How to Blanch
Now that you know the benefits of blanching, let's go through the steps on how to blanch. The process is simple, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to blanch anything with ease.
Step 1: Prepare the Equipment
Before you start blanching, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You'll need a large pot of boiling water, a bowl of ice water, a slotted spoon or skimmer, and a colander.
Step 2: Prepare the Food
Prepare your food by washing it thoroughly and trimming any unwanted parts. If you're blanching vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole if they're small. If you're blanching fruits or nuts, you can leave them whole.
Step 3: Blanch the Food
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the food to the boiling water and cook for a brief period, usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the type of food. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to remove the food from the boiling water and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Drain the Food
Once the food has been blanched and cooled, remove it from the ice water with a slotted spoon or skimmer and place it in a colander to drain. Shake off any excess water and pat the food dry with a clean towel.
