Steaming can be done on a stove top using a steamer, by simmering water in a pot, and placing the food to be cooked in a basket above the water, such that the steam pervades the foodstuff and cooks it quickly. Steaming can also be done in a microwave oven.
Steaming the food covered in certain leaves (such as arbi leaves or banana leaves) or bamboo imparts an incomparable aroma to the food. Really, who can resist any freshly steamed food, soft, flavourful, colourful, light on the tummy, and perfect in every way! For steaming fans and those just trying their hand at it, here are some Indian and international steamed delights that must be tried.
1. Yummy dhoklas are a perfect Gujarati snack. Pucca traditional and perfect to the core, the Moong Dal Dhokla cooked in a dokla steamer represents everything that dhoklas stand for – sumptuous, tasty and aromatic! The temering of sesame seeds and mustard seeds and the garnish of coconut and coriander makes them irresistible. You will feast on them without even counting the number of pieces.
Moong Dal Dhokla
2. The South Indians relish their traditional steamed food idlis. Grinding of batter and the preparation of Idli is an almost daily affair in South Indian homes. Well, you can be slightly more creative and make Veg Stuffed Idlis also. This makes use of a steamer too.
Idli
3. Pankis are steamed Indian snack which are steamed in between banana leaves and enjoyed with green chutney. Quick Rice Panki is one of the most traditional recipes. It makes a versatile snack.
Quick Rice Panki
4. Muthias are another Gujarati steamed Indian snack. It is made by combination of flours and veggies kneaded into a dough. They are shaped into cylindrical rolls and steamed in a steamer. Try our recipe of Cabbage Jowar Muthia. These are healthy as they are made with minimum oil. Enjoy them in between meals.
Cabbage Jowar Muthias
5. Steamed Kothimbir Vadi is the Maharashtrian version of Gujarati muthia. It is made with lots of chopped coriander and paired with besan and all basic Indian masalas. Serve this snack with Tea or Coffee or Kokum Sherbet and revel in the flavours of Maharashtra.
Kothimbir Vadi, Zero Oil Maharashtrian Kothimbir Vadi Recipe
6. Uppu Urundai is a quick and easy steamed South Indian breakfast recipe that is made with minimal ingredients. This no-fuss recipe can be made on any day without too much advance planning, though you need to have an hour to soak the rice. Tempered with mustard seeds, red chillies and curry leaves, these steamed balls are very tasty with a pleasant, mildly-spiced flavour.
7. Heard of Sannas? It is a Goan steamed bread delicacy. This steamed rice cake is soft textured and has a pleasant flavour. Steamed in small individual vatis, they look very tempting. Kids too will enjoy this as a finger foo.
8. Paatra, is a sweet, spicy and salty snack again from the land of Gujarat. It is made with arbi leaves. Though thr process is very tedious and you need the art to make them, here we have made it very simple for you. Colcocasia leaves are very nutritious as well as tasty, especially if made into patras – a smooth paste of besan with spicy, sweet and sour flavours is applied over the leaves, rolled and steamed. It is enjoyed with green chutney and khajur imli ki chutney both.
Paatra ( Gujarati Recipe)
9. Pandoli is a Gujarati snack cooked in a unique style using a double boiler. A thick batter of dal is made and spoonfuls of the batter are placed on the muslin cloth at regular intervals. This steamed by placing a lid over it. Try Dal Pandoli.
Dal Pandoli
10. This intelligent technique of steaming also spreads its magic across international cuisine, helping make delicious dishes like Momos,dumplings like Spicy Spinach Dumplings and wontons.
Momos
Happy Cooking!