Ever wondered if you can freeze Brussel sprouts? yes, you can and it is amazingly easy too. This tutorial will teach you all you need to know on how to freeze brussels sprouts properly to use any time of the year and not just when they are in season.
At this time of the year, Brussel sprouts are in season. Yay! You can pick up a bunch at your local farmer's market or grocery store for only a couple of bucks. But what if you buy too many?
Save yourself the trouble of thinking about how long it will still be good after a few days in the fridge. You freeze it to improve and increase its shelf life.
Brussels sprouts are a delicious side dish that you can serve with roast beef, pork roast, or buttery mashed potatoes. Freezing this vegetable preserves its freshness and flavor.
More importantly, this will also allow you to enjoy fresh brussels sprouts all year long when fresh produce isn't as easily available. Today I am going to show you how easy it is to freeze Brussels sprouts. Ready? Let's get started!
Tools needed
A sharp knife to remove sprouts from the stalk if it is still attached
Rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to line the baking sheet if you plan on freezing them raw. If they are already cooked, then this step can be skipped.
ziplock bags or airtight containers
What you'll need
Brussels sprout: still on the stalk or loose
water
ice
Step by steps instruction for freezing Brussel sprouts
Clean the veg: Wash the Brussels sprouts clean under running water and pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Remove any loose and spotty leaves and trim off the stems
Boil the water: Place a pan large enough for the quantity of the vegetable you are cooking on medium-high heat, add water and bring to a rolling boil.
Blanch the brussels sprouts: Carefully lower the brussels sprouts into the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes. Blanching helps deactivate the enzymes that cause vegetables to lose their color and flavor.
Shock the veg in ice water: Use a slotted spoon to remove the Brussel sprouts from the boiling and transfer them to an ice bath and leave it to sit for about 2 minutes
Drain: transfer the Brussel sprouts on a kitchen towel or kitchen paper towel to blot any excess water.
Flash freeze: Spread the brussels sprouts in a single layer on a lined baking tray and freeze for up to 2 hours
Package: transfer the frozen vegetables into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months or longer at your discretion.
What are Brussel sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a member of the cabbage family, which also includes kale and collards. this vegetable is similar in appearance to cabbage but with smaller green buds that grow along with thick stalks. Brussels sprouts may be eaten raw or cooked.
It is highly nutrient-dense and is a good source of Vitamins C, K, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals such as potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Brussels sprouts are also a source of dietary fiber.
Tips for buying the best brussel sprouts
When purchasing brussels sprouts, choose those that are firm and have a bright green color. They should be tightly packed together in their stalk and if they are loose and packed, avoid those that have loose leaves or are brown in color.
FAQs
Can I cook Brussel sprouts from frozen?
Yes, you can cook brussels sprouts from frozen and there is no need to thaw it first. simply cook it in a preheated oven at 200C/400F with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Roast them for 25 to 35 minutes stirring them halfway through until done to your liking.
Can you freeze Brussel sprouts without blanching
Yes, I get it you are busy and would rather just freeze this vegetable without blanching but is this the best way of preserving it is another question. Blanching allows the vegetable to lock in its nutrients and keeps it fresh longer.
Freezing brussels sprouts without blanching will cause some nutrient loss which is not what you want. That said, regardless of how you choose to freeze it, ensure you wash and clean it first so it can be cooked directly from frozen.
how long to blanch brussel sprouts
Three minutes is ideal depending on the size. However, if you feel it needs more time after 3 minutes then keep it in the boiling water for another 1 minute but not any longer. Over-blanching will cause the vegetable to become mushy and waterlogged.
How long does brussels sprout last? frozen or cooked
With the proper storage, brussels sprouts will stay good in your freezer for up to six months or longer. when stored properly they can last three to five days when fresh or cooked in the fridge
Check out these articles to learn how to freeze
I hope you found this article on "how to freeze Brussel sprouts" helpful, if you did, don't forget to leave feedback and save it to your Pinterest. Happy freezing!
How to Freeze Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 lb Brussel sprouts removed from the stalk
- water
- ice
Instructions
- Wash the Brussels sprouts clean under running water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Remove any loose and spotty leaves and trim off the stems
- Place a pan large enough for the quantity of the vegetable you are cooking on medium-high heat, add water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Carefully lower the brussels sprouts into the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes. Blanching helps deactivate the enzymes that cause vegetables to lose their color and flavor.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the Brussel sprouts from the boiling and transfer them to an ice bath and leave it to sit for about 2 minutes
- Transfer the vegetable on a kitchen towel or kitchen paper towel to drain and blot any excess water.
- Spread the brussels sprouts in a single layer on a lined baking tray and freeze for up to 2 hours
- Transfer the frozen vegetables into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months or longer at your discretion.
Leave a Reply