Description

The blanched mixed sprouts refer to blanching the different bean sprouts and then using them in ana rray of recipes and cuisines. In modern times, mixed sprouts are usually blanched or steamed, which breaks down the cell walls and makes the taste sweeter and the nutrients more bio-available. The mixed sprouts are blanched by placing them into boiling water for less than a minute, and then immediately cooled down in cold water. The blanched mixed sprouts may be later mixed with sesame oil, garlic, salt, and often other ingredients as per the recipe. Many recipes call for blanched mixed sprouts as they take lesser time to cook and also become more digestible. Blanching them in advances also ensures that they get completely cooked in the final dish.

How to select

The ready to eat blanched mixed sprouts are not so easily available in the market. Because mixed bean sprouts have become a common ingredient, many grocery stores carry them, and they can also be prepared at home. When selecting mixed sprouts in the grocery store, look for plump, crisp specimens which are not slimy, limp, or stringy. Also, look for sprouts with shoots that are still short and stored in refrigerated sections. Longer sprouts tend to get more woody and bitter. Exposing the mixed sprouts to sunlight will cause them to start photosynthesizing, which will make them pale green.

Culinary Uses

" The blanched mixed sprout salad is a very refreshing and healthy salad. Beans when sprouted and blanched turn out to be sweeter and this combo goes well with cucumbers, lemon and green chillies.
" Blanched mixed sprouts are stir fried as a vegetable accompaniment to a meal, usually with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, spring onions, or pieces of salted dried fish to add flavor. Uncooked bean sprouts are used in filling for Vietnamese spring rolls, as well as a garnish
" In Korea, slightly cooked or blanched mixed sprouts, are often served as a side dish. They are blanched and mixed with sesame oil, garlic, salt, and often other ingredients to create a delightful healthy dish.
" The blanched mixed sprouts can be used as stuffing for paranthas, sandwiches , pancakes, dosas or even made into cutlets with other vegetables.

How to store

In most cases, mixed sprouts can be used raw or lightly cooked, and they should be used as quickly as possible. Use the blanched mixed sprouts within two days, and make sure to rinse them before use. Sprouts are a common source of bacterial contamination, so get into the habit of rinsing any type of sprouts before eating them.

Health benefits

" Blanched mixed Sprouts are one of the most complete and nutritional of all the foods that exist. The mixed sprouts are able to incorporate the goodness of different beans in single dish.
" Mixed Sprouts have greater concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes. Sprouts are organic and can be grown anytime anywhere.
" Blanched mixed Sprouts are easily digestible. Abundant enzymes make them easy to digest.