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Simple Joyful Food

Eat happily

meal planning

How to blanch vegetables.

November 3, 2014 Leave a Comment

It has come to my attention recently that not everyone knows how to blanch vegetables and why they should.

Okay, let me help.

How to blanch vegetables

It’s easy, actually.

The process is really quite quick and easy.  First, prep your stove area by filling up a pot of water and bring it to a boil on the stove.  While the water is boiling, set a large bowl with ice cubes and cold water next to the stove. That will be your ice bath.  Next to the ice bath have a colander ready.  I always put a paper plate underneath it to catch the drips.

how to blanch vegetables - prep (c) nwafoodie
Once the water has come to a boil, add your vegetables.  This time I added cut up broccoli florets.

The blanching process is pretty fast, so be ready.  It only takes several minutes, depending on the vegetable. The goal is to have the veggies to a point where a knife tip is easily inserted into the core of the veggie and not overcooked.  For example, the broccoli should be bright green.

how to blanch vegetables - boil (c) nwafoodie

Okay, did your knife slip in easily?  That is the sign it is ready.

Now, turn off the heat and scoop out the vegetables from the pot and drop them in the ice bath.  This ice bath “shocks” them immediately to stop cooking and keeps their vibrant color.

how to blanch vegetables - ice bath (c) nwafoodie

 Give it a few minutes in the ice bath at this point.  The initial shock will stop the cooking and I like to make sure it is nice and cool and give it a few minutes before removing from the water.

Scoop out the vegetables and put in the colander to drain.

how to blanch vegetables - drain and done (c) nwafoodie

You’re done.

Now you can turn the heat back on the pot and repeat the process with another vegetable.  Or, simply use the blanched vegetables in a sautéed dish, roasting dish, or in a salad. Your call.

Why should you blanch vegetables?

It’s simple.

Blanched vegetables work for many reasons.

You can blanch a large batch of vegetables all at once as prep work for use throughout the week.

You can blanch vegetables to cut down roasting time.

You can blanch vegetables to cut down grilling time.

You can blanch vegetables to maintain their firmness.

You can blanch vegetables before they go bad.

You can blanch vegetables to maintain their vibrant color.

Good reasons, right?

Happy blanching.

Eat well, my friends. Eat well.
Lyndi

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hello + welcome

author image of thejoyofeatingwell blogWell hello! Thanks for stopping by. I’m Lyndi Fultz and I have a passion for simplicity.

I believe that planning, prepping, and cooking meals can be a joy and not a daily dreaded chore.

Want to start eating happily? Join me as I encourage kitchen joy by focusing on simplicity.

Ready to get started?

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simplejoyfulfood

Encourager of eating happily @simplejoyfulfood // local eats @nwafoodie

Lyndi Fultz
I don't really have a sweet tooth yet I always hav I don't really have a sweet tooth yet I always have a "little something" in the pantry to satisfy the little bit of sweet tooth that I have! After a zillion years of blogging, I can count on one hand the number of desserts that I've blogged about. So, when I do create a recipe and actually post it, I'm like, "Look at me, I'm a baker now!" hahaha Actually, it's not all about baking. For example, I just posted a recipe for Instant Pot creme brulee with a touch of lemon. Link in bio, of course! The ingredients are super simple and the pressure cooker makes it super fast and easy. Best of all? It is #lowcarb and #keto!
I don't know about you, but man I love a good sala I don't know about you, but man I love a good salad. The best thing about this salad (okay, besides the taste) is that the ingredients are sooooo easy to make ahead of time. That means you can dinner prep and toss this salad together at the last moment. As all good salad should do.⁠
The stars of this healthy salad are the hearty veggies: sweet potatoes and radishes. You’re going to roast them first. That’s right, roast!
A healthy salad is wholesome. Substantial. Strong A healthy salad is wholesome. Substantial. Strong enough to sail on its own, yet perfectly willing to tag along with the main course. In fact, I think you’ll love serving this salad whenever you may have someone at the dinner table that is drawn to more-veggies and less-meat.⁠
⁠
It’s pretty isn’t it?
Savoring.⁠ Not rushed. ⁠ Not complicated. ⁠ Savoring.⁠
Not rushed. ⁠
Not complicated. ⁠
Special. ⁠
Eating happily is in the moments of a meal.⁠
⁠
Do I do this with every meal moment? I don't, yet I'm trying. And, when I do... it IS really special. Not special like, oooo look at this perfectly grilled filet with candles and fresh flowers. Instead, it's more like, hey - look at this moment we're enjoying  together or alone. It's about savoring, keeping it simple, and really focusing on the moment.⁠
⁠
I recently traveled and someone commented that they could never have me over because they would be embarrassed to cook for me because they don’t cook fancy. That made me sad and I was quick to say how much I focus on the simple things, the simple foods. The ones that aren't fancy! Honestly, mostly my food may look complicated but that's just styling. If you look at my pictures on my IG profile - or recipes on my blog - they're simple. Simple ingredients. Pecans. Beans. Fish. Martinis. :)⁠
⁠
If you ever need encouragement that you're on the right track by slowing down to savor, I'm here for you.
Oh hi! Want to know what makes me cheerful?⁠ ⁠ Oh hi! Want to know what makes me cheerful?⁠
⁠
A well-stocked pantry, that's what.⁠
⁠
I find that keeping a lean and purposeful pantry makes me breathe easier AND - ironically - makes me more creative in the kitchen. Have you ever felt that way?⁠
⁠
I am curious to know what are the top ingredients that you like to keep stocked in your pantry. 
⁠
I'll start:⁠
⁠
1) nuts for snacks⁠
2) canned diced tomatoes (for soup)⁠
3) small yellow potatoes⁠
4) spices⁠
5) pre-made sauces (for last minute assistance)⁠
⁠
Your turn!
Oh, hi!⁠ Are you striving to eat healthy and wan Oh, hi!⁠
Are you striving to eat healthy and wanting more veggies in your life? Maybe you keep saying, "I should eat more fish, or barley, or whatever." 

I'm curious, what ARE you saying you should eat more of?⁠
⁠
I'll start: 
I want to eat more fish.⁠

How I'll accomplish this habit goal: 
Buy the fish. Cook the fish.⁠
⁠
There, simple.⁠
Your turn.
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lyndi@thejoyofeatingwell.com

inspiration

“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. Then you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.” – Julia Child

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