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Have you read Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom? It’s a collection of kitchen techniques, from Julia Child’s own notebook in her kitchen

As you read it,  you can see the way she enjoyed thinking through the process of making food.

And I can’t get enough of it.

Do you know what it is, when you read her words on how to make a vinaigrette or how to roast a chicken – you feel empowered, like I can do this!

I think we can all use that kind of guidance and motivation sometimes.

So when I read her Boil/Steam System for making vegetables – I knew I wanted to share it with you too!

Boil/Steaming has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a great way to get a side of veg on the table, with very little fuss.

I’ll show you how I boil/steam carrots. It’s one of the few veggies that my kids will eat voluntarily, so it goes on the table a lot!


What is the Boil/Steam System?

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This method of cooking works best for root vegetables, like carrots as well as broccoli, cauliflower, peas, long beans and corn.

Instead of boiling the veg in a pot of water, and then draining out all the flavour – you add just small amount of  water or liquid and cover the lid.

The steam inside speeds up the cooking, the water boils off or reduces, concentrating all the flavour back into the food.

Let’s use these carrot sticks as an example. I’ll show you step-by-step how to prepare them for your next dinner.


First, prep your veggies

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Cut your vegetables into the size and shape that your dish requires.

Any shape works, as long as the pieces are the same size. You can also boil/steam frozen veggies straight from the packet, or even frozen peas and corn.

To make these carrot sticks, learn how to Batonnet. 


Now you’re ready to Steam/Boil! It’s going to be so delicious!

Place your veggies in a pan, and cover them half-way with water. So the vegetable is not fully submerged!

You can also use stock.

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Get it on the fire, on high heat and cook on rapid boil.

Cooking time depends on the size and type of veggie. About 5-10 minutes. Keep your eye on the water, that it doesn’t fully evaporate.


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You can add butter to the liquid, reduce it and create a nice sauce.

My kids need to see the butter to believe its there. So I simply get the carrots on a plate, top it with a knob of butter, salt and pepper and that’s it.

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It’s gets eaten up every time!

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What do you think? I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe – the next time you make dinner, try making it with this steam/boil method.

Experiment with different vegetables and flavourings and do me this favour: snap a photo of your steam/boiled veggies and share it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #littlegreendot

I’d love to see it!
Militza Xx

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