Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Halex on December 29, 2013, 10:53:49 pm
-
I have to confess I have used my varoma less than 10 times. I really need to get more use from it.
HHW :)
-
I use it alot to steam veges, and fish.
-
I haven't used mine much either so will enjoy this thread from the experts.
-
I haven't used mine much either so will enjoy this thread from the experts.
Same here, although I do use it for Quirky Jo's chicken with satay sauce / steamed vegetable meal, but that's about the only time I use it.
I have heard that it is great for steaming fish, but seeing as I am a vegetarian I haven't had the opportunity to test that out!
-
Allergic to seafood, tried steaming cauliflower in varoma with rice in basket. The cauliflower wasnt cooked. Have done a few thi gs but hardly anything.
-
I have hardly ever used mine even tho I have been to 2 varoma demos and have seen all the good stuff you can do with it.
-
I've used it once to steam veg at the demonstration but to be honest, it's a lot quicker/easier to steam veg packets in the microwave.
What I should do is spend an hour or so chopping up veg, putting them in portion sized bags and freezing. When I fancy some, pop the varoma on and empty the bag in. However, it's just another thing I need to do on my list :-\
-
I've used it heaps of times (but only in recipes where its called upon). I'm not scared or unsure of its use as I think its fantastic. I'm glad that it comes with TM and is not an optional extra.
-
I don't use mine everyday. I find washing up a pot for veggies is easier than washing the Varoma. However I do use it a lot. If I have a lot of veggies to cook eg potato salad, cauliflower cheese I always use the varoma. It doesn't seem to generate too much heat in the hot weather. I do a few all in one meals but not a lot. I steam puddings in it. I sort of just use it when I know it will make my job easier. I do love it though.
-
I use it regularly and love it. Steamed chicken and Veges mostly, while I cook rice or potatoes in the basket. All sorts of other things though - corned beef, steamed buns, meatballs, varoma bread...
Also sterilizing jars while the jam cooks below.
-
I don't use the varoma everyday, but I do use it a lot. Baf's chicken, Quirky Jo's chicken, Varoma corned beef, steamed puddings, mini frittata, dumplings are all regulars here. If I cook something on varoma temp in the bowl (eg rice) there's often veg or chicken or fish cooking in the varoma at the same time.
Also sterilizing jars while the jam cooks below.
Must remember to try this. Thanks Jo 8) 8) 8)
-
I always cook my vegies in the varoma so it's mainly used for that but there's a lot of recipes out there using it (especially in the all in one meals section). I love my varoma although it was some time before I started using it - I just kept putting it off which was silly as it is a great addition to the Thermomix.
-
I don't use it a lot but find it's great for steaming a lot of veggies particularly if I'm cooking rice or something on varoma below, steaming potatoes for potato salad and most importantly the kids use it to cooke their home made dumplings.
-
I must be doing something wrong as the rice is goid but the veg not cooked.
I am not scared of it, just big & bulky & I find it easy to steam in microwave with my tupperware steamer.
:)
-
I use it if I am cooking rice or potatoes then steaming the vegetables it's perfect, but I don't use it just to steam vegetables I will use the microwave.
-
Love the Varoma. I use mine differently to most people as I have several Pyrex dishes that fit in the Varoma. I put fish or chicken and a sauce in the dish, a couple of skewers under dish, pop into a varoma and let it steam away. A sheet of hand towel over the dish, will prevent the water from dropping in. I have posted a few recipes using this method. Can steam rice , eggs, quinoa, potatoes in basket at the same time. This is good for 2 or 3 people. If cooking for more, put meat and sauce in an oven bag and place this in Varoma. Very little cleaning up. .
-
Love the oven bag in the varoma tip Chookie. :D
-
Faffa started this thread, might be some interesting ideas there Hally
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3029
-
I don't use mine enough...I guess old habits etc. But I do love it for Quirky Jo's Fried rice and the "Fried Rice" from Devil of a Cookbook. Already got more great ideas from this thread, thanks :)
-
I use mine fairly frequently, and if there is the opportunity to chuck some veges on while something else e.g. rice or potatoes is cooking below, I will load it up and steam until just cooked (still a bit of crunch) and keep the leftovers in the fridge to snack on, or to speed up a week day meal.
-
I never use mine
-
Love the oven bag in the varoma tip Chookie. :D
Yes loving the oven bag too :)
-
Faffa started this thread, might be some interesting ideas there Hally
http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3029
Thanks JD :)
-
Love the oven bag tip chookie. Must try.
