Pune has become a place of plenty. Earlier on about the only fresh herb one could get was green dhania ( coriander) in generous bunches.Now you get fresh Thyme, Parsley, Flat leaf parsley, Basil, Sage and Marjoram , even though the bunches are quite slender.
One of the problems about fresh herbs is that they don't stay fresh very long and soon become a sodden mess when kept in a plastic bag in the fridge. Unless you go veggie shopping everyday, these herbs need to be replenished frequently, and sadly the day that I need one or the other I find a green mass of what looks like seaweed in the said plastic bags instead of the nice, springy, fragrant leaves I want.
To circumvent such utter disappointment I have taken to freezing my herbs.
All you need is lots of ice, a large bowl and a wire basket in the same size as a pan.I use a 6 " pan and and a 6" wire basket.
- First remove any wilted or damaged bits from the herbs , then wash them in cold water. Tie them into tiny bunches .
- Now bring a pan of water to the boil. When it is giving off a good amount of steam hold the bunch of herbs in a steam/wire strainer/ basket over the pan and blanch them for 1 minute.
- Immediately remove the bunch and plunge into a bowl of ice water.
- Shake of f the excess water and pack in a clean plastic bag and tie.
- You can now store them in the freezer for individual use. Tada...herbs at hand everyday!
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