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Cooking nutritious, delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, especially when you have a versatile appliance like the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer. This rice cooker not only delivers perfectly cooked rice but also doubles as a steamer, making it easy to prepare balanced, healthy meals with minimal effort. At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we’ve explored the full potential of this kitchen essential to help you create meals that are both flavorful and nutritious. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can use the Aroma ARC-914SBD to make a range of healthy dishes.
Why the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup Rice Cooker is Ideal for Healthy Meals
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is designed to simplify meal preparation while retaining the nutrients in your food. Its digital control panel allows for easy use, whether you’re cooking rice, steaming vegetables, or making one-pot meals. The cooker’s ability to handle multiple functions at once means you can prepare complete meals without the hassle of using multiple pots and pans.
At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we’ve found that this model’s key features—such as its 8-cup capacity, cool-touch exterior, and multifunctionality—make it perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without spending too much time in the kitchen.
1. Balanced One-Pot Meals: Chicken, Brown Rice, and Vegetables
One-pot meals are an excellent way to prepare a balanced dish that combines proteins, grains, and vegetables. Using the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, you can make meals like chicken, brown rice, and vegetables, all in one go. This method helps retain nutrients and infuses the food with natural flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the brown rice under cold water and add it to the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add water or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the steamer tray along with the broccoli and zucchini.
- Select the Brown Rice function on the cooker.
- The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD will cook the rice while steaming the chicken and vegetables. Once the rice is finished, the cooker will automatically switch to Keep Warm, ensuring your food stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve.
This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the brown rice, and essential vitamins from the steamed vegetables, making it a wholesome, flavorful meal.
2. Steamed Salmon with Quinoa and Asparagus
Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook food because it preserves most of the nutrients without needing added oils or fats. The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer makes it easy to prepare steamed fish like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while simultaneously cooking a fiber-packed grain like quinoa.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Lemon slices and fresh dill for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add the rinsed quinoa and water or broth to the inner pot of the rice cooker.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon slices. Place the asparagus in the steamer tray along with the salmon.
- Select the White Rice function (this works well for quinoa, too).
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, garnish the salmon with fresh dill and serve alongside the fluffy quinoa and steamed asparagus.
This dish offers a great balance of lean protein from the salmon, antioxidants from the asparagus, and high fiber from the quinoa, creating a nutrient-dense and flavorful meal.
3. Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup
Soups are perfect for incorporating a wide variety of vegetables and legumes, and with the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, you can prepare a comforting, nutritious soup without standing over a stove. Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup an ideal meal for vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients—lentils, vegetables, garlic, broth, and spices—into the inner pot of the rice cooker.
- Select the Sauté-Then-Simmer or Slow Cook function if available, otherwise use the White Rice function.
- Let the soup cook until the lentils are tender, which should take around 25-30 minutes.
- Once done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
This hearty lentil soup is filled with vegetables and packed with flavor, providing an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
4. Steamed Tofu with Brown Rice and Veggies
For those who prefer plant-based meals, the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD is ideal for preparing tofu and rice dishes. Steaming tofu keeps it light while maintaining its nutritional value, and pairing it with brown rice and vegetables makes for a healthy, complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Soy sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the brown rice and add it to the inner pot with water.
- Place the cubed tofu, spinach, and bell pepper in the steamer tray.
- Select the Brown Rice function, and let the rice cooker handle both the rice and the steamed tofu and vegetables.
- Once done, drizzle the tofu and veggies with soy sauce, and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.
This dish is high in protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates, making it a well-balanced option for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based meal.
5. Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer isn’t just for lunch or dinner; it’s also a great tool for making a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal is a classic morning meal that’s rich in fiber, and with this rice cooker, you can customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 4 cups water or milk (for creamier oatmeal)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Fresh berries, bananas, or apples for topping
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds) and seeds (chia, flax) for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the oats and water or milk to the rice cooker.
- Select the White Rice function, which works well for steel-cut oats.
- Once the oats are fully cooked, serve in bowls and top with fresh fruit, honey or maple syrup, and nuts or seeds for added nutrition and texture.
This oatmeal is a nutritious way to start your day, providing slow-digesting carbohydrates, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Tips for Maximizing Health Benefits with the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD
- Use Broth Instead of Water: For an extra boost of flavor and nutrients, swap water with vegetable or chicken broth when cooking rice or grains.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or parsley can brighten up your meals and add additional antioxidants and vitamins.
- Incorporate Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley when using the rice cooker. These grains are high in fiber and keep you fuller for longer.
