Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Dahl?
Yes, you can freeze Dahl, and they can last in the freezer for a couple of months. As long as it does not get any freezer burns, it would taste just as good as freshly made Dahl. The key is to portion it and store it in freezer-safe air-tight containers or Ziploc bags.
Here is the ultimate guide on how to freeze and store dahl / dal or lentil curry, for the long term.
Several home cooks and I have found these methods and tips to work splendidly.
Let’s dive right into it.
How to Freeze Dahl?
This hassle-free and simple method of freezing Dahl is the most recommended way of going about it.
Materials
- Dahl
- Measuring Cups
Tools
- Ziploc bags or Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Containers
Instructions
Cook and Cool: Cook the Dahl and let it cool down to room temperature.
Portion the Dahl: Divide the Dahl into measures that you can easily consume in one recipe or meal.
Pack and Seal: Transfer the portioned dal into Ziploc bags or freezer-safe air-tight containers and seal them. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess air, making it as air-tight as possible.
Label and Freeze: Add a label on the Ziploc bag or container with the best before date and measure in it. Then you are all set to freeze the Dahl.
Freezing Dahl in Silicone Molds
Time Taken: 5 – 10 minutes
What you will need:
- Dahl
- Ice Cube Tray or Silicone Mold
- Ziploc Bags
If you have large silicone molds or ice cube trays that you can use to portion and freeze Dahl, it is a great method to opt for.
Cook and Cool
Cook the Dahl to your preference and then let it sit for an hour or so, to cool down to room temperature.
Fill the Tray
Fill the ice cube tray or silicone mold with Dahl, portioning it out to your liking.
Flash Freeze
Leave the ice cube tray in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it set solid.
Pack and Seal
Transfer the cubes of frozen Dahl into Ziploc bags and seal them. Squeeze out all the extra air before you seal them shut.
Label and Freeze
Add a label on the bag with the quantity of dahl and the best before date before leaving it in the freezer for the long term.
Check out this cool video by “Vidhya’s Vegetarian Kitchen” on YouTube to see how it’s done –
How Long Can You Freeze Dahl?
Dahl can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. But keep in mind that the container must be air-tight, and the Dahl must be protected from freezer burns as it can spoil otherwise.
But freezing Dahl is the best way to extend its shelf life, as it only stays fresh in the fridge for a couple of days.
In any case, it is best advised to consume it sooner rather than later as it can change in texture and taste, becoming unappealing.
How to Store Frozen Dahl?
You can store frozen Dahl in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag. The key is to make sure that it is kept air-tight and is protected from freezer burns.
Choosing between Ziploc bags and containers comes down to how much space you have in your freezer.
The Ziploc bags are the best option if you are pressed for freezer space. You can flatten the Dahl into thin sheets in the bag, and lay them down flat on top of each other, and store them compactly.
How to Defrost Dahl?
The most recommended way of thawing dahl is to leave the portion you need in the fridge for a couple of hours and let it thaw gradually.
This way, you can avoid a drastic change in texture or taste.
You could also thaw it on the countertop, but it is not the best way to go about it as there are high chances of bacterial build-up if it is not used immediately.
If you plan to cook with the Dahl further, you could also directly add it from the freezer to your recipe, although it may take some extra cooking time.
Can You Refreeze Dahl?
No, it is best advised not to refreeze Dahl. Once it thaws, the Dahl can change in texture. This is especially true if it has been frozen for long. Refreezing the Dahl will only further worsen the issue.
The best way to avoid having to refreeze Dahl is to portion it beforehand into quantities that you would usually use for your recipes or mealtime.
This way, you can avoid thawing a big lump of Dahl just to take out half a cup or so.
Does Dahl Freeze Well?
Yes, Dahl freezes well and is the perfect meal prep option. But keep in mind that it must be stored with care in air-tight containers.
Moreover, keeping them safe from freezer burns is important to make sure that they last fresh for longer.
If done right, you won’t be able to tell the difference between fresh Dahl and Dahl that has been frozen for a couple of months.
FAQs
No, it is best advised not to freeze Dahl made with coconut milk. While the Dahl freezes well, the coconut milk can separate and ruin the texture and taste of the Dahl curry.
Although it may be safe to eat, it will be unappealing and grainy to taste.
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you with your meal prep, freezing Dahl for the long term.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing tips and tricks of your own, it would be lovely to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and family.