I use mine regularly like others for steaming potatoes, veg, dumplings, puddings, meatballs, quirky Jo's chicken with cashews, baf's chicken, fried rice, etc.
-
I use the rice basket for steaming more often than the varoma, but do still use it - mainly for fish/meatloaf/veg stuff - or potatoes before oiling them for freezing. :)
-
I do dumplings in the varoma quite a bit either home made of frozen ones from the asian supermarket.
-
I use it for recipes that require it the best one being the easy peasy garlic soy chicken and rice dish its delicious quick and easy also meatballs and a few chicken and salmon recipes, I have used it for vegetables but still prefer to do mine in the microwave ::)
-
I use it all the time for steaming vegies. I also use instead of microwave to reheat foods.
-
I use it for recipes that require it the best one being the easy peasy garlic soy chicken and rice dish its delicious quick and easy also meatballs and a few chicken and salmon recipes, I have used it for vegetables but still prefer to do mine in the microwave ::)
Suzanne, what is the garlic soy chicken and rice dish that you use the varoma for please?
-
I plan to have a go soon. I thought I would steam chicken breast, potatoes & maybe brocoli & carrot. Would I put them all in an oven bag & steam for 25 mins?
Then will make a salsa verde to pour over.
H :)
-
I forgot to add that I've started using it to reheat left over meat and things like stir fry that need a gentle heat when reheating. I think BZB gave that hint a while back and we find it great, particularly for meats like chicken or left over souvlaki meat that can go a little dry when reheating. I've also made a few of Chookie's meals which have come out great. I tried steaming my Christmas pudding this year but wasn't overly impressed with it and think it was easier the old fashion way on the stove top. Love the oven bag idea.
-
Wonder, how much water, varoma temp? & speed & time. Sounds great to do :)
-
Karen I think it might be this one from RC - http://www.recipecommunity.com.au/recipes/easy-peasy-varoma-garlic-soy-chicken-and-rice/76018.
-
Hally, perhaps you could follow Baf's all in one chicken dinner http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=5526.0 without the sauce part if you are using salsa as a dressing. She cuts the chicken into slices but if you left it whole and put it all on together it should be cooked. If not, remove the vegies to the thermosaver and continue cooking the chicken until done.
-
Thanks for the link Judy - that does look yummy!
-
Healthy "Roast" Chicken- from the "Devil of a Cookbook" is also nice, you can steam a whole chook in the varoma and it leaves you with a chicken stock ready for another meal :)
-
Hally I just put about a litre of water in and set it on varoma, I've never taken much notice of how long it takes sorry I just test to see when it's heated through and stir a few times.
-
Thanks for the link Judy - that does look yummy!
It does, thanks for the link Judy.
-
Thanks Judy that's the one :D
when it's cooked I put it in the thermoserver and make the stir fry veggies in the tm it is really yummy
-
Healthy "Roast" Chicken- from the "Devil of a Cookbook" is also nice, you can steam a whole chook in the varoma and it leaves you with a chicken stock ready for another meal :)
I make that one a fair bit too... it's sooo good :D
-
Something different. Back in 2010 I developed a recipe for making Fresh Rice Noodles in the Varoma and then made a recipe that I called Chinese Lasagne. I think Tenina has published a similar recipe. A bit more complicated use of Varoma , but another use.
-
Thank you everyone, lots of udeas.
I have done the devil of a cookbook chicken a couple of times.
I have meat to reheat for dinner tonight, do I wrapt it in foil?
See I have no clue ??? :o ??? :o
HHW :)
-
If you scroll down this (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=4110.0) thread you will see where Chookie experimented and succeeded with her rice noodles, there's a picture of the successful experiment near the bottom of the page with her chosen method.
Here's (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=4139.0) the Chinese Lasagne she made with the noodles.
-
Judy, I have just found it on chookies blog, aug 2010. You beat me :)
-
It took me a while to find it on the forum Hally but Chookie certainly went where no-one else had been with the varoma way back then.
-
Chookie is a very clever chookie :)
-
Hally, I bought different sized stainless steel plates for use in the varoma. Round ones for vege, ovals for fish, little ones for reheating leftover chicken etc. I usually steam vege on a plate to avoid washing the varoma. Just a wipe, or a quick rinse if necessary.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/02/2u4y7uza.jpg)
-
What a great idea BZB, I find the varoma bowl takes up a lot of room in the dishwasher. Where did you but the bowls & plates?
