Pre-boiled describes something, typically food, that has undergone a partial or initial boiling process before being fully cooked or prepared. This pre-treatment often serves several purposes: to shorten final cooking times, to remove unwanted substances (e.g., bitterness in vegetables), to tenderize tough ingredients, or to prepare for further processing like freezing or canning. The degree of pre-boiling can vary significantly depending on the food and the intended outcome, ranging from a brief blanching to a more substantial parboiling.
Pre-boiled meaning with examples
- To save time on weeknight dinners, I always buy pre-boiled eggs. They're a quick source of protein for salads and snacks. Their initial cook makes them so easy to peel! No more struggling with stubbornly attached shells. It is a great time saver when you are on the run. pre-boiled eggs are a culinary shortcut that works in the microwave too.
- The recipe called for pre-boiled potatoes, so I partially cooked the potatoes in boiling water for about 8 minutes until they were just tender. Then, I tossed them in a roasting pan with olive oil and herbs, and finished cooking until they were golden and crispy. The pre-boiling ensured a creamy interior.
- Before freezing the green beans, the recipe recommended pre-boiling them. This process helps preserve their vibrant green color and prevents them from becoming mushy when thawed. I blanched them in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then transferred them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Afterwards I could easily vacuum seal and freeze.
- Canned tomatoes sometimes include pre-boiled tomatoes to make a sauce to the tomato soup and the consistency smoother. The heating step helps release juices and allows for easy removal of skins before canning. This allows the cooks to process the tomatoes with less time and effort. The pre-boiling process is important to keep a stable product.