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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!
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