How many times have we thought about increase your intake of greens and vegetables in our diet? Many surely. They are healthy foods that have to be present every day in our daily menu. However, on many occasions we do not know what all its cooking possibilities are.
Here we will know what are the best options to cook each variety. We generally consume the fresh, boiled, steamed, roasted, or fried vegetables. As a premise, note that the healthiest options are cooked or steamed, and the latter the healthiest.
Vegetables, boiled or steamed?
Generally, people choose to boil or cook vegetables in a pot, however steaming is preferable. Steaming foods better maintain their virtues. Nutrients they do not "evaporate" and the body welcomes them. In addition, it is a faster cooking. Although steaming is the best option, there is no problem in boiling vegetables in the most traditional way. Let's see what differences we find.
Boil
When boiling vegetables we have to wash the food thoroughly beforehand. Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil the product until the desired consistency is achieved. The broth that releases, since juices and flavors remain impregnated in the water, can be used to make soups or broths that enrich other recipes.
Steamed
Steam cooking is the most suitable and simple way to cook food, fruits, vegetables and even meats. The same base of the pot is used to add the water and on top we will use bamboo baskets, perforated pans, or steamers of special appliances for steaming.
This way of cooking is faster, makes the food maintain its properties and can be seasoned at the moment, since the steam does not give off spices or aromatic herbs.
Many studies have claimed that the best way to cook vegetables is steaming, there is no question. Depending on the food, we would opt for the more traditional cooking, for example some potatoes or the whole family of tubers can be boiled without problems, while green foods, such as broccoli, chard, or spinach they are good options for steaming.
Once cooked, they can be transformed in the same way into another dish, that is, we can steam and then puree or a healthy sauce to accompany the rest of the meal.