The age of digital technology has brought into our life not only the fast pace of problem solving, but also many instruments to simplify and accelerate the processes of all spheres of life. I did not pass by such an important point as cooking.
Air grill, slow cooker, blender, bread machine ... This list goes on and on. But it’s also good if the food prepared with the help of technology is not only tasty, but also healthy. In this case, a double boiler is worth mentioning. It is with its help that you can cook healthy, rich in vitamins and minerals and also delicious food.
Let's see how difficult it is and answer the main question: how to cook healthy food in a double boiler?
The main principles of work
As it turns out, the principle of operation of the double boiler was still known to our distant ancestors. Living near the “hot” springs, the ancestors cooked fish, vegetables and fruits right on the heated stones. The Chinese, to this day, have preserved the tradition of steaming, using deep pans for this.
The principle of operation of a double boiler is contained in the cooking of food directly by steam. Mistresses use two varieties of double boiler:
- electric - works from the power supply network;
- double boiler pans or special containers that work directly on fire (electric or gas stoves).
What is the use of a double boiler?
To understand how to cook in a double boiler, first you need to make sure of its positive features. The main advantages of cooking in a double boiler are:
- the preservation of beneficial trace elements and vitamins;
- excellent taste of cooked foods;
- saturated color;
- whole form;
- mouth-watering aroma of food.
In addition, food cooked with steam, there is no need to fill with additional fats - sunflower or butter - so it is considered dietary. The constant use of such food will have a beneficial effect on the whole body.
There is a whole list of products that completely lose their useful properties during the heat treatment process. One of these is brown rice. Vitamin B1, which is the main value of the product, is destroyed during cooking. But cooked rice in a double boiler (how to cook, read below) contains a useful element in its entirety.
What can I cook in a double boiler?
Many housewives are interested in not only the question of how to cook in a double boiler, but also what products can be used for this? The answer is very simple: you can cook everything except eggs and mushrooms. This is due to the technology of data processing products. It involves the use of a large amount of liquid.
An important factor in the question of how to use a double boiler so that the products are tasty and maintain their shape is their freshness. Sometimes after steaming, the food acquires an unattractive appearance, and the smell and taste discourage all desires to try yummy. This is due to the use of stale or overripe vegetables and fruits. Therefore, before cooking in a double boiler, make sure that the quality of the workpieces used is excellent.
Several distinctive features
Significantly reduced the amount of time spent on cooking. In addition, the electric double boiler is equipped with a built-in timer, which will immediately notify the completion of the process and prevent food spoilage.
- During cooking, foods do not need to be mixed or turned over.
- Some devices have a special steamer mode. It allows you to cook not one but several dishes at the same time.
- Before use, read the instructions for the double boiler. In most cases, the device can be used as express defrosting of fish or meat.
- Finally, the main advice that will help to protect not only the products, but also the double boiler itself, whether it be an electric or ordinary pan. Before cooking in a double boiler, make sure that there is enough fluid in it. It is not necessary to use water. After all, there are recipes that use tea or even alcoholic beverages.
What does steam taste like?
Many will be interested to know the answer to this question. Especially the taste of such food is curious to those who have already heard something about the benefits of steam food, but still have not reached the hands to cook it yourself at home.
Well, do not hesitate. Products cooked with steam are more succulent. In addition, they retain the original taste and aroma. Like all good things, they get used to such food quickly.
Cooking time
Before using a double boiler, read the rules for its use. Thanks to this, you will learn about its main advantages, one of which is the speed of cooking. Due to the fact that at the same time in the miracle device you can cook several different dishes, a double boiler will significantly save your time. And what’s even more pleasing, the taste features of each product in no way mix with the rest.
You can cook in a double boiler without worrying that the food will burn. Just put products into it, set the desired mode, and the device will inform you by the sound signal when the process is complete.
To reduce steaming time, cut the food into smaller pieces. And also try to arrange them in a container freely, so that the contact between them is minimal. This will not only speed up the process, but also allow you to evenly distribute steam to all products.
What is steam food good for?
Considering fashion trends, everyone strives for harmony and a beautiful figure, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. In this case, again, steamed food will be helpful. Many nutritionists recommend a steam diet for weight loss. Indeed, thanks to its rich composition, it is able to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals, while not loading the process of digesting food itself. Thereby:
- metabolism accelerates;
- improves the condition of the skin, nails, hair;
- forces and energy appear;
- the general condition of the body improves.
Who needs a steam diet?
Most doctors agree that food prepared in a double boiler will be useful to everyone, without exception. But still there are people to whom it becomes simply a necessity. Let's look at what diseases steam food will be a salvation for:
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcer, etc.);
- heart and vascular diseases;
- atherosclerosis;
- allergic reactions;
- overweight.
It is especially worth paying attention to steam food to future and real mothers and the elderly.
Rice and vegetables
Finally - a rice recipe in a double boiler. How to cook, we will analyze step by step further. The dish will turn out elegant, beautiful and will have healing properties.
You will need: 1 tbsp. rice, water, onion, bell pepper, carrots, salt, pepper, herbs, oil.
- First you need to rinse the rice.
- Dice the peppers and onions, grate the carrots.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the special container of the double boiler.
- Place the rice in the cereal insert, salt, pepper and mix.
- Put vegetables on top of rice.
- Cook 40-45 minutes.
- Add butter (cream or olive) to the finished dish and sprinkle with herbs.
Bon Appetit!
If you lead an active lifestyle or just looking for an additional source of energy - try steam food. You will undoubtedly see and be surprised at the close relationship of food and the general condition of the body. Although this is said at every corner. In addition, cooking in a double boiler will save a lot of your time. Experiment and be healthy!