Are you looking for a healthy and delicious way to cook your favorite vegetables? Steaming is an easy, convenient method of cooking that results in a tender yet flavorful food.
But can you steam Kale in a steamer with the same success as other vegetables?
Yes, you certainly can! Kale is great as a steamed vegetable because it retains its flavor and texture while being cooked quickly and easily.
This article will explain this topic in more detail.
Let’s get into it!
The Benefits Of Steaming Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense vegetable that can provide many health benefits when steamed. Steaming kale helps preserve its nutrients, including vitamins A and C, minerals like calcium and iron, and dietary fiber.
Additionally, it helps make the vegetable texture more pleasant and easier to eat. Steaming kale has multiple advantages over other cooking methods, such as boiling or sautéing.
When boiled or sautéed in oil, much of the valuable vitamins are lost due to leaching out into the liquid or being destroyed by heat.
This loss is avoided with steaming because it uses only water vapor instead of direct contact with hot liquids, which keeps all those essential vitamins intact while allowing easy digestion.
Moreover, compared to raw kale, which may be hard to digest for some people. Steamed kale is soft enough to be easier on your stomach and releases more antioxidants and phytonutrients.
So if you want an easy way of unlocking all these wonderful benefits from this superfood, then don’t forget – always opt for steaming your Kale.
See also: Can You Steam Green Beans In A Steamer?
What’s The Difference Between Boiling And Steaming Kale?
The main difference between boiling and steaming kale is the method of cooking. Boiling kale involves submerging it in hot, boiled water until tender.
On the other hand, steaming kale requires placing it in a steamer basket above boiling water or inside a covered pot with a small amount of liquid added to create steam.
Boiling kale will cause it to lose some nutrients due to leaching out into the boiling water. However, this can be reduced by using less water and keeping the heat low while allowing enough tenderness.
The benefit of boiling is that you don’t need any additional equipment like you would if you were steaming your greens, as all you need is a large saucepan or stockpot and some boiled water.
Additionally, when boiled correctly, kale can take on flavors from any seasoning or ingredients added to the same pot, such as herbs and spices, which makes for an easy way to add flavor without adding extra fat or calories.
See also: Can You Steam Lentils In A Steamer?
Type Of Steamers For Steaming Carrots
The best way to steam carrots is by using an electric steamer. This steamer is designed specifically to cook various foods, including vegetables such as carrots.
You can easily and quickly cook your carrots without needing access to a stovetop or microwave.
An electric steamer also gives you more control over the cooking process, allowing you to adjust the temperature depending on how soft or crunchy you want your carrots to be.
Electric steamers are easy to use and come with several useful features that make them perfect for steaming carrots.
Most models have built-in timers so you know when your food will be ready, and they are often equipped with adjustable trays so that different types of vegetables can be cooked at once.
These steamers also require less water than other methods, such as stovetop or microwaving, resulting in healthier meals since fewer vitamins are lost during the cooking process due to evaporation.
Finally, electric steamers offer more convenience than other methods because there’s no need for monitoring while food is being prepared. Simply set it up and wait until it’s done!
Plus, cleaning up after using an electric steamer is much easier, as all parts can go into the dishwasher afterward.
See also: Can You Steam Mussels In A Steamer?
How To Clean Kale Before Steaming?
The best way to clean kale before steaming is to rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This will help remove dirt, debris, and any other impurities.
Once rinsed, pat dries the leaves and stems with a paper towel or cloth so that they don’t become soggy while steaming.
To ensure all bacteria have been removed, you can also soak the kale in diluted vinegar for five minutes. Afterward, rinse with cold water and pat dry again before cooking.
It’s important to clean your kale properly before steaming as this will prevent contamination from soil-borne bacteria, which can cause food poisoning if consumed.
See also: Can You Steam Noodles In A Steamer?
How To Steam Kale In An Electric Steamer?
Start by gathering the necessary ingredients and supplies for steaming the kale: one bunch of fresh kale, a cup of water, an electric steamer (or bamboo or metal), and a bowl.
Begin preparing the kale for steaming by rinsing it thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris from its leaves. Make sure all excess water is removed before continuing.
Then, fill the base of your electric steamer with one cup of clean tap water and turn it on medium heat until boiling begins; this will create steam that will be used to cook your food items later on.
Once boiling has begun, place your washed and dried kale into the top chamber/basket of your electric steamer overtop the boiling liquid below so that it sits directly above it but not touching it.
This ensures even cooking throughout all parts of each leaf without becoming soggy due to direct contact with hot liquid underneath.
Close the lid securely onto the electric steamer and allow the contents to steam for approximately five minutes.
You can check periodically if needed during this period and adjust temperature settings accordingly depending on desired results (lower heat = more tender leaves).
Once finished cooking, carefully remove the basket containing cooked kale from the top chamber using oven mitts or similar protective wear.
Also, keep the lid shut tight during the removal process. Place cooked greens into a serving bowl and enjoy while still warm.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Steam Kale In A Steamer?
It usually takes about 5 minutes to steam kale in a steamer.
Does Steaming Kale Remove Nutrients?
Yes, steaming kale can reduce the nutrient content of the vegetable. The longer it is cooked, the more nutrients are lost.
Should You Wash Kale Before Steaming It?
It would be best to wash kale before steaming it to remove any dirt or debris.
How Do You Know When Steamed Kale Is Done?
Steamed kale is done when it has reached a bright green color and is tender but still crisp.
Do You Need To Remove Stems From Kale?
Yes, you must remove the stems from the kale before cooking or eating it.
Conclusion: Can You Steam Kale In A Steamer?
Yes, you certainly can! Kale is great as a steamed vegetable because it retains its flavor and texture while being cooked quickly and easily.
Not only that, but the health benefits of steaming kale are numerous: it helps to preserve vitamins and minerals while minimizing fat content.
Steaming kale is sure to be a nutritious addition to your meal plan!
Happy cooking!