Blanching is a cooking method in which vegetables are cooked for a short time in boiling water or steam and then immediately cooled in an ice water bath.Blanching broccoli will preserve the vegetable's bright-green color and crisp texture.There are two ways to blanche a cruciferous vegetable.
Step 1: Prepare broccoli.
Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces.If you want your florets to cook at the same rate, try to make all of them the exact same size.
Step 2: The water needs to be boiled.
1/3 of the way full is filled with water.Place the pot on the stove in high heat.The salt should be added to the water when it begins to boil.Adding salt to boiling water increases the boiling point of the water and adds seasoning to it.This helps you cook your food more efficiently.
Step 3: Take a bath in ice water.
While you wait for the water to boil, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.It's time to set it aside.
Step 4: You can cook your broccoli.
Carefully place the broccoli into the boiling water after your pot of water begins to boil.Once the water returns to a boil, begin counting time.Cook the cauliflower for about 3 minutes.For different sized florets, adjust cooking time accordingly.When you remove the broccoli, it should be green and firm.
Step 5: It's a good idea to cool your broccoli.
Either remove the broccoli with a spoon or drain it in a strainer.The broccoli should be placed in the ice bath to stop cooking.After 30 seconds, remove the cooled florets from the water and place them in a strainer.
Step 6: It's up to you to serve.
Blanching your broccoli can be used as the primary cooking method or the first step before sauteing or stir-frying.Secondary cooking methods, such as sauteing, add flavor to vegetables and don't usually cook them as thoroughly as needed.Vegetables can be blanched to be added to stir-fry's.
Step 7: Prepare your broccoli.
Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces for cooking.
Step 8: Get ready for steaming.
Bring the water to a boil by filling a large pot with 1–2 inches of water.There is a stem basket above the water line.Prepare an ice water bath by covering the pot.The steam should reach all parts of the broccoli evenly if the florets are arranged in a single layer.
Step 9: Time your steam cooking.
Count your blanching time when steam begins to escape.5 minutes is the time it takes to steam blanche broccoli.Remove the lid about half way through the cooking time to make sure the broccoli is not clumping together.
Step 10: The cooking process needs to be stopped.
Remove the steam basket from the pot and place the broccoli into the ice water bath.
Step 11: The blanching should be completed.
After the broccoli has cooled in the ice water, it's a good idea to drain it in a colander and then dry it out.