ADVERTISEMENT
Here’s how you can do it:
#### **Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Onions:**
**1. Peel and Trim the Onions:**
Start by peeling the onions and cutting off the ends. If you’re sensitive to onion fumes (who isn’t?), here’s a little tip: chill the onions in the fridge before peeling them, or use a fan to blow the fumes away from your eyes. You might also want to consider using a sharp knife to minimize onion damage, which can release more of those eye-irritating compounds.
**2. Chop or Slice Your Onions:**
Decide how you’ll use the onions most often in your cooking and cut them accordingly. For instance, you can chop them into small pieces or slice them into rings. You can even dice them for convenience, depending on your cooking style. Keep in mind that chopped onions are generally more versatile for quick-cooking meals like soups, stews, stir-fries, or tacos.
**3. Blanch the Onions (Optional, But Recommended):**
Blanching isn’t strictly necessary, but it does help maintain the flavor and texture of the onions once frozen. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, and prepare a bowl of ice water. Drop the onions into the boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to the ice water for another 2 minutes to stop the cooking process. This helps to preserve their freshness.
**4. Dry the Onions:**
After blanching (or skipping the blanching step), make sure to dry your onions thoroughly with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth. Any moisture left on the onions could cause ice crystals to form during freezing, which can affect the texture.
**5. Portion and Freeze:**
Now it’s time to portion the onions. You can either freeze them in large portions (great for bigger meals or cooking in batches) or divide them into smaller portions, which makes it easier to grab just what you need for a single recipe. Place your onions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
**6. Label and Store:**
Don’t forget to label the bags or containers with the date you froze them. Onions can stay in the freezer for up to 6 months, so you’ll have plenty of time to use them in your favorite recipes!
—
### **How to Use Frozen Onions:**
Once your onions are frozen, the convenience factor kicks in! To use frozen onions, you don’t need to thaw them ahead of time. Simply toss them directly into the skillet or pot when cooking. Because they’ve been frozen, they’ll soften and cook a little faster than fresh onions, which is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in a pinch.
Frozen onions work great in any cooked dish, including:
– **Soups and stews:** They’ll dissolve nicely and add flavor without extra prep time.
– **Stir-fries and sautés:** Perfect for quick cooking.
– **Casseroles:** No need to chop fresh onions when your frozen ones are ready to go.
– **Chili, tacos, and sauces:** The onions will blend right in, giving your dishes the delicious flavor you crave.
—
### **Why This Hack Is a Game-Changer**
#### **1. Cost-Effective:**
By buying onions in bulk at a wholesale price, you’re able to stretch your grocery budget further. When you freeze them, you don’t risk wasting any because you have them on hand when needed. And let’s face it, buying a 10 lb bag of onions is often cheaper than buying small bags of onions every week.
#### **2. Time-Saving:**
Having frozen onions ready to go means less chopping and prepping during your busy week. You can skip the tears and frustration of peeling and chopping onions every time you cook. Just grab a portion from the freezer and go. You’ll save a ton of time, especially on hectic weeknights when you just need a quick, delicious meal.
#### **3. Reduced Food Waste:**
How many times have you had to throw away onions that you didn’t use in time? Freezing them prevents this waste and allows you to keep onions fresh for months. Plus, they’ll be ready when you need them, so you won’t ever find yourself with a pile of onions that have gone bad.
—
### **Final Thoughts:**
By purchasing a 10 lb bag of onions from Costco and utilizing this simple freezing technique, you can save money, time, and reduce food waste—all while ensuring you always have fresh onions available for your cooking. No more last-minute grocery runs for onions, and no more throwing away half-used ones that spoil before you get a chance to use them.
This kitchen hack is one that will keep on giving—whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning for a big family dinner, or just want to streamline your cooking process. So, next time you’re at Costco, grab that 10 lb bag of onions and try freezing them. You’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
ADVERTISEMENT
