It can be difficult for college students living in dorms to make tasty and nutritious meals, since many are often limited in appliances due to space and budget constraints. If you are trying to make vegetables in your dorm room, one of the quickest and easiest ways to do it is by steaming them in your microwave. Microwave steamed vegetables can be made with both fresh and frozen vegetables, allowing for lots of variety while still being a quick meal to make.
Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of this method and help increase the nutritional value.
Practical Cooking Tips for Small Spaces
- When it comes to vegetables, fresh is always best. However, if you don’t have access to fresh vegetables due to budget and/or time constraints, frozen vegetables are a great option. They are pre-washed, pre-cut and usually more affordable than their fresh counterparts.
- You can steam multiple types of vegetables together in the microwave. Just make sure all the vegetables are cut into uniform-sized pieces so that they will cook evenly.
- Make sure to use a microwave-safe container or covered dish when steaming your vegetables.
- When steaming your vegetables, do not add water to the container – the moisture from the vegetables is all that is needed to create steam.
- For frozen vegetables, cook for the time in the directions on the package and then check for doneness by tasting a small piece.
- For fresh vegetables, cook for about 2-4 minutes — or until your desired texture.
Increasing the Nutritional Value of Steamed Microwave Vegetables
One great way to increase the nourishment of your steamed vegetables is to top them with healthy fats and flavors.
Here are a few simple, but delicious recipes that you can prepare in your dorm room to make this microwave steamed vegetable dish even more nutritious:
Olive Oil and Sea Salt Steamed Vegetables
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen vegetables
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
Place a container of your fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave and cook according to directions. Once the vegetables are cooked, place them in a bowl and top with the olive oil and sea salt. Mix to coat the vegetables in the oil and salt and enjoy!
Lemon and Garlic Steamed Vegetables
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen vegetables
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Place a container of your fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave and cook according to directions. Once the vegetables are cooked, place them in a bowl and top with the lemon juice and garlic. Mix to coat the vegetables in the lemon juice and garlic and enjoy!
Conclusion
By using these practical cooking tips and creative ingredients, you can make a tasty, nutritious and budget-friendly meal with your microwave steamed vegetables. Now you can enjoy home-cooked meals with ease in your dorm room, even with limited appliances and supplies.
