How to freeze potatoes and a great time-saving recipe! [Moms must see! ]

Have you ever found that when you freeze curry or stew, the potatoes become mushy and not tasty?

On the other hand, commercially available frozen fries are delicious.

If you keep these points in mind when freezing potatoes, you can eat them deliciously even in your home refrigerator.

In addition to how to freeze potatoes, we will also introduce delicious and quick recipes using frozen potatoes that will give you more time to prepare meals on a busy day.

Advantages of freezing potatoes

Storing potatoes for a long time

Potatoes are a vegetable that can be stored for a long time even at room temperature, but cooked potatoes can only be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

If frozen, it will last for over a month, so freezing is convenient if you want to preserve it for more than 3 days.

Cook potatoes quickly

Preparing potatoes and storing them in the freezer will make it easier to prepare meals every day.

Potatoes, which cannot be eaten raw, require a lot of effort to peel and boil, and many people feel that the preparation is troublesome.

When you have time, you can peel the skin, soak it in water to remove the scum, boil it, and then make it into mashed potatoes, etc., to save time when making daily meals.

How to freeze potatoes

We will introduce two methods: boil potatoes and then freeze them so that they can be easily used in things like French fries and curry, and mashed potatoes and then freeze them so that they can be easily used in things like croquettes and potato salad.

How to freeze potatoes after boiling them

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, peel them if necessary, and remove the sprouts.

If you use new potatoes, you can leave the skins on if you like.

2. Cut the potatoes into desired shapes and soak them in water for about 10 minutes to remove the bitterness.

Depending on what kind of dish you are using it for, you can cut it in a convenient way.

3. Cook the potatoes until they are ready to eat, then let them cool.

Whether you boil the potatoes in a pot of water, use the boiling vegetable function in the microwave, or steam them in a steamer or silicone steamer, it's okay as long as the potatoes are ready to eat.

4. Wipe off the moisture with kitchen paper and place in a ziplock bag, making sure not to overlap.

Be careful not to leave any water or overlap, as the potatoes will stick together when you use them.

5. Use rapid freezer of your refrigerator or turn the freezer setting to high to freeze the food as quickly as possible at the lowest possible temperature.

At this time, the key to preserving the potatoes deliciously in the freezer is to place them on a metal bat or cover them with aluminum foil, then place the potatoes as flat as possible.

How to mash potatoes and freeze them

1. Wash and peel the potatoes, remove the sprouts, and then cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Any shape is fine as it will be crushed after boiling, but if it is too big it will take a long time to cook.

2. Cook the potatoes until ready to eat.

You can cook it in any way you like, but make sure to cook it well until it becomes soft and easy to mash.

3. While still warm, mash the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.

If the potatoes get cold, they will be difficult to mash, so mash them while they are still warm, being careful not to get burned.

You can add salt and pepper to your taste, but it will be easier to use if you add the seasoning while it is still warm, as it will be absorbed throughout.

4. Once the mashed potatoes have cooled, place them in a Ziploc bag.

It is easier to use if you separate each serving with plastic wrap before putting it in a Ziploc bag, or separate it with chopsticks after putting it in a Ziploc bag.

5. Use rapid freezer of your refrigerator or turn the freezer setting to high to freeze the food as quickly as possible at the lowest possible temperature.

At this time, place the mashed potatoes on a metal bat or cover them with aluminum foil, and then place the mashed potatoes as flatly as possible to preserve them deliciously in the freezer.

How to thaw frozen potatoes and how long to keep them frozen

How to thaw frozen potatoes

​Use frozen potatoes for cooking. If you let it thaw naturally, water will come out and it will taste bad.

When making fries from frozen potatoes, it is better to fry them while they are still frozen, as the difference in temperature will result in crispier fries.

When using it in stew dishes such as meat and potatoes or curry, add it in the frozen state towards the end of the cooking process.

Frozen potatoes have a tendency to break down and absorb flavors, so be sure to cook them just enough to keep them from breaking down.

If you mashed potatoes and then frozen them, heat them in the microwave before using.

When using it in salads, etc., warm it up thoroughly and then let it cool before using it to make the texture smoother.

Storage period of frozen potatoes

Frozen potatoes have a shelf life of about 1 to 2 months.

Potatoes are a vegetable that can be stored for long periods at room temperature, but freezing them will prevent them from sprouting.

A nutritionist explains! About potato nutrition

potato nutrition
The main component of potatoes is starch, and in some countries they are eaten as a staple food, similar to rice and wheat.
It is said to be effective in preventing high blood pressure because it contains a lot of vitamin C and potassium.
In addition, the vitamin C in potatoes has the characteristic that it does not break down even when heated.

Potatoes are poisonous! ?
The green skin and sprouts of potatoes contain substances called potato glycoalkaloids.
Potato glycoalkaloids include solanine and chaconine, and ingesting these can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
Also, if you expose potatoes to sunlight, the skin will turn green and the potatoes will sprout more easily.
Store potatoes in a dark, cool place.

Difference between new potatoes and ripe potatoes
New potatoes are potatoes that are harvested from March to June, and have very thin skins and contain a lot of water.
Potato skins also contain a lot of vitamin C, and we recommend cooking new potatoes with their skins on.
On the other hand, ripe potatoes are those that are harvested with thick skin.
New potatoes have a high moisture content and are easily damaged, so they cannot be stored for long periods of time, but ripe potatoes can be stored for long periods of time.

