Are you a hummus lover? Are you guilty of buying too much of this deliciously healthy spread and cannot consume it all before its expiration date? Or perhaps you love making a big batch of homemade hummus, but you find it so time-consuming that you would prefer to make several weeks worth at once.
Well, you might have wondered if this tasty concoction can be frozen for future enjoyment. The answer is yes, you can freeze hummus!
In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of freezing hummus, including how to do it the right way and how to bring it back to its original creamy perfection once it’s time to devour it.
The Benefits of Freezing Hummus
First, lets consider why one might want to freeze hummus. Some key reasons include:
– Extending its shelf-life – Hummus can be refrigerated for around four to seven days before it begins to spoil. Freezing it can extend its life for up to four months, allowing you to save money and reduce food waste.
– Convenient meal prep – Freezing is perfect for those who like to plan and create healthy meals ahead of time. With containers of hummus at the ready in your freezer, you can easily add serving portions to pack with your lunches or enjoy as a snack on-the-go.
– Preserve your homemade hummus – If you enjoy making your own hummus from scratch, freezing helps ensure that all your hard work doesn’t go to waste if you make too much. And if you’ve just found a recipe that you really love, you can whip up a bigger batch and have it ready for you in the freezer.
How to Freeze Hummus Without Losing Quality
Before you toss a container of hummus into the freezer, it’s essential to follow these steps to ensure it retains its quality:
Use Airtight Containers or Plastic Wrap
When freezing hummus, its crucial to protect it from exposure to air to avoid ice crystals or freezer burn. Use an airtight container or tightly wrap the hummus in plastic wrap. For added protection, place the wrapped hummus into a zipper-lock freezer bag, and squeeze out as much air as possible.
Leave Room for Expansion
When liquids freeze, they tend to expand. So, make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for the hummus to swell without breaking or cracking the container. Around half an inch should be enough.
Label and Date the Container
It may seem obvious, but labeling your containers will help you remember whats inside and when you put it in the freezer. Hummus can be safely frozen for up to four months.
How to Thaw and Revive Frozen Hummus
Thawing hummus and getting it back to its original creamy consistency is relatively simple. Just follow these steps:
Thaw in the Refrigerator
Take the frozen hummus out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw. This process can take between 24-48 hours, so plan ahead!
Give It a Good Stir
After the hummus has thawed, the texture may seem a little less creamy or slightly separated. Dont worry; this is normal! Simply give it a thorough mix to help restore its smooth texture.
Refresh the Flavor
If the hummus needs a bit of a boost in flavor after thawing, consider adding a dash of lemon juice or olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to liven it up. You can also add other hummus toppings.
Enjoy Your Frozen-Then-Thawed Hummus!
Now that your hummus is back to its delectable, creamy state enjoy dipping your veggies, crackers, or pita bread!
Remember, freezing hummus might slightly alter the texture or flavor, but with the proper steps and a bit of love, its still an excellent way to save and store this beloved dip. So go ahead and stock up, make a big batch or freeze those leftovers – you can now enjoy hummus on demand without any guilt or waste.