You asked: Can you freeze eggplant without cooking it?

To get the best results, you’ll want to fire up the oven before heading to the freezer. Because of its high water content, eggplant doesn’t freeze well raw. It benefits from being cooked (even just partially) first.

Can you freeze eggplant without blanching?

Place the eggplant slices in the boiling water and blanch them for 4 minutes. Blanching destroys enzymes in the eggplant that cause the vegetable to break down over time. If you do not blanch the eggplant, it will begin losing nutritional value, color, and flavor within a month, even if you freeze it.

Can you freeze whole fresh eggplant?

Prick whole eggplants multiple times with a fork, and roast them at 400ºF until they collapse. Cool, then scoop out the flesh and stash it in freezer bags or containers. Use this eggplant in stews, chili, dips, or ratatouille.

Can you freeze uncooked breaded eggplant?

Place the fried eggplant on a baking sheet, and put it in the freezer for two hours so that each individual slice freezes. Once the fried eggplant is frozen, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about three to four months.

How long does eggplant last in fridge?

If you don’t intend to eat the eggplant within 2 days, it should be refrigerated. To refrigerate, wrap in a paper towel and place in a reusable container or perforated plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator for use within 5 – 7 days.

What can I do with too many eggplants?

Serve the roasted eggplant on its own or as part of an antipasto platter, fold it into pastas, layer it over pizza dough or in a vegetable tart, or toss it with other roasted vegetables and serve it as a salad.

What happens if you do not blanch a vegetable before freezing it?

Blanching is a must for most vegetables to be frozen. It slows or stops the enzyme action which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. … Underblanching stimulates the activity of enzymes and is worse than no blanching. Overblanching causes loss of flavor, color, vitamins and minerals.

What is the best way to preserve eggplant?

Cut the eggplant into approximately one-inch-thick rounds, bake in a 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplant, just until tender. Once cool, place the slices between wax paper to prevent sticking, and store in freezer bags or containers.

How do you store eggplant after cutting?

On the countertop, eggplant should keep for about 3 days. If storing cut eggplant, wrap in plastic and place in the least cool section of the refrigerator.

How do you store eggplant for the winter?

Freeze Them

1. Slice the eggplant into 1/4″ slices.
2. Lightly salt to remove bitterness.
3. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then chill in an ice bath. …
4. Lay slices on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
5. Flash freeze for 4-6 hours, and then place in ziploc bags.

Is it better to freeze eggplant parmesan before or after cooking?

Bake until lightly browned and bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes. To Freeze: Assemble dish but do not bake; wrap tightly with foil and freeze, up to 3 months. Thaw completely, then bake as directed.

How do you keep eggplant from absorbing oil when frying?

4 Ways to Prevent Eggplant from Absorbing Too Much Oil

1. Brush the oil onto the eggplant. Instead of pouring oil into the pan, brush it on the eggplant flesh. …
2. Microwave it first. Before hitting the stovetop, give cubed and sliced eggplant pieces a spin in the microwave. …
3. Sweat the eggplant. …
4. Soak the eggplant in milk.

How do you store fried eggplant in the refrigerator?

To maximize the shelf life of cooked eggplant for safety and quality, refrigerate the eggplant in airtight containers or resealable bags. Properly stored, cooked eggplant will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.