You can serve a side of vegetables with breakfast eggs, with lunch and of course, with dinner. At the end of the day, if we haven’t eaten our share, we steam vegetables as a snack.

We steam them in the microwave, which couldn’t be easier. All you need are vegetables and a microwave-safe container (or a bowl and plastic wrap).

Steaming retains more nutrients than other cooking methods, and maximizes the flavor and color of the vegetables. You can steam your vegetables to a crunchy/al dente state or any other consistency. But take care not to overcook: Better al dente than mushy.

See complete steaming instructions for microwave and stovetop.