Can You Freeze Black Pudding?
Black Pudding has its origins in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. It is a blend of meat and spices that are perfect for different cuisines. Check out this blog to know how to freeze black pudding.
Though it is referred to as pudding it isn’t one. Just the resemblance of the shape and appearance is similar to that of a pudding. Black pudding is a very common and staple breakfast supplement or add-on for the British and Irish people.
Similar to sausages, black pudding is also a type of meat delicacy that is served as a side snack with breakfast. However, we won’t recommend eating black pudding regularly because it has a high-calorie content.
What is Black Pudding?
Black pudding is present in the culinary world for decades. It was invented in the early 1900s and gained popularity in the year 1960. It is prepared from pig blood blended with spices, herbs, oats, barley, and meat.
In recent years, black pudding was a topic of debate since many tried to regard it as a superfood. However, this dish has an equal number of admirers and haters. Many don’t like to eat this blood-drenched food while others love to.
A variety of spices and herbs go into the making of a black pudding which gives it a distinct sweet and spicy taste. While this dish is regaining its popularity in the UK; the counterpart of this dish known as white pudding is becoming trending in the Scottish region.
How to Freeze Black Pudding?
Freezing black pudding can be done by two methods. Follow these steps to freeze black pudding in the most effective and useful manner. These methods will help you retain your pudding slices for several months without any change in the texture.
Freezing Store-bought Packed Black Pudding
This is the easiest way to freeze black pudding. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you accidentally brought extra black pudding. Here’s what you can do to freeze it for later use.
First of all, do not unwrap the packaging of the pudding. Butchers tend to wrap the entire pudding in a properly fashioned tightly sealed manner. Therefore, unwrapping it won’t do any good to you.
Then simply shift this packed black pudding stack into the freezer and allows it to freeze. It will remain in the freezer without any contamination for around 3 months. When you feel the need to use your pudding, you can cut the slices and place the rest back into the freezer.
Slicing Method of Freezing Black Pudding
If you have already used some of your black pudding then follow these steps to freeze it further.
- Cut Slices of Black Pudding: Take a clean knife and chop your black pudding into sufficiently thick slices. Make equal sizes of the entire pudding.
- Place the Slices on the Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place all the chopped slices on it. When you line them on the tray, make sure they are equidistant and do not adhere to each other.
- Freeze for some time: Now, place this lined tray in the freezer for a couple of hours. This way, black pudding pieces will start to freeze from the outer part.
- Place in airtight bags: Once the black pudding slices are frozen for some span take them out. Place them in airtight bags or containers and add labels.
- Freeze: Lastly, pop these bags into the freezer and freeze the puddings. You can remove the number of slices you wish to eat and freeze others.
Tips on Freezing Black Pudding
Now that you know the method of freezing black pudding here are some tips to help you in the process. These suggestions will help you to maintain the texture and taste of the pudding for months.
- Always try freezing the black pudding by cutting it into slices and then transfer to airtight bags. It is the most effective way to freeze black pudding so that they don’t taste bland on defrosting.
- Do not forget to add labels to the bags so that you don’t use them over 4 months.
- Always thaw your frozen black pudding slices before using them. The best way to do so is to simply shift the required number of pieces from the freezer to the refrigerator.
- Defrost black pudding slices before cooking. If you directly use the frozen pieces for cooking or grilling the slices tend to remain uncooked and dry from the inside.
- Another way to defrost black pudding is by using the hot-water simmer technique. For this method, place the thawed slices in a pan and place this pan over hot water. This method is similar to the double-boiler method used for melting chocolates. The steam from the hot water will gradually defrost the pudding slices back to room temperature.
- Once you unwrap all the slices in the freezer try to finish them within 2 weeks. Do not eat unwrapped slices that are stored for more than 2 weeks.
How long can you freeze black pudding?
With the second method of freezing black pudding, you can freeze them for 3-4 months. Black pudding remains fresh even after three months of freezing. If you thaw them perfectly and defrost them evenly before cooking, you can get the exact taste of a fresh one.
Black pudding can remain fresh in the freezer for months but it is advisable not to eat frozen pudding after so long.
Freezing black pudding is the best way to store and use them for future use. Especially if you love to have it with your breakfast or meals you must store them properly. Some fun recipes you can try with frozen black pudding are- mix them with stews, stuff them in potatoes, eat them raw-grilled, or top it off as seasoning mix. Black pudding has a high protein content but at the same time is rich in calories. Thus, try to restrict yourself from eating too much of it.