What does parboil mean?
Parboil is a cooking technique that involves briefly submerging food in boiling water to partially cook it. This method helps preserve the food's color, texture, and nutrients. Parboiling is often used for vegetables, potatoes, and other root vegetables. It can also be used for meat and fish to make them easier to cook further. The technique involves cooking the food for a short time, usually 3-5 minutes, then removing it from the boiling water to stop the cooking process. Parboiling can be done in a pot on the stovetop or in a steamer basket. It's a useful technique for cooking a variety of foods and can help achieve a tender and flavorful result. Parboiling is a simple and effective way to cook food, and it's a great technique to have in your cooking repertoire.
verbTo cook food in boiling water for a short time, then stop the cooking process before the food is fully cooked, in order to preserve its color, texture, and nutrients.
- 1. To cook food in boiling water for a short time, then stop the cooking process before the food is fully cooked.
"To parboil the vegetables before roasting them brings out their natural sweetness."
"To parboil the broccoli before steaming it helps retain its nutrients."
"Parboiling the potatoes before roasting them brings out their natural sweetness."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of parboil
The word 'parboil' comes from the Old French word 'parboillier', which means 'to boil partially'. This word is derived from the Latin words 'par' meaning 'half' and 'boillire' meaning 'to boil'. The term 'parboil' has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the cooking technique.
Usage notes
Parboiling is a versatile cooking technique that can be used for a variety of foods. It's often used for vegetables, potatoes, and other root vegetables, but it can also be used for meat and fish. The technique involves cooking the food for a short time, usually 3-5 minutes, then removing it from the boiling water to stop the cooking process. Parboiling can be done in a pot on the stovetop or in a steamer basket.