Steaming!

I love using my steamer. If you don't have one yet, I promise you won't regret purchasing one. I use an Oster. You can make an entire meal in a steamer. That means simple cleanup and a healthy meal.

Using a steamer is simple. Usually you want to put meat on the bottom level, veggies on the middle level and rice or anything saucy goes on the top. The top typically has less vents than the bottom two levels. It really is as simple as that - don't over complicate, or over/under cook. Most importantly - don't peek! Almost every steamer system comes with a guide specific to that model that gives approximate cook times. However, I have noticed that sometimes - especially at Colorado's high altitude - that these times need to be increased (mainly for vegetable and rice dishes.)

So head on out and grab a steamer; Kohl's has pretty good prices on them for you bargain hunters. Tonight I am in charge of making the sides for a Golgi Beef dinner at my parents. Here's what I'm doing.

This is what you'll need:
3/4 cup of Jasmine rice
1 1/4 cup of water

3 carrots, peeled and cut (I'm just slicing so they are like disks)
1/2 butternut squash, cubed (be sure to remove from skin as it is tough and inedible, as well as the seeds)
1 red onion, chopped
1 large clove of garlic, thinly diced
2 Tablespoons of olive oil (you want olive oil for healthy omega's and a nutty flavor)

a bowl or bag for mixing
salt and pepper to taste

Begin by setting up steamer. (water in base, set up levels, etc.,etc.)
Place 3/4 cup of rice in rice level and add the 1 1/4 cup of water. Set steamer for 45 minutes. (or if your steamers approximate time is different, follow that)

While the rice is starting to steam prepare your vegetables and thinly dice your garlic. Toss in a bag or bowl with the olive oil until well combined.

When steamer has about 20-25 minutes (depending on your desired softness of vegetables) add the mix you combined from the bowl or bag. (Whichever you chose to use)

When timer "dings" remove from steamer. Put rice on the bottom of serving dish and top with the vegetables. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite meat or savor by itself. Enjoy!