Crispy Green Water Spinach
Ingredients:
- Fresh water spinach
- Water
- Salt (optional)
- Ice (or cold water with ice)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Strainer or spoon
- Large bowl or basin for ice water bath
- Knife and cutting board (if trimming is required)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the water spinach:
- Rinse thoroughly: Wash the water spinach under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can soak the vegetable in a diluted salt solution for 5-10 minutes to ensure a deeper clean and eliminate bacteria, then rinse again with clean water.
- Trim the roots: Remove the tough roots and any old, wilted leaves to keep only the tender stems and young leaves.
2. Prepare the boiling water:
- Boil water: Fill the pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Ensure there’s enough water to submerge the water spinach. Adding a pinch of salt to the water is optional but will enhance the flavor and help retain the vibrant green color.
3. Boil the water spinach:
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the water spinach to the pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking. If you have a large quantity of water spinach, boil it in batches.
- Quick boil: Water spinach only needs to be boiled for 1-2 minutes. Overcooking will make it soggy and compromise its crisp texture. A short boiling time helps retain the bright green color and crispness.
4. Ice bath:
- After boiling, immediately remove the water spinach with a strainer or spoon and plunge it into the prepared ice water bath. This step halts the cooking process and ensures the water spinach remains crisp and green. Soak for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Drain the water spinach:
- Remove the water spinach from the ice bath and let it drain. You can use a paper towel to gently pat it dry if needed.
Draining the Water Spinach
6. Presentation:
- The boiled water spinach is now ready to be served as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes. It can be enjoyed with a dipping sauce like spicy fish sauce (nước mắm tỏi ớt) or stir-fried with other ingredients.
Tips:
- Use ice-cold water: The ice water bath is crucial for maintaining the crisp texture and vibrant green color of the water spinach.
- Adjust boiling time: Depending on the freshness of the water spinach and your preferred level of crispness, you can adjust the boiling time accordingly.
- Boil at a high temperature: Boiling at a high temperature helps the water spinach cook quickly and retain its attractive color.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy, and visually appealing boiled water spinach!
Frequently asked questions
This recipe is a delightful mix of crisp, fresh vegetables with a tangy dressing. It’s a healthy and refreshing side dish perfect for any occasion. The key to this dish is to use fresh, crisp vegetables and a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The vegetables should be sliced thinly and evenly, and the dressing should be whisked together just before serving to ensure a light and flavorful finish.
You will need a variety of fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, green onions, and parsley. For the dressing, you’ll need olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Simply slice the cucumbers, bell peppers, and radishes thinly and evenly. Chop the green onions and parsley finely. You want to aim for a consistent size so that the vegetables are easy to eat and the flavors come together well.
It is best prepared just before serving to ensure the vegetables remain crisp and fresh. However, you can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just before serving, toss the vegetables with the dressing and give it a quick mix.
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add in your favorite vegetables or herbs. You could try adding in some chopped tomatoes, avocado, or even some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal. For a vegan option, simply omit the honey from the dressing.
This crisp green delight is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together with friends, a potluck, or a more formal dinner party. It’s a great way to add a fresh and healthy option to your spread and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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