3 best ways to freeze eggplant for the winter

8 important rules

Eggplants must be thermally processed before freezing. Otherwise, they will become rubbery and tasteless.
If you are frying vegetables before freezing, cut them into slices, small or large cubes, cubes, and thin strips. The first three types of cuts are also suitable for blanching. And you can bake any eggplants, including whole ones.
Before slicing, also consider what you will be cooking with the frozen eggplant. For example, you can make rolls with filling or lasagne from the plates. Whole vegetables can be cut in half and stuffed, cubes or sticks can be put in stews, and slices can be baked.
After slicing, taste the vegetables. If you come across bitter eggplants, sprinkle generously with salt, stir and leave for half an hour. Drain the emerging liquid, rinse the eggplants thoroughly, squeeze lightly and dry.
You can freeze vegetables in plastic containers or bags. It is very important that the packaging is airtight and does not allow air to pass through.
It is not necessary to defrost the eggplant beforehand. But if this is still necessary (for example, you need to cut into smaller pieces), put them in the refrigerator for several hours. Then keep them at room temperature until completely thawed.
You can cook the same dishes from frozen eggplants as from fresh ones. If you fried or baked them before freezing, then the cooking time will decrease slightly. However, rolls can be made simply from defrosted strips.
You can store frozen eggplants for no more than a year.

1. How to freeze fried eggplant

Place the eggplants in a single layer in a skillet with heated vegetable oil. If there are a lot of vegetables, cook them in batches.

Fry over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until the slices are golden brown.

Place the sautéed vegetables on a paper towel to drain off excess fat.

Cool slightly and spread the eggplants in one layer over a serving tray, flat dish, or cutting board. Place in the freezer for an hour to freeze the vegetables slightly.

Then arrange the eggplants into bags or containers and store them in the freezer. If vegetables are laid out without first freezing them for an hour, they may clump together.

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2. How to freeze blanched eggplant

Toss the sliced eggplants in a colander and soak in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes. If the eggplant floats, press down with a spoon or slotted spoon.

Transfer the eggplants to ice water and cool completely. Then flip it in a colander to drain excess liquid. To speed up the process, you can crush the vegetables with a load.

Divide cooled eggplants into containers or bags. It is not necessary to freeze them beforehand.

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3. How to freeze baked eggplant

What to do with sliced eggplant

Grease a baking sheet or baking dish with vegetable oil. Arrange the eggplants in one layer and bake at 180 ° C for 30 minutes.

Spread vegetables on a paper towel and pat dry. Then, place the eggplants on a serving tray, flat dish, or cutting board. Place in the freezer for an hour to freeze the vegetables. Then they can be sorted into packages or containers.

What to do with whole eggplants

If you bake whole eggplants, make a few punctures on them with a toothpick or knife.

Place whole vegetables on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Bake at 190 ° C for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the vegetables. Then cut off the stalks, make longitudinal cuts and open the eggplants slightly.

Place vegetables, cut side down, in a colander, press down with a weight and cool completely. Whole eggplants can be placed in bags or containers, or wrapped in cling film. You do not need to freeze them beforehand.

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