Perfect Rice

Simularities

Both require a liquid for the rice to absorb.

Differences

Cooking rice in a Rice cooker

• Shuts off autmatically when liquid is absorbed.
• Come in many sizes, from some that cook a few cups of rice to ones that can make enough for a restaurant.
• Forms a slight crust on bottom
• Drier, fluffier rice is produced

Cooking Rice in a Steamer.

• Slightly less liquid is required
• More time is required to cook rice.
• Rice and liquid are placed in a rice bowl, which is set inside the steamer.
• Need to set a timer to shut off.
• Rice bowls are small so limited to quanities
• Does not form a crust on bottom
• Moister rice is produced

These are more additive than potato chips.

I use my Oster Steamer/Rice cooker for this recipe, but a rice cooker with a steaming tray will work just as well. Place a layer of small new potatoes, 1 to 2 inches in diameter( scrubbed and unpeeled) in the the steamer basket.  Filling the water resevoir that goes underneath this basket, and replace basket on the steamer. Cover.

Set the timer for about 20 minutes. Test when time is up. If potatoes are not completely cooked, simply allow to steam a little longer with lid on.

If using a rice cooker with the tray, add about 3 cups of water to rice pot, place tray in cooker and arrange the layer of new potatoes on tray and replace cover.Turn on the rice cooker, and start timing from the time water starts to boil. Takes about 20 minutes as well.  If all the water evaporates add more water to pot to increase steam time if needed.

Put cooked potatoes in a serving bowl and serve hot with butter, a little salt and pepper.

OR

Steamed New Potatoes with Butter and Parsley.

Mix 2tbs. mellted butter/olive oil with 1 tsp. lemon juice, add 2 tbl. chopped fresh parsley.  Pour over the potatoes in serving bowl, toss to coat and see if you can eat just one. 

Protecting the nutritional quality of our food is important when we cook, so why pour it down the drain when we cook our veggies in boiling water.

Steaming foods retain these water soluble vitamins and minerals.

Steamed veggies look bright and very appetizing, and they taste great because their natural flavors are retained.  These are some things I particularly enjoy cooked this way: small red potatoes, carrots, green beans and peas in pod.

Need to watch those calories.  You can steam without using fat.  That means you can eliminate 100 calories every time you omit 1Tablespoon of fat. That’s awesome! But you won’t miss it because the food tastes great, because its steamed.

Using a rice cooker like this is great way to steam your food.  This particular model comes with a steaming tray included.  Pour water in the pot, place the veggies, fish, etc., on the tray,  cover ,turn on and steam.  The booklet included gives the best times for the different foods.