Since it is a dried fruit, raisins sometimes seem a little too dry to be eaten as a snack, to be added to baked goods, or in some preparations. The rehydration process improves the taste of the raisins making them soft and juicy.
Ingrediants
For a portion
- 65 g of raisins.
- 250 ml of water, fruit juice or alcohol.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: On the Stove
Step 1. Put the raisins and the liquid of your choice in a saucepan
The berries must be completely covered.
Water is an excellent means of rehydrating raisins and is often chosen as the standard liquid. However, you can try something else, to give even more flavor, such as grape juice, orange juice or another fruit. For the most refined palates (and adults) you can consider rum or diluted wine
Step 2. Bring the mixture to a boil
Put the saucepan over high heat until the liquid begins to boil. At this point, immediately remove the saucepan from the stove.
Step 3. Wait 5 minutes
Cover the saucepan with its lid and let it rest at room temperature. The raisins must soak for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Drain the raisins
Pour the excess liquid and remove the beans with a slotted spoon. Regardless of how you perform this operation, you simply have to remove the grapes from the liquid.
- You can also drain the fruit by pouring the contents of the saucepan into a small colander. Alternatively, put the lid on the saucepan leaving a gap of about 0.6 cm between the edge and the lid. Pour the liquid through this slot being careful not to lose any grapes.
- If you need to dry the raisins after rehydrating them, arrange the grains on a couple of layers of kitchen paper to absorb the excess liquid.
Step 5. Use the raisins as you wish
Now it is rehydrated and ready to taste.
Method 2 of 4: With the Microwave
Step 1. Arrange the raisins in a dish that is safe for use in the microwave
You can also use a bowl, but make sure the beans are in a single layer.
The grapes must be arranged in a single layer because in this way it absorbs the water homogeneously while you heat it
Step 2. Cover the beans with water
For every 130g of raisins, use 15ml of water. Try to distribute the liquid as evenly as possible.
Step 3. Heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds
Cover the plate and set the oven to maximum power. The beans must absorb the water.
- If the container you have chosen has its own lid, check that it can be used in the microwave before using it. For all other plates / bowls that do not have a lid, consider covering them with kitchen paper or cling film.
- Do not seal the plate completely, leave a small vent gap to prevent pressure build-up.
- Note that the liquid will not be completely absorbed when you remove the dish from the microwave. The raisins will appear swollen, but the rest of the water will be absorbed during the resting time.
Step 4. Wait
Stir the now hot raisins and put the lid back on. Let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes.
If you want the beans to be dry, dab them gently with kitchen paper after they have absorbed the water and cooled
Step 5. Use raisins
At this point the beans will be swollen and ready to eat or to add in some recipe.
Method 3 of 4: With the Kettle
Step 1. Boil some water
Fill the kettle with 250ml of water and put it on high heat until it starts to boil.
- Water is generally used with this method, but you can also try other liquids as tasty alternatives. Grape juice enhances the natural flavor of raisins, but other juices, such as orange or apple, make the taste richer. You can also use spirits such as rum or wine.
- Instead of the traditional kettle, you can heat the water in a saucepan or in an electric kettle.
Step 2. Add the raisins to the boiling water
After putting the beans in a small bowl, pour the water over them, submerging them completely.
Step 3. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes
Let the beans stay in the water for as long as possible or until they have reached the desired degree of hydration.
Step 4. Drain the raisins with a slotted spoon or pour them into a colander
It is a good idea to eliminate the excess water present on the beans by placing them on sheets of kitchen paper. Blot them gently with more paper if you want to dry them completely
Step 5. Enjoy raisins as you like
It is now hydrated, juicy and luscious. You can eat it like this or use it in a recipe.
Method 4 of 4: In a Cold Soak
Step 1. Mix equal parts alcohol and water
Use 60ml of water and 60ml of wine or other spirits of your taste. Stir to mix them.
- Although this technique is called "cold soaking", both the water and the alcohol must be at room temperature and not cold from the refrigerator.
- This method is called "cold" only because the liquid is not heated.
- If you want to get the most out of this procedure, you need to use an alcoholic. Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to just wine, if you want a less sweet taste try rum.
Step 2. Add the raisins
Put it in the bowl with the diluted alcohol and make sure it is completely immersed.
Step 3. Leave to soak for 30 minutes
Wait for the beans to absorb the liquid without disturbing them.
Place the container at room temperature, do not cool or heat it during this time
Step 4. Drain the raisins
Remove the beans with a slotted spoon, they should be well swollen at this point. Squeeze them lightly with your fingers to remove excess liquid, if you wish.
- If you do not have a skimmer at hand, you can pour the contents of the bowl into a colander: throw the liquid and save the raisins.
- Consider removing excess moisture from the surface of the beans by placing them on kitchen paper and dabbing them for a few minutes.
Step 5. Eat the raisins, it should now be well hydrated
Alternatively you can add it to your recipe.
