Steamed Greens

Steam cooking ensures the optimum in natural freshness and flavor because steamed foods retain their shape, texture and fewer nutrients are lost in the cooking process. It’s a popular fat-free method for cooking vegetables. Steamed Vegetables are not only healthful and delicious they also add a dimension of balance and color to the meal.

Specialized appliances are available but an inexpensive metal steam basket will also do the job. The metal basket is placed in a covered saucepan or covered skillet containing a shallow layer of boiling water. Top the steamed greens with ghee (cultured, unsalted butter, clarified butter) and Celtic Sea Salt and fresh ground black pepper, or just add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to taste.

Green Beans

Wash beans and trim the ends. Place in steamer and bring to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, beans are done when just tender with fork. Remove from pot, if desired add ghee, sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

Broccoli Florets

Wash broccoli and trim the ends to uniform pieces. Place in steamer and bring to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until desired doneness. Broccoli should be slightly crisp. Remove from pot, if desired add ghee, sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

Kale

Wash Kale and cut off long stems. Cut leaves in half. Place in steamer and bring to boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from pot, if desired add ghee, sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

Spinach

Spinach shrinks so make sure to use at least 1 bunch per person. If using pre-washed spinach no need to wash. If using bunch spinach, cut off ends and fill sink with cold water add sea salt and wash thoroughly, rinsing water 2 or 3 times. Place clean spinach in steamer and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let stand for 10-15 minutes, do not lift the lid. Remove from pot, if desired add ghee, touch of nutmeg, sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

Swiss Chard or Beet Tops

Cut long stems off. Thoroughly wash each leaf. Cut leaves in half if they are very large. Place clean leaves in steamer, bring to boil and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from pot, if desired add ghee, sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

Bon Appetite!...TKH