How to identify potatoes
1. Something that is hard when you touch it. It will become softer over time after being harvested.
2.No scratches or wrinkles on the surface.
3. Avoid those with sprouts or green skin as they contain harmful substances.

Nutritionist Ruri

Obtained nutritionist qualifications from Toita Women's Junior College and graduated from the same university. After graduating from Kyorin University, he also obtained a qualification as a food hygiene manager. Currently at Daybreak Co., Ltd., he oversees various food freezing experiments while disseminating food freezing information. My hobbies are traveling and hula dancing.
My favorite vegetable is broccoli.

5 easy and delicious recipes using frozen potatoes!

Crispy fries made with frozen potatoes

☑材料（2人分）
・冷凍じゃがいも　2個分
・揚げ油　約500㏄
・塩　3振り
・小麦粉　大さじ3

<How to make>
1) Place frozen potatoes in a plastic bag and sprinkle with flour.
2) Fry the potatoes in oil heated to 180 degrees.
3) When it turns golden brown, take it out, sprinkle with salt, and it's done.

*If you like, you can season it with magic salt, curry powder, green seaweed salt, etc. to make it more delicious.

Also recommended for lunch boxes! potato cheese

☑材料（4人分）
・冷凍じゃがいも　大4個分
・ベーコン　3枚
・ピザ用チーズ50ℊ
・塩　大さじ1/2～1

<How to make>
1) Place frozen potatoes in a heat-resistant dish, cover with plastic wrap, and heat in the microwave.
2) Once the potatoes have warmed up to a certain extent, sprinkle with salt to adjust the taste. (Please adjust the amount of salt to your liking)
3) Place bacon and cheese cut into strips on top of the potatoes.
4) Warm it up in the microwave again, and when the cheese melts, it's done.

*You can use silicone cups for lunch boxes, and we also recommend baking them in a toaster oven instead of in the microwave.

Easy with frozen potatoes and eggs! spanish potato

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/1885597

☑材料（アルミカップ12個分）
・冷凍じゃがいも4個分
・卵　6個
・塩　小さじ1
・オリーブオイル40㏄

<How to make>
1) Put the frozen potatoes in a frying pan with 40ml of olive oil and heat over medium heat until lightly browned.
2) Beat the eggs in a bowl, add salt and potatoes, and mix.
3) Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil (not listed) in a frying pan, pour ➁ all at once, and heat over medium heat for 2 minutes.
4) Cover with a lid and heat on low heat for another 4 minutes.
5) Once the egg has hardened, cover it with a large plate and turn it over.
6) Heat the frying pan over high heat for 30 seconds, then slide ➄ back in and fry over medium heat for 2 minutes.
7) Cover with a lid, turn off the heat, and let it steam for 4 minutes in the residual heat.
8) Transfer to a plate, cut into pieces, and it's done.

Easy ♡ Beautiful potato salad with mixed vegetables

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/4116972

☑材料（2人分）
・冷凍マッシュポテト　100ℊ
・冷凍ミックスベジタブル　大さじ1強
・ウインナー　1本
・塩コショウ　少々
・しょう油　少々
・酢　小さじ1
・マヨネーズ　大さじ2

<How to make>
1) In a frying pan, stir-fry the sliced wiener and mixed vegetables, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and when they are browned, add soy sauce and stir-fry lightly.
2) Place the frozen mashed potatoes in a heat-resistant container and warm them up. Be careful not to heat it properly or it will have a bad texture.
3) Combine 1 and 2, put in a bowl, and remove from heat.
4) Add vinegar and mayonnaise, mix, and serve on a plate.

You can also add tomatoes, lettuce, and parsley.

Save time with frozen mashed potatoes! 2 types of easy croquettes

Source: http://cookpad.com/recipe/4184060

☑材料（10個人分）
・冷凍マッシュポテト　500ℊ
・玉ねぎ　1個
・パン粉　適量
・小麦粉　適量
・卵　1～2個
・揚げ油　適量
【具材1　焼き豚（ベーコンやウインナーでも可）　3㎝位・塩コショウ3～4振り】
【具材2　コーン缶　半分・コーンスープの素　1袋】

<How to make>
1) Place the chopped onions in a heat-resistant dish and heat in a 600-watt microwave for about 2 minutes.
2) Heat the frozen mashed potatoes in the microwave, then divide them in half and transfer them to a bowl.
3) Put half of the onion in each bowl, add Ingredient 1 to one and Ingredient 2 to the other and mix.
4) Roll the mashed potatoes mixed with the ingredients into an oval shape and sprinkle with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in this order.
5) Fry in oil heated to 170 degrees until golden brown on both sides.

Feel free to experiment with various ingredients, such as cheese, tomato sauce, and curry powder.

Conclusion

How do you like the frozen preservation method for potatoes and the delicious time-saving recipe?

Even if you freeze a lot of potatoes, you can use them up surprisingly quickly, as they can be used in a variety of dishes such as curry and fries, which are popular with children.

It is very convenient because you can use it immediately after preparing it.

By making good use of freezing, even busy mothers can make delicious and crispy potato dishes.
Even if you have never tried freezing potatoes before, try this freezing technique that will save you time.

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