Blanching and Steaming

steamed broccoli

Chances are you’ve done your share of blanching and steaming already, but following Paula’s steps for these techniques ensures the perfect combo of crisp and tender, every time.

Blanching

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]bowl of ice water[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 1: Prepare an ice water bath, which is just a large bowl filled with ice and water. [/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]green beans in boiling water[/fusion_builder_column] 
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 2: Bring a large saucepan or Dutch oven to a boil. Use a pot big enough so that when you add vegetables, the pan isn’t crowded. Start timing as soon as the vegetables are in the boiling water because blanching can take as little as 1 minute.[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]green beans in ice water[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 3: Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to immediately transfer the brightly colored vegetables from the pot to the ice water bath. This stops the veggies from cooking any further.[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]draining green beans in a colander[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 4: When the vegetables are cold, drain them in a colander, making sure to discard any ice. [/fusion_builder_column]

 

 Steaming

[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]water in a saucepan[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 1: Fill a large saucepan or Dutch oven with water to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Add an empty steamer basket to check the clearance. You want no less than ½ inch of space between the water and the bottom of the steamer basket.[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]steamed broccoli[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 2: Bring water to a boil, and add veggies to steamer basket. Cover immediately, and start timing.[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]steamed broccoli[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 3: When checking vegetables for doneness, remove the lid of the pot away from you so steam is directed away from your body. Test vegetables for doneness by piercing them with the tines of a fork.[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=””]steamed broccoli[/fusion_builder_column]
[fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=””]STEP 4: A silicone oven mitt is best for removing the steamer basket filled with hot vegetables because it’s waterproof and 
heat resistant. [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]