Find out how to safely freeze sautéed aromatics for meal prep and retain flavor.
1 Answer
Yes, you can freeze cooked aromatics like onions and garlic. Freezing is a great way to preserve them and prevent waste.
Detailed Explanation:
Freezing cooked onions and garlic is a simple process that can save you time and effort in the kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Cool Completely: Allow the cooked onions and garlic to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Portioning: Decide how you want to portion the aromatics. You can freeze them in small, usable amounts. Options include:
Ice Cube Trays: Spoon the cooled mixture into ice cube trays for individual portions. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
Small Freezer Bags: Divide the mixture into small freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible. Lay the bags flat to freeze for easier storage.
Containers: Use airtight freezer-safe containers. Leave a little headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label and Date: Label each bag or container with the contents and the date. This helps you keep track of what you have and use it within a reasonable timeframe (ideally within 2-3 months for best quality).
Freeze: Place the portions in the freezer. For best results, freeze them quickly. Avoid placing warm items near the aromatics while they are freezing.
Thawing and Using: When ready to use, you can add the frozen aromatics directly to your cooking. There's no need to thaw them beforehand, especially if using small portions. If using a larger portion, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it briefly.
Pro Tip:
Consider freezing cooked aromatics in oil or butter. This helps to preserve their flavor and prevents them from clumping together when frozen. Simply cook the onions and garlic in oil or butter, cool, and then freeze in your preferred portion sizes.