Stock Up On Veggies!!

Summer and Fall are great times to stock up on all the great fresh produce in the markets!  Here, I'll explain how to blanch them.  Blanching stops the action of enzymes that promote ripening as well as rotting... it preserves texture, color & flavor & makes preparing them later a breeze!  They will keep better & longer in the freezer & come out looking & tasting fresher.

You can blanch using boiling water or steam.  Steaming takes a couple minutes longer but is said to preserve more of the vitamins.  Veggies you would commonly blanch are - broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, etc.  I will include a list and blanching times below.  This post will explain the boiling method:

1. Set a large pot of water to boil.

2. Wash & prepare your veggies.

3. Prepare a large bowl with plenty of ice & add just enough water to cover the ice (enough to submerge veggies in). 

4. Once your pot reaches a rolling boil, add the veggies.  Return to a boil, cover & start your time.

5. As soon as the time is up, remove veggies & submerge in the ice water.  This stops the cooking action & your veggies should still be crisp tender. 

***If you have a large amount of veggies, blanch them in batches.  Remove them from the water with a strainer basket rather than pour the water out.  You can return the existing water to a boil rather than start over!

6. Once cooled, drain thoroughly & package for the freezer.  I use my FoodSaver for portions I won't be using within a week or so.

Prepare your veggies for meals as you normally would but remember they will not need normal cooking time.  Simply saute or heat through for delicious, fresh tasting produce!  Your family (both human and feathered) will enjoy!!

You can also blanch tomatoes and peaches to easily remove the skin.  Simply boil just until the skin splits then submerge in ice water.  The skins should slip right off!

NOTE:  Onions, peppers & herbs do not need to be blanched.  Winter squash, sweet potato & pumpkin should be fully cooked before freezing.  All other veggies should be blanched.

Here is a link (Univ of MN Extension) for more thorough preparation instructions, including trimming, cutting, etc. if you need further details:
Vegetable chart

Blanching times (in minutes) for the most common veggies are as follows.  Add about 1 minute if steaming:

Asparagus - 4

Green & yellow beans - 3.5

Lima beans - 3-4 depending on size

Snap beans - 3.5

Broccoli - 4

Carrots - 3.5

Cauliflower - 4

Corn on the cob - 8-11 depending on size (must thoroughly cool or they get mushy!)

**If cutting off the cob, blanch 4.5 min, cool, cut.

Peas, shelled - 1.5-2

Peas, in pod - 2.5-3

Summer squash - 1/4" slices 3 min; 1.5" slices 6 min.

**Winter squash & pumpkin - bake, scoop out flesh, cool & store.  Do not blanch.

Broccolini-Basil Spaghetti

This dish is one of my favorites and perfect for a super easy dinner as late summer turns into Fall... fresh broccoli is plentiful at the markets as is fresh basil in the garden!  It needs no embellishment but goes well paired with a crisp sauvignon blanc... for the people, only, of course.  ;-)  Tigger so enjoyed helping me with the broccoli!

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches Broccolini (1 pound), separated into long florets (or broccoli florets)
• 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• One 28-ounce can salt-free whole tomatoes
• 1 C cup fresh basil leaves (a generous handful), torn
• Grated parmigiano-reggiano or pecorino-romano cheese (for garnishing the people plates)

Directions:

1. Fill a large skillet with enough water to reach a depth of 2 inches & bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the Broccolini florets & cook for 2 minutes. Drain in a colander. Wipe out the skillet.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti & cook until al dente. Drain.  
3. While the pasta is working, heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the butter to melt, then add the tomatoes & gently mash with a potato masher or a wooden spoon. Stir in the basil, lower the heat & simmer for 4 minutes.
4. Add the Broccolini & cook for 3 minutes more. Add the pasta - (you can finish off the pasta in the sauce at the same time as the broccoli if it's too watery for you.  As is simmers, some of the liquid will reduce.)  Blend all together & set aside portion for the fids.
5. For the people, salt & pepper to taste if needed, stir in & serve all around!

Peanut was my official taste tester!