How to Freeze Potatoes

Submitted by ohgal

"I did'nt know what to do with the large quantity of potatoes dh came home with. There is just the 2 of us. I gave away what I could. I did not feel up to making potato dishes to freeze so I found this on the internet. As a test, I just tried this with a few potatoes. I sure was surprised how good they were after they thawed. I cooked them, and made mashed, chopped a couple , and roasted on a sheet pan with oil and herbs. Now I will not have to have potatoes go bad on me. Next, I'll make a little potato salad as a test."

 

• Ready In: 18mins
• Ingredients: 3
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• fresh potato
• 4 quarts boiling water
• ice water

directions

1. 1. Choose potatoes with firm flesh, few bruises, and no sprouts.
2. 2. Wash the potatoes. Scrub off the dirt and debris with a stiff-bristled brush.
3. 3. Peel the potatoes. Use a peeler to remove the potato skin, or if you're working with new potatoes, scrape it off. Rinse the potatoes to prepare them for blanching.
4. 4. If the potatoes are large, chop them in half before blanching.
5. 5. Don't cut the potatoes into small pieces; it's better to store them whole if possible.
6. 6. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. In the meantime, prepare a large bowl with ice water and set it aside.
7. 7. Plunge the potatoes into the boiling water. Allow them to blanch for 3 to 5 minutes. This process cleanses the potatoes of organisms and preserves their flavor and color.
8. 8.Remove the potatoes from heat and place them in the ice water.
9. Transfer the potatoes directly from the pot to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon or tongs.
10. 9. Allow them to cool for about ten minutes.
11. 10. Drain the potatoes when they are chilled, and pat them dry.
12. 11. Place the potatoes in airtight storage bags. You may also use a freezer-safe container.
13. Make sure the potatoes aren't wet when you place them in the bags, or ice will form.
14. 12. Put enough potatoes in each bag to make a meal for your family. This way you'll be able to defrost exactly as many as you need at once.
15. Store the potatoes in the freezer. They will keep for up to a year.