Steamed Vegetables
A vibrant medley of fresh broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, steamed to tender-crisp perfection. This simple, healthy side dish is a quick and easy way to add essential vitamins, minerals, and color to any meal. Seasoned lightly with lemon, salt, and pepper, it's a versatile classic.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 8 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes)
- b.Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.
- c.Cut the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets.
- d.Peel the carrots and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- e.Remove the stem and seeds from the red bell pepper and chop it into 1-inch pieces. Keeping the pieces similar in size ensures even cooking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up the Steamer (2 minutes)
- b.Pour about 1 inch of water into a large pot or saucepan.
- c.Place a steamer basket inside, making sure the water level is below the bottom of the basket.
- d.Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer over medium heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Steam the Vegetables (6-8 minutes)
- b.Carefully place the sliced carrots into the steamer basket first, as they are the firmest. Cover and steam for 3 minutes.
- c.Add the broccoli florets and chopped bell pepper to the basket with the carrots.
- d.Cover the pot again and steam for another 4-5 minutes. The vegetables are done when they are tender-crisp—vibrant in color and can be easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season and Serve (1 minute)
- b.Turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot, allowing excess steam to escape away from you.
- c.Transfer the hot vegetables to a serving bowl.
- d.Immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- e.Toss gently to combine and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly crisp vegetables, do not overcrowd the steamer basket. Steam in batches if necessary.
- 2To retain vibrant color, especially if not serving immediately, transfer the steamed vegetables to an ice bath for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain well before seasoning.
- 3Infuse the steaming water with a smashed garlic clove, a bay leaf, or a sprig of thyme for an aromatic flavor boost.
- 4Avoid lifting the lid frequently while steaming, as this releases heat and steam, increasing the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb & Garlic
Toss the finished vegetables with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or dill.
Asian InspiredAsian-Inspired
Instead of lemon juice, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Cheesy DelightCheesy Delight
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the hot vegetables just before serving.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper for a touch of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Nutrient Retention
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps preserve delicate, water-soluble nutrients like Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, ensuring you get the maximum nutritional value from your vegetables.
Supports Digestive Health
This dish is packed with dietary fiber from broccoli and carrots, which aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Aids in Weight Management
Low in calories and fat but high in fiber and water content, these vegetables help you feel full and satisfied, making this an ideal side dish for a weight-conscious diet.
Rich in Antioxidants
Broccoli and red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this steamed vegetable recipe contains approximately 55-65 calories, making it a very low-calorie and healthy side dish.