Step 1: Clean the broccoli raab
The first step to boiling broccoli raab is to clean it. Take the leaves and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pay special attention to the bottom of the stems, as this is where most of the dirt is usually found. Once you have cleaned them properly, you can cut off the ends of the stems to remove any tough parts.
Step 2: Boil water
Fill a large pot with water and add some salt to it. Bring the water to a boil. You can add some garlic cloves or red pepper flakes to the water for additional flavor.
Step 3: Blanch it
Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli raab leaves to the pot. Use a spoon or tongs to make sure that all the leaves are submerged in the water. Allow the broccoli raab to blanch for around 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Cool it down
After 2-3 minutes, remove the broccoli raab leaves from the hot water and transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and also help maintain the beautiful green color of the leaves.
Step 5: Dry it
Remove the broccoli raab from the ice water, and gently squeeze out any excess water from the leaves.
Step 6: Serve it
You can serve the boiled broccoli raab leaves with garlic and oil, or you can add them to a soup or stir-fry.
Some tips to keep in mind while boiling broccoli raab are:
– Do not overcook broccoli raab as that can make them mushy and ruin their texture.
– Use a pot that is large enough for the broccoli raab leaves to be completely submerged in the water.
– You can add lemon juice to the ice water to add some extra zing to the leaves.
– If you have very tough stems, you can blanch them separately for an additional minute or so.
In conclusion, boiling broccoli raab is a simple and easy way to prepare this delicious and nutritious vegetable. With just a few ingredients, you can make a flavorful and healthy side dish or add it to your favorite recipe. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. Enjoy!