Steaming Vegetables Guide

Pictured recipe: Green Bean Salad with Feta Dressing

There are a variety of methods for cooking vegetables, but steamed veggies can't be beat for simplicity or healthfulness and it doesn't require special equipment beyond a steamer basket. Steaming works many types of vegetables–serve them with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice and a little salt and pepper for a simple side for any main course. Gussy them up with tamari, soy sauce, hot sauce, balsamic vinegar or nut oils and a sprinkle of seeds, nuts or cheese. Or add them to salads, omelets, frittatas, grain bowls and pasta dishes for a quick veggie boost to any meal.

The amount of water you need depends on the size of your pot, but you'll need to fill it with about an inch of water. Boil water in a large pot over high heat. Prepare the vegetable of your choice and add the vegetables to the steamer basket and place it in the pot. Cover so you don't let the steam escape, and let cook until just tender. Cooking times vary for each type of vegetable–see below for prep instructions and timing for specific vegetables. It's one of the quickest cooking methods, just remember that thicker vegetables require longer cooking times. (Nutrition information is for a 1-cup serving and does not include oil or other additions.)

Pictured recipe: Asparagus with Easy Hollandaise Sauce

Amount for 4 servings: 1 1/2 pounds (1-2 bunches), trimmed

Steam time on high heat: 4 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 40 calories; 7 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber

Related: Healthy Steamed Asparagus Recipes

Pictured Recipe: Brown Sugar-Glazed Beets

Amount for 4 servings: 1 1/2 pounds without greens, ends trimmed, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces or wedges

Steam time on high heat: 10-15 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 75 calories; 17 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber

Related: How to Cook Beets So They're Actually Delicious

Amount for 4 servings: 1 pound broccoli, 1 1/2-2 pounds cauliflower (about 1 head), cut into 1-inch florets

Steam time on high heat: 5-6 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: (Broccoli) 55 calories; 11 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber | (Cauliflower) 29 calories; 5 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber

Pictured recipe: Green Goddess Buddha Bowl

Amount for 4 servings: 1 pound, stems trimmed

Steam time on high heat: 6-8 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 56 calories; 11 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber

Amount for 4 servings: 1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds

Steam time on high heat: 4 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 55 calories; 13 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber

Pictured recipe: Composed Bean Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Amount for 4 servings: 1 pound, stem ends trimmed

Steam time on high heat: 5 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 44 calories; 10 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber

Amount for 4 servings: 1 pound, trimmed

Steam time on high heat: 3-5 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 67 calories; 11 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber

Pictured recipe: Greek Potato Salad

Amount for 4 servings: 1 1/2 pounds, scrubbed

Steam time on high heat: 10-15 minutes

Nutrition information per cup: 136 calories; 31 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber

Related: Healthy Potato Salad Recipes