ånga

Ånga is a Swedish verb meaning to cook with steam, i.e., to expose food or liquid to water vapor. It is primarily used in culinary contexts. Common phrases include ånga mjölk (to steam milk) and ånga grönsaker (to steam vegetables). Steaming is performed by placing food above simmering water in a steamer, a pot with a rack, or an electric steamer, and covering it to trap steam. This method heats food through vapor rather than direct contact with boiling water.

Compared with boiling, steaming uses gentler heat transfer, which helps preserve color, texture, and nutrients. It is widely used for vegetables, fish, dumplings, and dairy preparations such as frothed milk in coffee culture. Steaming is valued for its ability to cook foods evenly while retaining moisture.

Etymology and usage: the verb ånga is linked to the broader semantic field of steam and is cognate with related terms in other Germanic languages. In Swedish, ånga as a verb appears mainly in recipes and cooking instructions, while the noun for steam is typically ång.

See also: steam, steaming, culinary terminology in Swedish.