I prefer to use raw broccoli, however, you can decide whether you like blanched or raw broccoli, based on your preferences. u003ca href=u0022https://www.thespruceeats.com/blanch-480604u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eBlanchingu003c/au003e refers to briefly submerging the vegetable in boiling water and then stopping the cooking process quickly, which allows for just a tiny amount of cooking and softening of the vegetable.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eTo Blanche Broccoli:u003c/strongu003eu003cbr/u003e1. Boil a large pot of salted water.u003cbr/u003e2. Gently place the pieces of bite-sized broccoli into the boiling water.u003cbr/u003e3. Cook for about 1 minute, or just until bright green.u003cbr/u003e4. Remove the broccoli and transfer it to an ice bath (a large bowl of ice and water) until fully cool.u003cbr/u003e5. Drain the water and pat the broccoli dry.