If you want to save time in the kitchen, freezing the potatoes is a good idea. So, when you need to use it in a recipe, it will take you a few minutes less. It’s pretty easy if you know how to freeze potatoes.
What’s the point of freezing potatoes?
Well, for once, it can cut down the time required for preparing meals. Once you have frozen the potatoes, you can use them for fry, boil, or in the microwave. And without spending any time washing, peeling, and cutting the potatoes.
Increasing shelf life is another benefit of freezing potatoes. Usually, potatoes may only last from a few weeks to a month before turning bad. However, once frozen, you can keep them safe for up to a year!
In addition, if you look for frozen potatoes at a grocery store, you will find a higher price than regular potatoes. Thus, saving money is yet another benefit of freezing this extraordinary vegetable by yourself!
Did I mention that freezing the potatoes also increases their taste as well as texture? So, without wasting any time, let’s look at how to freeze this vegetable!
How to Freeze Potatoes [Step by Step]
- Before starting the process, make sure that you are using fresh potatoes. Using old potatoes will ruin the whole process from the start and may not have the same taste or shelf-life as seen with new potatoes.
- Once you have selected good quality and fresh potatoes, it is time to wash off the dirt. Rub them under the tap water to remove all the dirt and any unwanted particles. It doesn’t matter the use for which you want to freeze the potatoes; selecting good quality produce and proper washing is a must.
- Depending on your choice, you can peel them off or not. The next step is to cut the potatoes down to appropriate pieces. Again, the size and shape of pieces can depend on your usage and for what purpose you want to use them.
- Add the potatoes into a pot and boil them for a few minutes. Keep in mind not overcooking them, as they will turn watery and lose some of their flavors. Our goal is to cook the potatoes partially.
- Then transfer to a pot filled with cold water and leave it there for 2-3 minutes. Finally, take the potatoes out of the cold water and place them evenly on a smooth surface. Let them dry naturally, or place a fan close to the potatoes to speed up the process. Some people recommend placing the potatoes on a cloth because this will absorb all the moisture. However, it is best to let them dry naturally for the best results.
- Once dried, you can place them in a single-layer airtight bag. Adding the date on the bag is optional but very useful to know the age of these frozen potatoes.
How to Freeze Potatoes for French Fries
The entire process will be the same as mentioned above, with a few differences. For once, the shape will be elongated and flat (the shape of the French fries).
Another difference is adding a little bit of cooking oil after the blanching process. For 2 lb. of potatoes, one tablespoon of oil is more than enough. Make sure that the oil is spread evenly on all the pieces of potatoes.
Finally, transfer them in an airtight freezing bag and put the bag in your freezer. Next time you want to have French fries, take out your frozen potatoes and fry them. And in a few minutes, you will have delicious french fries!
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
To freeze mashed potatoes, all you have to do is boil the potatoes, peel them and prepare a mashed version according to your taste. Then divide the mashed potatoes into equal portions and place them in an airtight bag and freeze them.
You can use these mashed potatoes safely for up to 6 months. Once again, labeling the bag can help you figure out the exact date of expiry.
Implements and equipment you need to freeze potatoes
To freeze potatoes, you need very few implements that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- A knife.
- A pot to boil the potatoes.
- A container to put the potatoes in cold water.
- Plastic bags to freeze.
What can you make with frozen potatoes
Well, you can use them the same way as you would use regular potatoes.
You can prepare countless recipes with frozen potatoes, also with the extra advantage that you will not have to waste time peeling, chopping, and cooking potatoes.
You can take advantage of frozen potatoes to prepare delicious hash browns for breakfast.
They also serve you to make casseroles, stews, and soups.
And of course, we can not forget the incredible French fries, which will be ready in a few minutes, with which you can accompany your burger.
Want to learn more about freezing your favorites?
- Check this post about how to freeze cupcakes the right way!
- Read how to freeze asparagus easily and in no time
- Save this post about how to freeze peaches and keep it on hand
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