Can you boil pasta in the bottom and steam veggies or fish in the top all at the same time?
1853417
It would depend on how much pasta you want to cook. If 1-2 servings, yes, I've actually done that with mine. But once the water level gets too high in the bottom, you end up sort of boiling/steaming what's in the top. I suppose it wouldn't make that much of a difference, but when I like my veggies lightly steamed, I use very little water. A larger version of this would do more servings nicely I'm sure!
1853418
I have never done that but I don't see why not. Of course it would depend on cooking time. You would not want to steam something that would take longer than the pasta to cook. Know what ? I think I'll try it. Hope this helps. CW
1853419
I am sure this is possible, but probably not a good idea due to differing cooking times. My advice: Conduct an experiment!
1853420
I haven't tried it but I don't see why not, fish should take about the same time or a little more than pasta.
72387
The structure of the steamer is like a double boiler steamer that you use on the stove-top. You get four parts to your unit: 1) The bottom "pan" is where you put just an INCH of water. The idea is to get this small amount of water boiling. I start with hot tap water to get things rolling faster. 2) The insert "pan" (just a bit smaller than the water holding pan) has holes through the bottom so the steam can get through to do the cooking. 3) There is an insert "shelf" for the pan with the holes, so that you can put two layers of veggies in--say potatoes in the bottom and something that needs less heat or cooking time on the shelf. One thing that I do all the time is put veggies in the bottom and poach a salmon fillet on the shelf. 4) The fourth piece is the lid. All in all, this is a great item. I eat steamed veggies from it all the time and they cook in less than half the time that a steamer on the stove does. Cut up potatoes or broccoli cooks in 4-6 minutes. Frozen peas are ready in a minute (the water has to get boiling to make steam!) Of course time increases with the amount of stuff you load in! Mine are single servings. If you are cooking for a family, just do it in a stove-top steamer! PS: Cleans with a quick rinse under the tap. Just the thing for a busy single person like me!
228500
Yes you can do as described but it isn't really steaming but rather boiling the veggies. The legs on this unit are nubs and not long enough to lift veggies put of water. A steam basket would be more appropriate. There is one made of stainless with 1" legs built to open (blossom like a flower) to fit the vessel being used to cook with. BTW it doesn't take a few inches to steam veggies for most families. The less water used the faster the water will create steam.
1556532
The basket does not sit directly on the bottom, but it's not too far from it either. We've used it for frying a turkey, but we're looking forward to using it for crab/shrimp boils this summer. I would say you could steam in it, too, if you wanted to, but you'd have to refill with water fairly often I think.
1433190
We steam salmon and it's so so moist. I can put it frozen, from freezer to Steamer, and also put my veggies in another basket and have a whole meal ready. Use it to boil eggs, instead steam them and believe me they turn out perfect. Love this.
1365093
Yes, definitely. The steaming part is used when you need to steam something otherwise just use put the rice on the "bowl" into the base and cover with the glass top. Don't forget to press the switch to cook :)
1285082
I've never tried it as because I can't understand how they wouldn't. The steam comes up directly thru vents in the bottom of both racks. So the by the time the steam gets to the upper rack (veggies), it has been exposed to the fish on the bottom rack. I think that the veggies would effectively be steamed in fish water.
1155876
Yes I frequently mix fresh/canned veggies with my rice. I've never tried steaming though.
145287
Depending on where you buy the P&M;, it comes with an slotted "tray" that fits in the bottom and holds the food up above the water or in this case the drippings. You can probably go online and get that insert which will allow you to make baked potatoes, steamed vegies, etc.
1096365
Yes, with no problem. I have found whatever the cook time is on the package I put the water in and the pasta and cook for that amount of time, stir and add the same amount of additional time and the pasta comes out perfect! I've bought several Pasta Boats for family and friends and everyone loves them. It's the only "As seen on TV" item I've ever purchased that is worthwhile.
1856069
I would think it could. I've steamed shrimp in it, but that doesn't take any time at all. I have boiled water, put the colander in full of shrimp and let it boil for about a minute in the steam. Turned off the heat and let sit - the shrimp are gentely steamed and are geat. I don't know if cooking pasta in it would work, but I don't see why not. Good luck.
2125075
I don't think it would work very well for that purpose, but I've never used a pasta pot before so hopefully someone else will answer your question better. It's an awesome steamer! ;)
1302682
Yes I get the water boiling and throw the pasta in, after it is finished, I put the steamer part on, and drain it, it acts like a strainer ! I love this pot. I make the suddenly salad box side dishes and it more then accommodates the box of pasta. I only cook for one or two now days and this pot is great. I hope this helps.
2016660
You probably could but it seems not to splatter all over. It gets condensation on the handles when you cook it. It kinda steams the noodles to cook them. It only takes 3 minutes too cook.
1053177
You can cook pasta in a tea kettle, but it may not be the best suited for it. Much like this pot. I don't think I would try to cook pasta in this. I think the feature of this pot is the ability to cook asparagus evenly (hottest at the thickest part of the asparagus).
1365096
Absolutely. That is actually the intended use. The steamer insert is for vegetables or fish you might want to steam while cooking rice or another grain below.
380612
I wouldn't, I would use a slow cooker. You can steam veggies in it with the basket that comes with it.