butter you may use, keeping in mind; broccoli has low calories, why would you add more?
How to Steam Broccoli in Microwave
1. Turn on the tap water and rinse the broccoli in between the crowns to remove dirt and hidden insects. Shake it off to drain any excess water, pull out the little stems on the main stem, and pat dry with an absorbent paper. Drying it is essential, especially if you’re not going to cook it right away. If storing in a refrigerator, wrap a paper towel around it and put it in a Ziploc bag so that it absorbs any excess moisture preventing it from being soggy.
2. Take a knife and chop the buds into small pieces. Cut off one inch or so of the stalk – usually, it’s a bit dry; hence might be somehow stiffer and not that tasty. Cut the stem into paper-thin discs (3 mm or 1/8 inch). Further, chop them in half if they are enormous than bite-size.
3. Place your broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and add water. For instance, you can use a large glass or ceramic bowl or a plastic container. Some ceramics are not useable in the microwave, so check the labels for any warnings. Add two tablespoons (30 ml) of water to 1 pound (1/2 kg) of broccoli. Cover with a lid.
4. Heat the dish in the microwave over high heat for 3-4 minutes, checking the broccoli after every 30 seconds.
5. Remove the bowl from the microwave and also the lid. When the broccoli gets cooked, it has a bright green color, and you can easily pierce it using a fork or knife. If it is yet to be ready, return it into the microwave again and steam for another 30 seconds.
6. Serve the broccoli in a plate and season it as per your preference. For instance, you can add a little butter and salt and pepper to taste.
Microwaving broccoli reduces your cooking time in a big way. The short period it takes preserves temperature-sensitive vitamins such as vitamin C of the broccoli.
It is simple to use. It’s perfect how the broccoli turns out to be – very bright green, crisp, and fresh as ever. However, as you microwave it, watch out for your time so that the broccoli may not overcook.
How to Steam Broccoli in a Pan
1. Wash the broccoli head in tap water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the tough stalk and cut off the buds into small pieces from the stem using a knife. Divide huger stems in half lengthways or quarters.
2. Add six tablespoons (90 ml) of water to a large skillet and bring it to a boil.
3. Add your broccoli to the skillet once the water boils.
4. Cover and heat over medium-high heat for 3-6 minutes. Let it remain covered to maintain the steam inside. The broccoli will become bright green and soften.
5. Add seasonings or butter or salt to taste if you wish and stir in the broccoli and serve right away.
Always occasionally stir your broccoli for a few minutes, or until it is crisp-tender. When your skillet gets too dry, add some water, but not in excess, to only prevent burning of the broccoli.
Using a skillet is time-saving as it doesn’t consume much of your time either just as the microwave. But to many people, they are much used to the microwave that they will find it as the more straightforward method.
How to Steam Broccoli with a Steamer Basket
1. Chop off the crowns from the stalk and cut them in half. Cut the florets into smaller pieces. Chop the firm trunk and discard, or if you’ll eat it, peel and cut it into half or quarters lengthwise.
2. Add 1 inch of water in a large pot.
3. Place your broccoli in a steamer basket and transfer it into the pot.
4. Cover and heat over medium heat for 3-6 minutes, or until the broccoli appears bright green and is crisp and tender.
5. When ready, remove from the heat and serve on a plate.
6. Top with some olive oil, pepper, or lemon juice for enhancement of flavor.
The steamer basket is the best method in steaming broccoli as it ensures even cooking since the broccoli is usually at a higher level preventing any nutrients leaching into the water.
How to Steam Broccoli in Rice Cooker
1. Add about 2 inches of water in the rice cooker bowl.
2. Wash the crowns of the broccoli well and place them in the basket. After the water has boiled, put the steamer basket in the rice cooker and cover it with a lid.
3. Steam for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
4. When ready, remove from the heat, allow cooling for several minutes, and serve while warm.
Steaming broccoli in a rice cooker is pretty easy as well. It only takes a few minutes to have it ready.
To sum up
Ever wondered who decided broccoli would be good to eat? Well, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Broccoli is one of the functional foods some ignore. Eat them more and more because veggies make you feel and even look better.
Broccoli is a good source of folate. Similarly, it is rich in manganese, vitamins A, C, and K. Can we forget this cruciferous veggie helps in fighting cancer? In recent studies, it has shown that women, who consumed it, among other vegetables, had a reduced risk of breast cancer than those who ate little. Besides, it helps in having beautiful, glowing skin.
Before eating broccoli, decide on the perfect way of cooking it – roasting, frying, steaming, etc. The best way is to steam broccoli since it doesn’t leach its vital nutrients; hence they get into your body fully and boost your immunity. We all want to live a healthy lifestyle, don’t we? – Broccoli is the means.
