How to Freeze Eggplant? Vegetables like eggplant might be great to have on hand. It is wholesome and full of nutrients, a fantastic meaty vegetable for filling vegetarian and vegan dishes, and it is incredibly flexible thanks to its resistance to strong flavours. If you enjoy eggplant, you might have wondered if it can be frozen. And without a doubt, the answer is yes!
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How to Freeze Eggplant Properly?
Before you look into the best technique to freeze eggplant, there are a few things to consider. First, pick the appropriate eggplant. Compared to Thai or Japanese types, regular eggplants tend to freeze a little better. How to Freeze Eggplant Look for eggplants with skin that is taut, lustrous, unblemished, and has green stems and leaves that feel hefty for their size. The eggplant is older if the stems and leaves are dried out.
Is Raw Eggplant Freezer-Friendly?
The solution is a little nuanced in this case. Due to the water content of eggplants and the fact that freezing raw eggplant causes ice crystals to form that break cell walls, cooked eggplant freezes a little bit better than raw eggplant. The eggplant will then be wet and mushy when it is frozen. However, this can be lessened without entirely cooking the eggplant. How to Freeze Eggplant So, with a little more preparation, you can freeze fresh eggplant.
Peel and slice the eggplant to begin (or cube it, if the recipe you have in mind calls for it, like in a caponata). Put it in a colander, season it with salt to help drain excess moisture, and leave it in the sink for about 30 minutes to drain. After a quick washing to get the salt out, pat yourself dry. To prevent the eggplant from turning brown, combine a tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of water and lightly brush the eggplant with the mixture. Transfer to a bowl that can be heated in the microwave for five minutes. Place the slices on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, spacing them out, and allow to cool to room temperature before freezing uncovered until completely solid. How to Freeze Eggplant For later usage, transfer to a freezer bag. Try it in this dish for grilled eggplant or a curry with eggplant.
What Can I Do With Frozen Eggplant?
When you have a supply of frozen eggplant, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using it in a recipe. If necessary, wring out any extra water and pat yourself dry. Use this in any recipe you enjoy with eggplant! Want some motivation? Check out some of our favourite simple recipes for eggplant!
Can Roasted Eggplant Be Freezed?
In a variety of forms, thoroughly cooked eggplant freezes beautifully. Roasting is a great technique to get it ready for freezing so you may use it as an ingredient in future cooking. Salt and drain according to the directions above, then move to a sheet pan that has been gently oiled and roast for 20 to 30 minutes at 400°F, or until tender and golden. How to Freeze Eggplant If you want to use it for dips, puncture the entire eggplant all over with a fork and bake it until it is completely soft on a sheet pan in a 400°F oven. Scrape the eggplant from the peel next, let the mash cool to room temperature, and then store it in a freezer bag or container. For these Eggplant Lasagna Rolls, use roasted eggplant slices, or try the puree in this Eggplant Dip.
Can Fried Eggplant Be Freezed?
All kinds of recipes benefit greatly from fried eggplant. In addition, the ideal approach to prepare the traditional dish, eggplant Parmesan, is to freeze the fried eggplant on its own. Prepare your fried eggplant slices as usual, let them cool to room temperature, then spread them out on a sheet pan and freeze, uncovered, until solid. How to Freeze Eggplant For future sandwiches, dinners, or casseroles with eggplant Parm, store the frozen pieces in a freezer bag.
Conclusion
It is entirely possible and advantageous to freeze eggplant. It requires some preparation to freeze it raw, but it’s well worth it if you love aubergines or hail from a parm-loving family.
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