:)
-
I just made steamed egg cups from In The Mix...super easy and very yummy. I modified it a bit...Line a ramekin with bacon, add spinach or herbs, crack an egg into it, cook for between 13-16 minutes varoma speed 2. Very yum. Will be making for guests for breakfast on Saturday :)
-
Sounds yum Jam :)
Must get into the varoma.
-
I only used it to steam vegies when DD started solids and once for a fish which really was my mum, not me! I was just thinking today I need to use the varoma more often but had NO clue as to how. So good to have this forum!
-
Hally, I took my varoma shopping at a shop called BSG at Bannister Road. They've got all sorts of kitchen stuff at reasonable prices. I picked plates that could fit into the varoma.
Forgot to mention that I bought a little rack to raise the plates, so as not to block the holes at the bottom of the varoma. Will post a picture tomorrow.
-
BZB, you are a girl with thoughts similar to mine. I also took my Varoma shopping and bought several dishes that would fit. I use an egg ring or bamboo skewers to allow the steam to circulate. The rack sounds good.
Hally, try to use the Varoma more, you will love it. Yesterday we had surprise visitors for lunch. I had 1 hour to get everything ready. I used the Varoma to steam some white rice, Quinoa and wild rice , as base for a salad. While this was steaming, I prepared the remaining ingredients, set the table, tidied up, changed my clothes.
Jam, that egg dish sounds very good and once you know the timing it makes things very easy as you can predict how long and do other things while they are steaming.
Judy, thanks for doing the links.
-
Achookwoman - this might sound stupid but what's the difference steaming rice in varoma as opposed to cooking in basket?
-
Hally, I used this rack in the varoma
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/03/tameguhu.jpg)
-
So many good ideas, I must put them into use and get out the varoma.
-
Floweryspring, I don't know as I have never used the Varoma to steam rice. I have only used the basket or the method I call Enough Rice for the Whole Family. This is rice cooked in the TMX bowl. It is brought to the boil and then turned of and the rice left to absorb the water. Must try the Varoma and see if it steams evenly.
-
Enough rice for the whole family is so easy. The recipe is here. (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=9059.0)
-
We had a big family bbq here on NYD and had a heap of left over BBQ'd steak. Though I would just pop as I remembered seeing this thread and let you know that I reheated the steak in the varoma last night (i do most of my reheating this way). I just placed it around the varoma and tray, put 1 litre of water in the jug and cooked it on varoma temp, speed 2 until it was heated through. It was soooo tender and moist :) :)
-
BZB, I googled BSG, but I couldnt find it. Is it in Canning Vale :)
-
My Varoma is on & I am making Steamed Ginger Puddings from the new EDC :)
Here they are.
-
BZB, I googled BSG, but I couldnt find it. Is it in Canning Vale :)
Yes, Hally. Canning Vale.
The shop is in a block that's near Willeri Drive/Bannister Rd junction. It's next to Oriental Cash & Carry.
-
Hally, how do you reheat all that meat you cook in your Tandoor? Maybe this is the way to go as Faffa does with her BBQ'd meat leftovers.
-
Sometimes in the oven wrapped in foil, or the microwave, but that can dry the meat out. If its in gravy microwave.
Will be trying Faffas method :)
-
BZB, I googled BSG, but I couldnt find it. Is it in Canning Vale :)
Yes, Hally. Canning Vale.
The shop is in a block that's near Willeri Drive/Bannister Rd junction. It's next to Oriental Cash & Carry.
Thx, will google map it
-
Have a look here (http://natsthermomixeninthekitchen.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/how-to-use-your-varoma-thermomix.html) for some ideas and pictures of how to use your varoma.
Then there's all these (http://www.superkitchenmachine.com/tag/thermomix-varoma) ideas on superkitchenmachine.
Here's (http://simonesthermomixessentials.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/thermomix-varoma-recommended-recipes/) a list of recommended varoma recipes from Simone's TMX Essentials.
-
Thx superstar :)
-
Popped into a local asian shop on way home from the gym, bought a bowl and rack. See how they go :)
-
Love those links, thanks Judy :)
-
Judy to the rescue again. :-*
great links for all of us Judy.
-
Agreed. Thanks Judy.
-
Wow great ideas in those links. Thanks Judy.
-
Thanks for the links Judy. The first one shows the Varoma lined with paper most of the time. Is this the best method for cooking meat? I tried chicken in it this week but it stuck to the tray and didn't cook very evenly.
