Seven must-do cooking methods

There’s more to cooking then a quick saute. These healthy eating cooking methods are guaranteed to make your meals more nutritious, and expand your expertise, too.

Bring forth the blanching

To blanch vegetables or fruit, submerge them in boiling water very briefly – about 10 to 30 seconds – then immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking. This retains their crispness, as well as their vibrant hue. Use this method, especially, when you want that tender-crisp taste for salads and side dishes.

So what’s this “ice bath”?

An ice bath is a large bowl about 2/3’s full with ice cubes and water. This is used to stop the cooking process. Submerge the quick-boiled fruits and vegetables into the bowl. Let sit for about a minute, then drain well.

Grilling go-to

No one can say no to the delicious taste of grilled food. Whether you’re indoors on a countertop kind, or outside with the charcoal or gas, this creates a lot of flavour, without frying the food in their own fat. Grilled food is the perfect canvas for marinades.

What does marinating actually do?

Loading a marinade onto your favourite meats, veggies, or tofu, delivers flavour and tenderizes the foo, too.  Use fresh citrus juice, wine, herbs, spices, vinegars, and homemade sauces. Use a bit of oil, but not too much, for a bit of extra-oomph. Always let sit, in the fridge, for at least an hour.

Perfect your poaching

Poaching is a great technique for more than just eggs. Meat, fish, vegetables and fruit can benefit (poached pears, anyone?) Use a hot liquid, such as juice, wine, stock or broth, along with your favourite herbs, spices and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Submerge the food and let cook until just tender. Strain and serve.

Slow cooking in the slow cooker

Slow cookers are easy and fool-proof, a simple cooking method for soups, stews, and chili. Follow the directions of your slow cooker, but for the most part, it’s: insert food, cover, cook on low for 8-12 hours or high for 4-6. Done.

Set out the steamer

This common cooking technique can easily be over done. To make sure you keep it fresh, steam for a short amount of time, as lightly as possible. Because the water contains nutrients seeped from the veggies, save it for stock and soups.