Description
Learn how to blanch broccoli or broccolini to achieve that vibrant green color and crisp texture. This simple process involves boiling water and an ice water bath, making it a quick and easy way to prep your favorite seasonal greens for freezing or later use.
Ingredients
500g Broccoli or Broccolini
1/2 tsp Salt
Ice Cubes
Instructions
1. Wash and Prep vegetables - Wash broccoli or broccolini. Trim the whole head of broccoli into even-sized smaller florets. (Or trim broccolini stems).
2. Blanch vegetables - Fill a large heavy pot with water. Cover the pot and place it on the stove over high heat. When your water is rolling boil, season the water with salt, this helps enhance the flavor of the broccoli.Add the raw broccoli to the large pot of salted water and cook for between 1 - 3 minutes. When the broccoli is still a bright green color and just starting to become tender, remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander.
3. Refresh vegetables - Immediately submerge broccoli (or broccolini) in a large bowl of ice water for 1- 2 minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or place it on a sheet pan lined with paper towels.
Now your vegetables are ready to use in your favorite dishes or refrigerate or freeze for later.
Notes
Chef’s Tips:
Make sure your water is boiling before adding the broccoli, it helps to cook the broccoli quickly and evenly and helps to preserve the color and texture of the vegetable.
Do not overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the water temperature to drop significantly and may result in uneven cooking.
Do not overcook the broccoli, it will become mushy and lose its bright green color.
Prepare the ice water bath before cooking so that you can immediately add the blanched broccoli into the ice water to stop the cooking process.
Storage Instructions:
Fridge - To store blanched broccoli, place it in an airtight container on paper towel and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Freeze - After blanching and refreshing the broccoli, arrange it in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for flash freezing. (If you're specifically blanching for freezing, blanch broccoli for 30 seconds to 1 minute.) Once frozen, transfer the broccoli to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container or bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 61
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 115.8 mg
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.9 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 13.9 mg
