Steaming, a simple method that requires no specialized equipment

Few cooking methods offer as many advantages as steaming. Steaming a chicken prevents the meat from drying out, and according to Runner's World, vegetables cooked this way retain their color, shape, and texture thanks to the gentle heat of the steam. They also retain nutrients better than when boiled.

Grand Appliance notes that this is a good method for home cooks because it's harder to overcook food. Crave adds that it's a quick and easy way to prepare a meal: simply place the food in the steamer and let it cook. Once you've mastered the technique, you can also use it to steam French fries before baking them to achieve a crispy texture.

According to Cuisine At Home, the best way to steam food at home is to use a steamer: a large pot as a base, one or more steam inserts placed on top, and a lid. Woks of Life suggests steamer baskets as an alternative; these are made of lighter materials and are placed over a wok or other pan with water in the bottom.

According to MasterClass, the principle is the same in both cases: the water boils in the lower container, the steam rises through the perforated inserts and the lid retains the heat, so that the food does not come into direct contact with the water or the stove.

It can also be done without a steamer. MasterClass suggests a large pot of water, balls of aluminum foil of the same size, and a heatproof plate resting on top of them without touching the water. A heatproof colander over a pot of boiling water, covered with a lid, also works. Otao Kitchen even suggests heating the food in a microwave-safe container with a few drops of water and perforated plastic wrap. There are methods that require specialized equipment, but steaming isn't one of them.