What's the best way to prepare brocolli & caulliflower?

Question

Steam? Boil? Stir fry? Something else?

And how do you steam these vegies? Do you need a steamer?

Answer 1

steam or stir fry is the best way to keep the vitamins in it. boiling sucks all the good stuff away. keep in mind stir frying adds fat, but tasty (try using sesame oil with some garlic salt and soy sauce).

If you don't have a steamer you can macgyver one using a small rack and some foil, place the rack in the pot and add water just below the rack's top. Make a pouch of foil with a few fork holes in it and place it on top of the rack, cover the pot and boil. if you don't have a rack you can anything that will hold the broccoli above the water without melting.

Answer 2

Steaming them brings out the flavor & color, yet saves many of the nutrients that are lost in boiling or frying. Do NOT USE A MICROWAVE UNLESS YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE. It makes your veggies almost toxic to your system!!! You can use an electric steamer OR buy ($1-$5) a metal strainer that opens & closes in order to conform to the size of your boiling pan/pot. You only need about one OR two inches of water in the bottom of your pot, then place the metal strainer inside & add the veggies & cover the pot with a tight fitting lid (or a plate). Bring to a boil & they should be done in 10 -15 minutes, depending on how you like them cooked! An electric steamer can get tricky because they are all different. Read your directions (some models have listings on the BACK of the steamer). Good eating!

Answer 3

I like them steamed... or baked in the oven at about 400 with olive oil and minced garlic.

You can buy a steamer plate that goes into a typical pan for about $6.00 US, Then all you have to do is set that in a pot, add about 1/2" of water and your veggies on that. Bring the water to a boil for about 3-5 minutes until veggies are heated all the way through. Be careful not to over steam them. Soggy vegetables are NASTY! Remember you can always cook more, but you can't go and uncook whats cooked.

Answer 4

You can steam them without a steamer, but the veggies in the bottom of the pan will get a bit soggy. You need a pot w/a tight-fitting lid ... put just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Put the lid on and turn heat to medium-high. The water will create steam, and you can put your veggies in. However, there is a great microwave steamer that I use. It cost about $10 at Wal-Mart. But my favorite way to eat these 2 veggies is to place them in a container with fat-free creamy Italian salad dressing. Marinate in the fridge for several hours. It is a great way to eat these veggies raw.

Answer 5

I think the best way is to steam them until they are still somewhat crunchy. Then put garlic butter over them. You can use a steamer, or you can just put about an inch of water in the pan with the veggies, and then cover. The steam will cook them, but since they aren't submerged it wont' boil them.

Answer 6

I believe that microwave is best: little water, covered, and quick cook; as it doesn't overcook and deplete all vitamins/minerals. But I also like steaming: I got a little contraption from the local supermarket; it's like a stainless steel umbrella, and you put it in yr saucepan, and it opens out to the sides of yr pot; you need to put a bit of water in the pot and then place the `steamer' in, and then place in yr veggies - and put a lid on! I have cooked them both ways and they are great; sometimes I had a low fat sauce for special occasions, covering them on the plate with a tasty sauce! Also, I do a lot of stir fry and it does a great job on veggies: I put in some cold pressed olive oil for health considerations!
Good luck with yr cooking!

Answer 7

Boil them, drain them, and add table salt, black pepper, and white sugar to taste.

Personally, i don't see the difference between boiled and drained vs. steamed. It tastes pretty much the same to me.

Or you could stir fry them with soy sauce and tofu. That might not be bad- I'm not a real big fan of tofu, but hey, gotta get your protein somewhere.

Answer 8

My mom makes an amazing "Mashed Cauliflower" which is just like mashed potatoes only probably better for you.
Boil or steam the cauliflower til it's really soft, mash it up. Mix it with some cream or soy millk, throw in some salt and pepper and soy cheese and it tastes SOOOO good!

Answer 9

My Personal Opinion? Steam, and maybe spread some vegetarian butter on them. Then, dip them in your favorite sauce, virtually anything from ranch to CHILI SAUCE. This way, it is best for your health, and it won't turn soggy as if you boiled it.

Of course, that's just how I cook them.

Answer 10

steamed or boiled are both good ways. and if you want really good steamed ones then you would want a steamer.