Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tip: Blanching Fresh Vegetables for a Veggie Tray


In a recent survey, people preferred fresh vegetables that had been blanched over vegetables that had not.  Now when I make my vegetable trays, I blanch most of the vegetables.  Broccoli, cauliflower, sugar snap peas, carrots, and asparagus get a quick dip in the hot tub.  I don't blanch red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Below are the steps I take when I blanch vegetables that I plan to eat raw.

1. I wash and prepare the vegetables.


2. I fill a large sauce pan with water.  Salt the water.  Bring it to a boil.

3. I fill a large bowl with water and ice.

4. I place the vegetables in boiling water for 30 seconds only.

5. I transfer the vegetables into the ice bath to stop the cooking process.


6. After vegetables have cooled, I drain them on paper towel.

Give it a try.  I think you will find, the improved taste and texture is worth the time and effort.

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11 comments:

  1. tinyskilletJuly 19, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    That's a great idea. I usually just blanch the vegetables when I serve them (herb)marinated.

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  2. PamJuly 19, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    This is new to me, sis! ;) It sounds like a great idea and I will be trying it the next time!

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  3. BoJuly 20, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    I can see where doing this would really impove the texture of the veggies.

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  4. DianeJuly 20, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    Interesting I would never have thought of doing that. Thanks Diane

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  5. RosemaryJuly 20, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Hum will try that and see if guests notice.

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  6. BlackswanJuly 20, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Oh yes, I adopt this method too when blanching my veg. But I add a tsp of oil too. Can't remember exactly what it was for but I learn it from some Chefs on TV long time back :)

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  7. abbeyJuly 21, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    I totally agree! I love veggies but don't like raw broccoli or cauliflower on a crudite tray.

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  8. RitaJuly 21, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    This so true; makes a big difference when serving crudités.

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  9. ChrisJuly 22, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I would go with blanching too. Not only does it just slightly soften the texture, it makes SURE the veggies don't have any ecoli issues.

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  10. AnonymousMarch 16, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    I had veggies done this way at a wedding reception, and was trying to figure out for the longest how they made them fresh and soft.. thanks doing this for a party this weekend

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  11. AnonymousOctober 27, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    This is my first try but I had them at a church meeting like this and they are SO much better. Fixing them tonight for a Halloween party. DW Cinci OH

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