For those who love to use onions in the kitchen, having them always available in the freezer is convenient and functional. Before freezing them, it is important to prepare them following some rules to make sure that they keep their flavor intact for a long time. You can freeze them raw, after having sliced them, or already cooked, blanched or transformed into a puree, according to your tastes and the recipes for which you intend to use them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Freeze Raw Onions
Step 1. Peel and cut the onions
The first step to prepare them for the freezer is to remove the top with a sharp knife. Remove a little over an inch from the top of the onions, then cut them in half. At this point, they should peel easily. Once the peel is removed, you can cut them as you like.
- It is best not to chop them too finely, so try to cut them into pieces no smaller than 1.5 cm. Otherwise, a surface ice layer may form.
- Depending on the selected recipe, you can decide to chop or slice them. For example, chopped onions are perfect for sautéing, while for soup or Mexican fajita it is best to use them sliced.
Step 2. Put them in a food bag
Once you have cut them as you wish, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be careful to arrange them in a single layer to prevent icy blocks from forming during freezing. Before closing the bag, remember to let all the air out.
- If you want to freeze a large amount of onions, you can prevent them from sticking together by forming a single block by arranging them in a thin, even layer. Pour them into a large baking sheet, then place them in the freezer for two to three hours. When they are partially frozen, you can transfer them to food bags without risking them turning into a single frozen block.
- The food bags must be thick enough to prevent the phenomenon called "freezer burn" and to seal all the scents that could otherwise impregnate the other foods contained in the freezer. If you bought thin bags, use two.
Step 3. Label the bags, then place them in the freezer
Before placing them in the freezer, it is important to specify what you are freezing using a label or permanent marker. The most important information includes the type of onion, preparation date and expiry date. Arrange the bags horizontally, making sure the onions remain arranged in a single, even layer.
- You can store onions in the freezer for up to six months.
- If you have several bags prepared, you can stack them on top of each other so they don't take up too much space in the freezer. The important thing is that they are arranged horizontally and that the onions form a thin and even layer.
Method 2 of 3: Blanch the Onions before Freezing them
Step 1. Peel and slice the onions
First remove the roots and the top with a sharp knife, then peel off the peel with your hands. At this point, you can cut them as you like.
Step 2. Boil water in a saucepan
Use a large broth pot to heat the water on the stove. Set it to high heat, then wait for the water to boil briskly. Depending on the amount of water, it will take about 10-20 minutes.
The amount of water needed varies according to the number of onions you intend to blanch. You should use one liter for every 400g of onions or so
Step 3. Pour the onions into the pot, then let them cook for a few minutes
When the water is boiling, it's time to add them. Cover the pot, then let them cook for about 3-7 minutes, depending on the amount.
- The greater the number of onions, the longer they have to stay in the boiling water.
- If you have finely chopped them, it is best to put them in a metal basket to store directly inside the pot. This way, once they are ready, you can immediately take them out of the water with ease. If you don't have a suitable basket, you can drain them using a fine mesh strainer or a slotted spoon.
Step 4. Transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water
As soon as they are removed from the pot, you will need to immerse them in water and ice. Leave them to soak for a few minutes to stop cooking.
- The water temperature in the bowl must not exceed 15 ° C.
- Stir the onions while they are in the ice water to make sure they cool evenly.
Step 5. Drain and transfer them to food bags
As soon as they have cooled, you can drain them by pouring them into a colander. Shake it several times to remove all excess water, then blot the onions with a clean kitchen towel. Once dry, you can put them in bags and freeze them.
Remember to label each bag specifying the date, content and expiry date
Method 3 of 3: Blend the Onions before Freezing them
Step 1. Peel and cut the onions into pieces
First, remove the roots and tops of them using a sharp knife to make it easier to peel them. At this point, cut them roughly into pieces and then blend them. It is not necessary to slice or mince them, the important thing is that the pieces are small enough to fit in the blender.
Dimensions may vary depending on the capacity and type of blender. In some cases it will be sufficient to cut the onions in eight, while for the smaller blenders it may be necessary to slice them into smaller pieces
Step 2. Blend the onions
After cutting them into pieces, you can pour them into the blender. Blend them until you get a thick but homogeneous puree.
- If you want to freeze a large amount of onions, chances are you will have to blend them several times. Do not overfill the blender or it will struggle to blend them evenly.
- If you are using a low-powered blender, from time to time, you may need to push the onions down so that they come into contact with the blades. If the lid has a special opening, you can press them even while the blender is in operation with the lower part of a ladle which, being rounded, will not risk being hooked by the blades.
Step 3. Pour the onion puree into an ice cube mold, then freeze it
After blending them evenly, you will need to transfer the onions to an ice cube mold. At this point, put it in the freezer, then wait until the puree is completely frozen. This last step should take around 4 hours.
Before placing the mold in the freezer, cover it with cling film to prevent the onion smell from permeating the surrounding food
Step 4. Transfer the puree cubes to the food bags and store them in the freezer
When the puree is completely frozen, gently remove the cubes from the mold. Close them in food bags and store them in the freezer until use.
- Remember to label each bag specifying the date, content and expiry date. You can store onion puree in the freezer for up to six months.
- Onion puree is great for adding to sauces, gravies and soups.
