Super Tools - The Vegetable Slicer

Many people who plant a vegetable garden do not realize that they are doing more than just gardening. So often the ardent gardener becomes an ardent cook as they put their vegetables to good use. Vegetables are some of the easiest foods to prepare and cook: a few sliced vegetables steamed and served with a good sauce is as delicious as any fancy meal. Once you become more involved in cooking, however, you will probably want to purchase some good vegetable cooking tools. One of the best buys you can ever make is a vegetable slicer.

While it is possible to cut vegetables with a kitchen knife, a slicer will make both preparation and presentation a breeze. A popular style of slicer is a Mandolin. This tool slices vegetables as they are slid up and down a tray. These slicers come in stainless steel and plastic, and usually have setting for various thickness of slices. This is the tool you need if you want to slice your vegetables extra fine for wafers. More professional style tools allow you to ribbon slice vegetables with a spiral slicer. Some food processors come with this type of slicer as an addition, or you can buy manual spiral slicers.

Now That You’ve Sliced Them, Steam Them

Another useful tool is a vegetable steamer. There are numerous versions of steamers – the traditional ‘basket’ version is a collapsible stainless steel steamer that fits in a saucepan. Microwave or electric steamers are also available, resulting in fresh tasting vegetables. Some steamers can even be used to cook the rice to be served with your vegetables.

A traditional Asian way to steam vegetables is use bamboo steamer baskets, which results in particularly fresh and fragrant vegetables. Steaming vegetables has benefits beyond the taste – steaming is one of the healthiest ways of preparing vegetables.

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