How many times have we thought about increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables ? Probably many. They are healthy foods that should be part of our daily menu. However, we often don't know all the cooking possibilities.
Here we'll learn the best ways to cook each variety. We generally eat vegetables fresh, boiled, steamed, roasted, or fried . As a general rule, boiled or steamed vegetables are the healthiest options, with steaming being the most beneficial.
Vegetables, boiled or steamed?
People generally choose to boil or cook vegetables in a pot; however, steaming is preferable. Steaming helps food retain its nutrients better. The nutrients don't evaporate, and the body absorbs them readily. It's also a faster cooking method. While steaming is the best option, there's no problem with boiling vegetables in the more traditional way. Let's see what the differences are.
Boil
When boiling vegetables, we must first wash them thoroughly. Add water to the pot and boil the vegetables until they reach the desired consistency. The resulting broth, which contains juices and flavors, can be used to make soups or broths to enrich other recipes.
Steamed
Steaming is the easiest and most convenient way to cook food, including fruits, vegetables, and even meats. You simply use the base of a pot to hold the water, and then place bamboo baskets, perforated casseroles, or special steamers on top.
This cooking method is faster , helps food retain its properties, and allows for immediate seasoning, as the steam prevents the release of spices or aromatic herbs.
Many studies have confirmed that steaming is the best way to cook vegetables; there's no doubt about it. Depending on the food, we might opt ​​for more traditional cooking methods . For example, potatoes and all root vegetables can be boiled without problems, while green vegetables like broccoli, chard, or spinach are good options for steaming.
Once cooked, they can be transformed into another dish; that is, we can steam them and then make a puree or a healthy sauce to accompany the rest of the meal.