Tips for perfecting your blanching technique
Before we dive into the recipe, let's go over a few key tips to ensure that your blanched green beans turn out perfectly every time:
1. Start with the freshest green beans possible
When it comes to blanching green beans, freshness is key. Look for beans that are bright green, firm to the touch, and snap easily when bent. Avoid beans that are wilted, discolored, or have soft spots. Fresher beans will have a sweeter, more vibrant flavor and will hold up better during the blanching process.
2. Use a large pot of salted water
To blanch green beans, you'll need a large pot of boiling water. The water should be heavily salted, as this will help to enhance the flavor of the beans. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water. Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the beans.
3. Don't overcook the beans
The key to perfectly blanched green beans is to cook them just until they're crisp-tender. Overcooking the beans will result in a mushy texture and loss of flavor. To prevent overcooking, have a bowl of ice water ready to immediately plunge the beans into once they're done cooking. This will stop the cooking process and help to lock in the bright green color and crisp texture.
Now that we've gone over some key tips, let's get to the recipe!
Flavor combinations to try
Now that you've mastered the art of blanching green beans, it's time to take your dish to the next level with some delicious flavor combinations. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Lemon and garlic
Drizzle the blanched green beans with a mixture of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Parmesan and almonds
Toss the blanched green beans with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
3. Bacon and shallots
Cook diced bacon and sliced shallots in a skillet until crispy. Toss the blanched green beans with the bacon and shallots, along with a drizzle of red wine vinegar.
4. Sesame and soy sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Toss the blanched green beans with the sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
There you have it – a simple yet delicious recipe for blanched green beans, along with some flavor combinations to impress your taste buds. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
