The Secret to Perfectly Green and Crisp Morning Glory: A Simple Blanching Technique

Ingredients

• Fresh water spinach: 1 bunch
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Lemon or vinegar: 1/2 lemon or 1 teaspoon of vinegar
• Ice: 1 large bowl

Instructions

– Selecting Water Spinach

+ Opt for bunches of water spinach with moderately thick stems (about the size of an eating utensil). These are likely to be naturally fresh. Avoid purchasing bunches with abnormally thick stems.

+ A common rule of thumb for choosing clean, fresh produce is to “eat with the season.” You can buy water spinach during the summer months, from April to June, when it is at its peak.

+ Steer clear of water spinach with very dark green leaves. If, when bending the stem, it snaps easily, it’s best to choose another bunch.

Preparing the Boiling Water

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add a teaspoon of salt and a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar. The salt helps retain the green color of the vegetable, while the lemon or vinegar prevents it from turning black.

Boiling the Water Spinach: Add a Pinch of Salt to the Boiling Water

• • Place the water spinach in the pot, ensuring that the water fully submerges the vegetable for even cooking.
  • Cook over high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent the water spinach from becoming soft and losing its crisp texture.

• Chilling the Water Spinach

  • Have a large bowl of ice water ready. Once the water spinach is cooked, remove it from the boiling water and immediately plunge it into the ice bath. This step helps retain the vibrant green color and crispness.
  • Soak the water spinach in the ice water for around 5 minutes, then remove and let it drain.

• Serving

  • Boiled water spinach can be served with a sweet and sour fish sauce or shrimp paste, depending on your preference. It also makes a great addition to salads or can be used to make a delicious water spinach salad.

Additional Tips

• Keep the Pot Uncovered: When boiling the water spinach, leave the pot uncovered to allow steam to escape. This helps maintain the vibrant green color of the vegetable.
• Do Not Add Water Spinach to Cold Water: Always add water spinach to already boiling water to preserve its color and texture and prevent discoloration.

You may also like

The Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg: It’s Not Just About the Water, Add This Secret Ingredient for a Flavorful, Easy-to-Peel Treat

With this simple egg-boiling formula, your eggs will be packed with flavor and incredibly easy to peel.

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Fish Soup: Master These 3 Simple Rules for a Delicious, Non-Fishy Brew

To eliminate the fishy odor when cooking fish soup, home cooks should keep in mind these simple tips and tricks to create a delicious and savory dish.

The Master Chef’s Secret: Stir-fried Water Spinach with Green Garlic for a Crisp, Glossy Delight

Stir-frying water spinach to achieve that perfect crispness without discoloration can be a challenge, especially when aiming for the quality standards of a 5-star restaurant.

The Ultimate Guide to Mouth-Watering, Fall-Off-the-Bone Spareribs: A Flavor Explosion You’ll Never Forget

With this mouth-watering recipe, you’ll be able to create deliciously sweet and tender pork ribs that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This dish is an absolute must-try, so don’t be silly and skip it!

The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious and Beautiful Dried Shrimp at Home: An Easy, Step-by-Step Process Using Your Microwave or Traditional Methods

Making shrimp chips at home is a delicious and healthy option. With a simple and quick process, you have the choice of two methods: the traditional way or the modern microwave approach.