Buzz
Blanching is a technique that preserves the vibrant color and enhances the flavor of carrots. It is often used to cook carrots for salads and is a common method for preparing carrots for freezing. Just follow the steps below to transform ordinary carrots into a tasty side dish.
Steps
Preparing Carrots for Blanching
Wash the Carrots. Rinse the carrots thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris.
Peel the Carrots. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the blanched carrots, making the dish more appealing.
Cut the Carrots. Cutting the carrots into smaller pieces will help them blanch faster and achieve a better texture. It also ensures the carrots cook evenly without over-blanching. Remove the roots and any damaged parts before slicing the carrots.
- Slice the carrots into rounds for garnishing salads.
- Cut the carrots into long strips for a convenient snack.
- Chop the carrots into quarters if you plan to freeze them.
- Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Blanch the Carrots
Prepare an Ice Water Bath. You'll need ice water to halt the cooking process after blanching the carrots.
Heat the Water in a Pot. Use a large enough pot to submerge the carrots, filling it with water up to ¾ full. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, adding a pinch of salt for flavor. Wait for the water to come to a rolling boil.
Place the carrots into the water and set the timer for 2-5 minutes. Adjust the time based on the size of the carrots, using more time for larger ones and less for smaller or pre-cut carrots. Stay nearby and turn off the heat as soon as the timer goes off.
Transfer the carrots into an ice water bath. Allow the carrots to cool for the same amount of time they were blanched. For example, if the carrots were blanched for 3 minutes, let them cool for 3 minutes.
Remove the carrots from the water once the set time has passed. Drain the carrots and use a paper towel to dry them. You can enjoy them immediately or set them aside for later use in other dishes.
Completion.
Warning
- Be cautious when adding and removing carrots from boiling water.
What You'll Need
- Pot
- Carrots
- Strainer
- Paper Towels
