Bright Green Broccoli in Minutes: Blanching Made Easy

Blanching broccoli is a quick and easy cooking technique that elevates this versatile vegetable.
It transforms raw broccoli into a bright green marvel with a crisp-tender texture and enhanced flavour.

This method is perfect for preparing broccoli for further cooking, freezing, or simply enjoying on its own.

Perfectly blanched broccoli florets should be a vibrant, almost emerald green.
They will have a slightly softened texture but will still retain a satisfying snap when bitten.

How to blanch Broccoli

Blanching broccoli is a great way to prepare it for salads, stir-fries, and other dishes.
Follow these simple instructions to blanch broccoli quickly and easily.

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Course Vegetable

Cuisine French

Servings 4 Serves

Calories 30 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Colander
• Large bowl
• Ice cubes

Ingredients

  

• 500 grams broccoli
• water
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

 

• Prepare a large bowl filled with iced water.
• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tsp salt.
• While the water heats up, wash and chop the 500 grams broccoli into florets.
• Once boiling, carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot.
• Cook the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns bright green and is just tender-crisp.
• Immediately drain the broccoli in a colander.
• Plunge the cooked broccoli florets into the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Drain the broccoli again and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
• Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your broccoli florets.

Notes

Recipe Tips

• For extra vibrant green florets, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the ice bath.
• You can blanch broccoli florets with the stem! Peel the tough outer layer of the stem and chop it into bite-sized pieces before blanching with the florets.
• Blanched broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Blanched Broccoli Uses

• Add to stir-fries, pasta dishes, and salads.
• Enjoy as a healthy snack with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
• Use as a base for creamy broccoli soup.
• Top with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon for a simple side dish.

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