- Steam Vegetables for Maximum Nutrient Retention: Steaming vegetables helps preserve their vitamins and minerals better than boiling or frying. The steamer tray on the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD makes it easy to cook vegetables while you prepare other parts of your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Can I cook an entire meal, including protein and vegetables, in the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: Yes, the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer allows you to prepare a full meal by cooking rice or grains in the inner pot while steaming proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu in the steam tray. Vegetables can also be added to the steamer tray, making it easy to create balanced, nutrient-rich meals all in one go.
Q: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: To prevent rice from sticking, it’s important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. Rinsing removes excess starch that can cause rice to become sticky. Additionally, make sure to follow the correct water-to-rice ratio for the type of rice you’re cooking. For brown rice, the recommended ratio is 1 ½ cups of water per 1 cup of rice. Adding a little olive oil or cooking spray to the inner pot can also help.
Q: What is the best way to steam vegetables and proteins while cooking rice in the Aroma ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: To steam vegetables and proteins like salmon or chicken while cooking rice, simply place the rice and the appropriate amount of water in the inner pot, and then place your vegetables and protein in the steam tray on top. Select the rice cooking function (such as White Rice or Brown Rice), and the steam generated from cooking the rice will simultaneously cook the food in the steam tray. This method ensures that your entire meal is ready at the same time.
Q: Can I cook grains like quinoa or lentils in the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: Yes, the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD is versatile enough to cook a variety of grains, including quinoa, lentils, and even steel-cut oats. Use a 2:1 water-to-grain ratio for quinoa and select the White Rice function. For lentils, you can add them with vegetables and broth to the inner pot and use the Sauté-Then-Simmer or White Rice function depending on the texture you prefer.
Q: How do I maximize the flavor of the meals I cook using the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: To enhance the flavor of meals cooked in the Aroma ARC-914SBD, replace water with broth or stock when cooking rice or grains. Additionally, you can add seasonings like garlic, onions, herbs, or spices directly to the rice or vegetables before cooking. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill can be added after cooking for a burst of flavor.
Q: Is it possible to prepare healthy breakfasts like oatmeal using the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: Absolutely! The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD is perfect for preparing healthy breakfasts such as steel-cut oatmeal. Simply add the oats and water or milk to the inner pot, select the White Rice function, and let the cooker handle the rest. You can also use the Delay Timer function to set up your oats the night before, so they are ready when you wake up. Top the cooked oatmeal with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds for added nutrition.
Q: How does the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker retain nutrients in vegetables and proteins?
A: Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods because it preserves most of the vitamins and minerals in vegetables and proteins. The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD uses steam generated from cooking rice to cook the food placed in the steam tray. This gentle method ensures that the natural nutrients in your food are retained, while also keeping flavors intact without needing added oils or fats.
Q: Can I prepare vegan or vegetarian meals using the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: Yes, the Aroma ARC-914SBD is ideal for preparing vegan and vegetarian meals. You can cook plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh in the steam tray while making brown rice, quinoa, or lentils in the pot below. You can also steam a variety of vegetables simultaneously, creating a complete vegan meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Q: What’s the best way to clean the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker after preparing meals?
A: Cleaning the Aroma ARC-914SBD is easy. After each use, remove the inner pot and wash it with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. The steam tray and other removable parts can also be cleaned with warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher if dishwasher safe. Wipe down the exterior of the cooker with a damp cloth, and regularly clean the steam vent to prevent buildup.
Q: How can I ensure my food remains warm without overcooking it in the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Rice Cooker?
A: The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD comes with a Keep Warm function that automatically activates after the cooking process is complete. This feature maintains the food at an ideal serving temperature without overcooking. However, for delicate dishes like steamed fish, it’s best to serve shortly after the cooking cycle ends to preserve optimal texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is the perfect appliance for those looking to prepare healthy, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking rice, grains, or steaming vegetables and proteins, this versatile rice cooker makes it easy to create well-balanced dishes packed with nutrients. At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we recommend this model for its user-friendly features,versatility, and ability to prepare healthy meals effortlessly. From one-pot dinners like Chicken and Brown Rice to nutrient-dense dishes like Steamed Salmon with Quinoa, the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is designed to cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
With the added benefit of the Cool-Touch exterior and digital controls, meal preparation becomes simple and safe, whether you’re cooking for one or for a family. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this guide, you can make the most out of your rice cooker while staying committed to a healthy, balanced diet.
At Expert Reviews Best Rice Cooker, we believe that appliances like the Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD not only simplify your time in the kitchen but also make it easier to incorporate nutritious and delicious meals into your everyday routine. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this rice cooker is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, helping you create flavorful, healthy dishes with ease.
