Yes, tamarind paste can be frozen in silicone trays. This is a convenient way to store it in pre-portioned amounts for later use.
Freezing tamarind paste in silicone trays is a great method for preserving it and making it easier to use in recipes. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Tamarind Paste: Ensure your tamarind paste is ready for freezing. If it's homemade, let it cool completely. If it's store-bought, you can use it directly from the container.
Fill the Silicone Trays: Spoon the tamarind paste into the individual compartments of your silicone tray. You can fill them to the top, but consider how much you typically use in a recipe to determine the portion size.
Freeze: Place the filled silicone tray in the freezer. It's best to put it on a flat surface to prevent spills. Let the tamarind paste freeze completely, which usually takes a few hours or overnight.
Transfer to a Freezer Bag: Once the tamarind paste is frozen solid, pop the individual portions out of the silicone tray. Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep them organized.
Label and Date: Label the freezer bag with the contents (tamarind paste) and the date you froze it. This will help you keep track of how long it's been stored.
Store: Store the freezer bag in the freezer. Frozen tamarind paste can last for several months.
Lightly grease the silicone tray with a neutral oil before filling it with tamarind paste. This will make it even easier to remove the frozen portions later.