TEFAL624-SteamerSteamN'Light_SS-CONSIGNES_TEFAL598 22/09/11 15:52 Page8

Steaming Tips and Techniques

Do not pack food too tightly in the steam baskets. Leave some space for steam to circulate as much as possible.

For best results, use pieces of food of approximately the same size (such as potatoes, vegetables and chicken breasts) so that they cook at the same time. The size and thickness of the food will alter the cooking time.

Avoid lifting the lid to check on the cooking progress too often, as this allows loss of steam and can lengthen the cooking time.

If recipes require the use of cling film, always use the all purpose type suitable for use in microwave ovens. Cling film is often used to prevent condensation forming and spoiling delicates foods such as egg custards. Avoid using foil as this tends to increase the steaming time.

When choosing food for steaming, select suitable size food to fit the steaming basket, especially if it is cooked whole such as fish.

Subtle flavour can be given to steamed food with the addition of fresh herbs, slices of lemon or orange, garlic and onion. These ingredients may be added directly to the food.

To give more flavour to poultry, meat and fish, use marinades, combinations of herbs and wine or barbecue sauces or spices blends.

Thefrozenvegetablesandfruitscanbesteamedwithoutbeingdefrosted. All shellfish, poultry and meat must be completely thawed before steaming.

For some recipes with a long cooking time, such as steamed sponge pudding, you will need to top up with more cold water during steaming.

Always use oven gloves when handling the baskets or steaming cups during or after cooking.

Maintenance and cleaning

Cleaning the steamer

Unplug the steamer after use.

Allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

Check that the steamer has cooled completely before emptying the juice collector and water tank.

Wash all removable parts using warm water and washing up liquid, rinse and dry.

All parts except the power supply base are dishwasher safe.

Do not immerse the electronic base or rinse it under the tap. Do not use abrasive cleaning products.

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Tefal VC300810, VC300860, VC300831, VC300830 Steaming Tips and Techniques, Maintenance and cleaning, Cleaning the steamer