I should probably mention, my cooking skills are lacking. Our purchase of a TM was to try and encourage cooking fresh rather than processed.
-
Looking at the links has really inspired me. Vietnamese chicken meatball & noodle soup coming up in the next few days.
HHW :)
-
If I'm cooking chicken or fish in the varoma Sparky, I spray the varoma dish well for easier cleaning afterwards but not for vegies, the dish rinses out easily then. I have cooked fish in a baking paper parcel. Maybe the main reason for lining with baking paper is for an easier clean up or to stop flavours dripping down into the vegies below. I found the links but didn't spend much time looking at them myself but I will do so when I have some spare time ;D
-
This recipe from in the mix 2 uses the varoma.
Easy & delicious.
-
JD, thanks for the links. Must admit, I don't use the varoma near as much as I should. I pulled out my unused Full Steam Ahead, and really it is not inspiring! Will try a few more recipes, there are a few around that we have enjoyed, and try for a few more favourites.
-
Used it tonight to boil the eggs while cooking the chicken biryani.
-
Just used it to make dumplings for my mince and dumplings Sunday dinner :)
-
Great links Judy. I'm keen to try the steamed cheesecake now.
-
Made in the varoma apart from the sauce, a few hiccups ther :o
-
Looks good Hally.
-
Thx wonder. Pretty happy have used the varoma 3 times in the last few days. I think its all about using it regularly to turn it into a habit rather than oh i must use it.
HHW :)
-
I'm pleased with myself too. I made the fresh corn, pancetta and chives dish from QFITT for dinner tonight, and whilst it was cooking, I reheated mini soufflés in the varoma.
-
Good work ES :)
-
Well done ES.
I turned Dani Valent's beef stir fry recipe into an all in one cook at the same time meal. Very easy.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/07/he5u7ady.jpg)
-
Yum, that looks really good Kimmy.
-
Looks good Kimmy. Lovely colours. What cut of beef did you use?
-
Arnet we all doing well :)
-
Looks good Kimmy. Lovely colours. What cut of beef did you use?
Rump.
-
this is an interesting topic, I hope we can keep it going
-
One thing that always gets my varoma out of the cupboard is the steamed lemon puddings from the varoma demo cards.....yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmm :D
-
I just looked at these yesterday, on my to do list :)
-
Aw, no fair ;) , I don't think we get varoma demos over here, so no demo recipes.
-
I also don't find Full Steam Ahead very inspiring. I would suggest using Google or buy a good steaming recipe book. French recipes where you wrap food in parcels are also suitable, just don't block all the holes. Sate sticks , egg rings or a rack like BZB bought will prevent this happening. Such a health way of cooking and without heating the oven in the hot weather.
-
I gave my Full steam ahead, and the travelling with thermy, and the gluten free all away.
Not very inspiring.
-
I found a great sir fry beef with rice, veg and egg roll by Dani Valent that cooks the entire meal in the varoma. I was also introduced by Jo-NZ to Quirky Jo's chicken with rice, veg and cashew nuts. Made it for dinner last night, trying to reduce quantities as it's just my husband and me, and still had enough for tonight as well! And it was yummy. Thanks, Jo - and thanks. Judy for the techo advice
-
My pleasure fergpip, I see you followed my instructions OK LOL.
-
Judy, you must have been busy today - thanks for pointing me in the direction of the steamed lemon pudding recipe. I made them tonight and they were a winner ;D
-
are the steamed lemon puddings on here? I thought they were only on a demo card?
-
Demo I belive, want me to email to you?
-
The Steamed Lemon Coconut Pudding recipe is here (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=5989.15) ( page 2) ;)
-
How do you moderators remeber everything :D
-
we are very lucky to have Judy, CC, and Cookie :-*
-
Yes we are :-*
-
You certainly are :D :D :D :D :-* :-* :-*
-
Used it today to steam cauliflower before pureeing in the bowl - will add to mac n cheese tomorrow. Baf's chicken is a regular here also.
Agree about full steam ahead - luckily I got it for free, never used it!
-
deedub, i've only ever made the ravioli recipe from it and thats delicious. otherwise I forget all about it. those 3x books look a little outdated in their design and are not very appealing to look through
-
I'm the same. There's less washing up (and it's quieter) if I cook the veggies in the microwave.
However tonight I made five spice pork, and cooked the whole meal in thermie. Rice in the basket, pork in the bottom and veggies in the top tray.
-
I use the rice basket in the thermie to steam my veg approx 5 times/week. :)