In Response To: Re: Bamboo Steamer and Rice (Pai N)

: I just bought a bamboo rice steamer; have always wanted
: one. However, I bought it used and there were no
: directions with it on how to use it. Would you please
: tell me how to even use the steamer? What do you set
: it in to do the steaming, things like that. I know how
: to set up the rice, but don't know how to do the
: actual steaming.

: Thank you.

: Pati N

Pati, the main idea is for the steamer to be over at least a little bit of boiling water, with the food not touching any water directly..

In Asia, most cooks use a wok as a base for the boiling water, and the sloping sides help to keep the food out of the water. I think you might have a small pot or wok in your home that would work fine...

Inside the steamer, make sure any steam can easily circulate. If cooking any doughy products, like pao, you might want to spray a bit non-stick around the areas where the dough might touch  

Laddawan