Can You Freeze Hummus?
Hummus is chopped chickpeas, lemon juice, minced garlic, and tahini combined to make the delectable dip. This chickpea dip is adaptable, suitable for entertaining, and loaded with minerals and protein, so it shouldn’t be thrown away. People love hummus, and for an excellent purpose. The very last thing anyone would like to do is throw leftovers in the trash, regardless of whether you prepare your own or have a preferred grocery brand.
Thankfully, both homemade and store-bought hummus can be frozen, and the procedure is simple and quick. Hummus can be frozen just like any other meal. To avoid spoiling, just adhere to a few simple rules.
In terms of whether freezing will change the flavor of the hummus, it might taste a little different. Even so, it won’t taste unpleasant or spoilt. Furthermore, it relies on the kind of hummus that has been prepared. There are numerous types of hummus, and I’ve found that the classic chickpea variety freezes with the best flavor. Remember that flavours may become a little bland after refrigerating; therefore, if the flavor is one you prefer, like roasted red pepper hummus, you can think about adding some raw onions or some chopped garlic to the hummus to revive it.
Can You Freeze Store-Bought and Homemade Hummus?
All hummus can indeed be preserved. You can discover that certain recipes and brands freeze better than others, though, because they are all different. Hummus without flavourings like garlic or roasted red peppers seems to freeze a little bit better. Additionally, you may discover that retail location hummus stays a little better than homemade because it includes preservation agents that guard it against freezing and thawing.
When kept in the refrigerator, homemade fresh hummus can be kept for three to four days. This is because it has a lot of preservatives in it.
Whereas, store-bought hummus often lasts a little longer – roughly near around a week.
You have to be sure that your hummus is stored in an airtight container, whether it is homemade or store-bought.
Products that Can Be Used To Freeze Hummus
If you want to freeze hummus, you’ll need to acquire a few essential supplies:
1. Airtight Containers:
Airtight containers are necessary since hummus must be properly frozen in a freezer-safe container.
2. Good quality freezer bags:
You’ll need freezer bags to store hummus.
3. Marker:
Use good quality markers and freezer labels to record the precise date your hummus is kept in the refrigerator for freezing.
4. Ice cube trays:
Hummus can be frozen in smaller portions using ice cube trays.
A Few Ways To Freeze Hummus
- The simplest way to preserve hummus is to just place it in its original package in the freezer. Small, reusable containers work best for this since they freeze and thaw more rapidly and you can be sure they are completely sealed. The seal may burst since hummus can expand when frozen. Put the containers in a zip lock bag to avoid a mess and keep your hummus free of freezer smells.
- Transferring the hummus to separate containers, like Ziploc containers, is an additional choice that works well if you’ve already opened a package or want to preserve a small quantity.
- Use a freezer-safe container that is airtight and leaves approximately an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Before freezing the hummus, spread a thin coating of olive oil on top for further protection. We should freeze hummus in sealed, refrigerator containers; do not overfill them as the hummus will expand as it chills.
- For portion control and individual servings, some individuals like to freeze it in multiple little containers. You can easily whisk the oil into the hummus once it has thawed because it is already an ingredient and helps to minimize moisture loss.
- Adding minimal amounts of hummus to a baking sheet coated with parchment paper, freezing it until firm, and then transferring it to a freezer bag for longer-term storage are two other methods. This method is useful, for example, if you frequently layer hummus on sandwiches but only require a few teaspoons.
How Long Can We Freeze Hummus?
You can only preserve hummus for a maximum of 4 months, regardless of the technique you use. After that, it will still be safe to consume, but the flavor and consistency will begin to deteriorate. Before storing, be sure to mark and date the containers so you know when to utilize your hummus and can quickly and easily see what’s in your refrigerator.
How Can We Thaw Hummus
- Hummus’ flavor and consistency might change with freezing and thawing it. Add a little olive oil steadily and whisk in case your frozen hummus seems dry. Consider adding chopped garlic, onion, fresh basil, freshly squeezed lime juice, or dried spices like sumac or oregano, if you feel the flavor is suffering from a lack of taste, then it can make food seem bland. Tahini, mustard oil, or aromatic olive oil are all excellent additions. To improve the flavor and texture, you can also add additional canned chickpeas.
- When defrosting, utilizing hummus in all the same dishes as when it’s fresh, such as sandwiches, roasted vegetables, chicken, and vegetables in a bowl, using as dips, and salads.
- Simply defrost your frozen hummus in the freezer just one night before you intend to use it when you are ready for consumption.
- It’s possible to see some liquid at the top when you remove the lid, but this is totally normal and only indicates that the hummus has divided a little. Give it a thorough swirl, and it ought to be instantly edible. The texture will also improve if you heat the hummus for a short period of time if you want yours warm.
- In addition to thawing in water, heating hummus to room temperature is great. In a big basin of water, you have to fully submerge the hummus. During the defrosting hummus process, the water must change every 30 minutes.
- When you refrigerate the hummus, the texture shouldn’t alter significantly either. It might be a tiny bit thinner than when it’s fresh, but not so thin that it’s unusable.
- Experts recommend consuming the hummus within 5-7 days of defrosting. We can freeze hummus and store it for up to 6 months, but not for more than a year.
Is It Possible To Add More Flavours To The Thawed Hummus?
Yes, you can indeed.
You can stir in some spices like cumin or paprika for an earthy flavor, or add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, or coriander to bring some lovely freshness. Add a dash of lime juice for more zest. Add a little olive oil for additional moisture and flavor.
Can We Refreeze Thawed Hummus?
Experts do not advise it. Hummus’ flavor and texture result in gently altering it by repeatedly freezing it.
The simplest method to prevent a situation where you might need to refreeze thawed hummus is to initially freeze it in limited volumes. In this manner, you may remove just the right quantity from the refrigerator for defrosting.
How Can One Know That Hummus Has Gone Off?
It will have a distinct sour smell (tanginess or pungency). Don’t take the chance if you think that your hummus has gone bad, it can lead to food poisoning.