How long do you blanch asparagus?
How long do you blanch asparagus?
In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Season with 2 tablespoons coarse salt, and add asparagus; boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness). Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process.
What does blanching asparagus mean?
Blanching is a cooking method that involves boiling vegetables until they’re crisp tender, then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. The ice water helps to keep the veggies as colorful as possible, and you’ll notice that it makes the spears beautifully bright green.
Can you eat asparagus raw in a salad?
Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable that can be eaten cooked or raw. Because of its tough texture, cooking is the most popular preparation method.
Is it better to blanch or steam asparagus?
Blanching is the fastest way to prepare asparagus! You’ll basically dunk it in boiling water briefly, then dunk it in a bath of cold water. Blanching asparagus helps to preserve nutrients and maintain higher quality if you’ll be freezing your veggies.
Can I freeze raw asparagus?
Yes, you can. Consider preserving this nutrient-dense vegetable. It’s not difficult, and freezing asparagus keeps that one-of-a-kind flavor in season and on your table no matter the market price. On the flip side, frozen spears pack all the flavor you know and love.
Do you have to blanch asparagus before freezing it?
Choose spears that are at least as thick as a pencil—thicker spears hold up better in the freezer. Next, you’ll need to blanch asparagus before freezing it. This step prevents discoloration and preserves a better texture.
Can I freeze asparagus without blanching it?
You can freeze asparagus, and it is the best way to keep it fresh, green, and crispy for up to one year. Asparagus needs to be blanched before freezing, to preserve the color and texture. Without blanching, frozen asparagus will be duller in color and flavor, and won’t have a crisp texture.
Should you soak asparagus before cooking?
Fine grit can lurk in asparagus tips. To get rid of it, fill a bowl with cold water and soak the asparagus for a few minutes, then rinse off. That should rid the stems of any unpleasant sandiness.
What’s the best way to Blanch asparagus?
Plunge asparagus into rapidly boiling water, then refresh in ice water to keep them crisp-tender and bright green. Prepare 1 1/2 pounds medium-thick asparagus (see Rinse and Snap). Have a large bowl of ice water ready. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil.
How to make balsamic asparagus salad with red pepper?
In a large saucepan, bring 1 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl; add the onion, red pepper and cranberries.
How to make lemon asparagus salad with lemon juice?
1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add asparagus and 1 tablespoon salt and cook until just tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to bowl of ice water. When completely cool, drain and pat dry with paper towels. 2. Combine lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in bowl.
How to make a salad with asparagus and bacon?
Instructions. 1 Warm the oil in a large skillet. 2 Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté until cooked al dente. 3 In the last minute of cooking, add the garlic. Sauté for the full minute, and then remove the skillet from the heat. 4 Add the chopped egg. 5 Add the chopped bacon. 6 Toss and serve with dressing.