Steaming Broccoli

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that is available fairly easily and is a good addition to any diet. In order to ensure its nutritional value isn't compromised, it's important to cook broccoli in the correct manner. Steaming broccoli is one of the ways that you can serve this vegetable while making sure the nutrients stay intact. Steaming is also the best way to retain the fabulous green color and the crunchy texture. Broccoli is a versatile veggie. It can be served on its own, in stir fries, salads and bakes and goes well with almonds, sesame seeds and a host of other condiments and accompaniments. So all it takes is a little imagination and experimentation to give your taste buds a treat. It's important to understand the correct method of steaming broccoli and the different ways it can be done, so that you can pick the most convenient one for yourself. The following paragraphs will describe how to steam broccoli and give you a variety of ways to include this vegetable in your diet.

Methods

The ideal way to steam broccoli is by using a steamer made expressly for that purpose. These can be electrical or for stove top usage. However, it's easy enough to steam, even if you don't have a steamer, with some basic equipment you're bound to have in your kitchen. Here's how:

Stove-top Steaming

• Begin by washing the broccoli under cool running water. Then, using a sharp knife, trim the leaves and tough outer stalks. Then cut it into florets.
• Place the florets into a metal colander that you can suspend by its rims into a pan so that there's a gap of at least 4 inches between the bottom of the colander and the base of the pan.
• Fill the pan with sufficient water and then place the colander on top. Cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce and simmer for about 6 minutes or at least until the florets are tender enough.
• Remove the lid carefully, and serve hot.

Microwave Steaming

• Cut the broccoli into florets of the desired size, and place in a microwave safe bowl.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of water per pound of broccoli. Cover it with a tight lid or a heavy plate.
• Put the microwave on high for about 3 minutes, then check if it's done. Replace if necessary and microwave for a few more minutes. Timing and power in microwave ovens may differ, so you will have to do some experimentation to figure out your own time.

How to Cook Broccoli

Cooking broccoli is fairly simple. It makes a great addition to a stir fry with sugar-snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms and tofu but tastes great on its own. It can also be stir fried with sesame seeds and almonds for crunch. This vegetable cooks quickly so it should be added towards the end; the green color will briefly intensify, which is when you should take it off the heat - overcooking will make it dull and yellowish, or worse still mushy. The flavors in broccoli blend well with most vegetables, though it makes a good side dish to meat as well.

Steaming broccoli is a great way to enjoy the flavors in this power packed vegetable - it's quick and super easy. Including it in your diet can have a number of health benefits - it's high in Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and calcium. It is also high in dietary fiber and low in calories. If that isn't reason enough, freshly steamed broccoli tastes great too. Add this super food to your diet and reap the benefits while enjoying its taste!