Don’t Panic—Waterless Cooking Really is Easy!

Waterless cooking is not a new concept. If you invest in a good set of waterless stainless steel cookware, it does not mean that you have to throw away all of your old cookbooks. You can easily adapt existing recipes by following a few simple principles.

First, however, I would like to define waterless cooking. It is simply a method of cooking which uses minimum moisture to cook foods. Unfortunately cooking foods in too much water or oil robs foods of its nutrients. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging , 2% of the vitamins and minerals are lost when boiling vegetables in water as compared to only 2% when steam-cooked using the waterless method. That statistic alone is a powerful motivation for switching to waterless stainless steel cookware, but it is not the only factor. When foods cook in their own natural juices, they not only look better but they taste better.

Waterless Cooking Principles

• Use a lower temperature setting. One of the benefits of waterless stainless steel cookware is that the multi-ply (capsule) bottom construction distributes heat evenly through the pan. There are no hot spots. With quality waterless cookware, it is never necessary to cook above medium heat. With many recipes, you can start the cooking process on medium and then complete the process on low.


• Understand waterless cooking concepts. Most foods can be cooked with minimal water. When cooking vegetables, for example, rinse and freshen your vegetables. Pour off any excess water. Then simply put vegetables in pan, cover with the lid, close the vent, set on low heat. Don’t peak. Every time the cover is lifted, moisture escapes. If there is too much air inside the pan, the vapor seal may not form. This may result in burnt foods. Rely on the standard fruit and vegetable cooking charts for preparing your foods to perfection. While vegetables and fruits have enough of their own moisture to cook the waterless way, dried foods, like rice, pasta, and dried beans, require the addition of liquid to rehydrate. Naturally, stews and soups require liquid as well.


• Go Greaseless. You can prepare your foods without the addition of extra oils and fats. Many people are skeptical of this but when you are cooking on a surgical stainless steel surface, you do not have to worry about burning. The key to successfully preparing steaks, chops, and chicken is to (1) preheat the pan on medium heat until it is hot enough so that water droplets “dance” over the surface when sprinkled in the pan and (2) let the meat sear to the pan. It will temporarily stick to the pan. After 4 or 5 minutes on a side, try to lift the corner of the meat. If seared, the meat will release without forcing.


• Use the Steam-control system correctly. Covers of the waterless cookware are designed to form a natural “water seal” with the shoulder of the pan when cooking on low heat. Follow these steps to steam cook correctly: (1) Start cooking on medium heat with the steam valve in the open position (2) Listen for the whistle. (3) Turn the heat down to a low simmer and close the valve. Once you do this, an air-tight seal is formed. Remember, don’t peak—rely instead on the standard cooking directions for cooking vegetables or fruits.

Once you have mastered the art of cooking with waterless cookware, you will soon discover a whole new culinary experience. Not only will your foods look and taste better, but you can be assured that you are eating healthy as well. By reducing or eliminating fats and oils from your diet, you can reduce some of the negative factors in your diet without sacrificing taste and essential vitamins and minerals. Eating healthy is the first step to a better and longer life. Let waterless stainless steel cookware help you in your quest for a better and healthier lifestyle!

Marcia Klun is the owner and webmaster of http://www.thegourmetscookware.com/ The Gourmet's Cookware offers quality stainless steel products, such as waterless cookware sets, stockpots, cutlery, skillets, flatware, and other gourmet cooking essentials. In addition, the site offers relevant information about waterless cooking and provides a variety of healthy recipes that can be adapted to waterless cookware.