Parboiling: meaning, definitions and examples

Culinary Techniques

• Parboiling is often used for rice and potatoes to reduce cooking time in the final dish.
• It's a technique that helps keep vegetables bright in color and crunchy, especially before stir-frying.
• In some cuisines, parboiled rice is used for dishes like biryani to ensure the rice is perfectly cooked with the meat.

Food Science

• Parboiling helps in gelatinizing starches in food, making them easier to digest.
• This method kills surface bacteria, improving food safety before further cooking.
• The process can enhance flavors to better absorb herbs and spices during final cooking.

History

• This cooking method has been practiced for centuries and is mentioned in ancient cookbooks.
• Historically, parboiling was used as a preservation method before refrigeration was available.
• In some cultures, parboiled grains were often utilized for quick meals, linking tradition with convenience.

Cultural Practices

• In many Asian cuisines, parboiling is a common step in preparing proteins like chicken before grilling or frying.
• In French cooking, the term 'blanchir' is similar to parboiling, often referring to briefly cooking vegetable before further preparation.
• In parts of Africa, parboiled cassava is a staple that is cooked partially to reduce its toxins before eating.

Ranking #39,499, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 39496 portioning
• 39497 perambulated
• 39498 vivaciously
• 39499 parboiling
• 39500 enthral
• 39501 punster
• 39502 deportee
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