Steaming Veggies: Aroma Professional Plus Masterclass

The Aroma Professional Plus rice cooker and steamer can cook up to 10 cups of rice and also steam vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, peas and spinach. To steam vegetables in the Aroma Professional Plus, first add water to the inner pot of the cooker. Then, place the vegetables in the steam tray and insert it into the cooker before pressing the Steam/Cook button. The cooker will begin steaming the vegetables, and when it's complete, the Keep-Warm function will activate.

How to steam vegetables in Aroma Professional Plus

Preparing the Aroma Professional Plus

Before using your Aroma Professional Plus rice cooker, ensure that it is not plugged into a power source. To begin, press the "Lid Release" button to open the device. Remove the inner pot from the cooker. Now, you can start preparing your vegetables.

The amount of water added to the inner pot varies depending on the type of vegetable you are steaming. For instance, to steam vegetables such as asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini, use 1/2 cup of water. On the other hand, for vegetables like cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans, use one cup of water. After measuring the required amount of water, pour it into the inner pot.

Next, prepare your chosen vegetables. Wash and cut them into bite-sized pieces or florets, if necessary. For example, broccoli should be cut into florets, while carrots should be sliced into smaller chunks. Once prepared, place the vegetables into the steam tray or basket. Ensure the steam tray is securely inside the cooker, and the vegetables are inside the tray.

Now, you are ready to start steaming your vegetables.

Water measurements for different vegetables

The Aroma Professional Plus rice cooker can be used to steam a variety of vegetables. The amount of water required depends on the type of vegetable being cooked.

For vegetables such as asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini, use 1/2 cup of water. For items like cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans, the water measurement is 1 cup.

When steaming vegetables, it is important to follow the correct procedure. First, add the required amount of water to the inner pot of the Aroma cooker. Then, place the steam tray inside and arrange the vegetables on it. Close the lid and plug in the cooker. Press the "Steam/Cook" button, and the cooker will begin steaming. The cooker will display "Keep-Warm" when the steaming is complete.

The Aroma cooker is a versatile appliance that allows you to cook rice and steam vegetables simultaneously. It is essential to refer to the specific manual for your model to ensure precise measurements and instructions.

Placing the vegetables in the cooker

To place the vegetables in the cooker, first, add water to the cooking pot of the rice cooker. The amount of water varies per vegetable. For example, to steam asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini, add 1/2 cup of water. To steam cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans, add one cup of water.

Next, rinse the vegetables in running water. If you are steaming broccoli, cut bite-sized florets off the broccoli and discard the stalk. You can use the basket as a colander if you wish. Place the vegetables into the steam tray or basket and put the tray or basket inside the cooker.

Now, you are ready to start steaming your vegetables!

Programming the cooker

To program the cooker, press the "Steam/Cook" button on the Aroma control panel. The cooker will then start to steam the vegetables. Once the steaming is complete, the Keep-Warm function will be displayed on the machine.

Different vegetables steam for different periods, and personal preference may also dictate the desired crispness of the vegetables. Therefore, you may want to experiment with the steaming time.

For example, to steam broccoli, press the Steam Cook button and hold it until it hits the 3-minute mark. Release the button and let the cooker steam the broccoli. While it takes just 3 minutes to steam, it will take a few minutes for the cooker to heat up to the right temperature.

The Aroma cooker will automatically switch to the Keep-Warm function once the cooking is complete. You can allow the vegetables to remain on Keep-Warm for 5 to 10 minutes, then open the lid and serve the vegetables.

Serving the steamed vegetables

Once your vegetables are steamed to perfection, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and ideas to elevate your steamed vegetables and make them a delicious part of your meal:

Timing is Everything:

As soon as your vegetables are done steaming, remove them from the steamer to prevent overcooking. Steamed vegetables are best served hot and fresh, so aim to time their readiness with the rest of your meal.

Seasoning:

Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of steamed vegetables. Here are some seasoning options:

• Butter: Toss your vegetables with butter for a classic, delicious option. For an extra kick, try garlic butter.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds a healthy, flavorful touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and freshness to your vegetables.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle on some oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, chervil, tarragon, cilantro, cumin, dill, ginger, or lemongrass for unique flavors.

Sauces:

For a more indulgent option, serve your steamed vegetables with a sauce. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, and add salt and pepper to create a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce.
• Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Combine olive oil with lemon or lime juice for a healthy, tangy sauce.

Vegetable Medley:

Create an eye-catching and flavorful dish by serving a medley of steamed vegetables. Just be sure to add denser vegetables to the steamer first, followed by softer vegetables, to ensure even cooking.

Leftovers:

Don't let those leftover steamed vegetables go to waste! Here are some ideas:

• Grain Bowl: Add them to grains for a tasty and nutritious grain bowl.
• Omelets: Toss them into an omelet for a heartier breakfast.
• Salads: Use them to top your lunch salad for a crunchy and healthy boost.

So, there you have it! With these tips and ideas, you can serve steamed vegetables in a variety of ways that are sure to impress and delight your taste buds. Enjoy!

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