Savory Stir-Fried Petasites: A Perfect Guide to Boiling and Peeling
Savory Stir-Fried Petasites: A Perfect Guide to Boiling and Peeling
The first step to making delicious stir-fried petasites: Boiling and peeling fresh petasites
I absolutely love stir-fried petasites, but they can be hard to find. If I miss this season, I have to wait another year! So, I decided to venture out and buy some. Today, I’ll show you how to boil long, thick, and fresh petasites. Peeling them can be a bit of a chore, but thinking about how delicious they’ll be makes the work enjoyable! As a tip, you can peel petasites raw, but it might stain your hands black. The choice is yours! (Note: For stir-fried petasites recipe, see @6934020)
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh petasites (Petasites japonicus)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for boiling)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, fill a large pot with plenty of water, enough to submerge the petasites. Then, cut the petasites into lengths that fit comfortably in the pot. Cutting them too long can make boiling and handling difficult.
Step 2
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. The salt helps to remove any raw, grassy flavor from the petasites and maintains their crisp texture. Add the prepared petasites and boil for about 12 to 15 minutes. Adjust the boiling time depending on the thickness of the petasites.
Step 3
After boiling, immediately remove the petasites and rinse them under cold running water. It’s important to soak them in cold water right away to cool them down and prevent them from becoming too soft. If you have a large quantity, like in the photo, it’s best to boil them in two batches for easier handling and even cooking.
Step 4
Now it’s time to peel. Pick up each petasite stem and peel away the outer skin. A helpful tip is to start peeling from the thicker, jointed part of the stem; it makes the process much easier. Peel gently, similar to peeling a potato.
Step 5
As you peel, keep the petasites submerged in a basin or large bowl filled with clean water. This prevents them from drying out and keeps them fresh while you continue with the peeling process.
Step 6
Once all the petasites are peeled, drain them and place them in an airtight container. Then, add enough clean water to cover the petasites and store them in the refrigerator. This method keeps them fresh for longer, as they remain submerged and don’t wilt.
Step 7
Alternatively, you can use resealable bags or vacuum-seal bags. Place the peeled petasites into the bag, add a little water, seal it tightly, and then refrigerate. This is also a great option for saving space and maintaining freshness.
Step 8
Now your prepared petasites are ready to be used! Simply take out the amount you need, slice them as desired, and incorporate them into your favorite dishes. Enjoy them in delicious stir-fries or seasoned side dishes!
