Q. I bought hummus to use in a dip platter, and now I have some leftover. I want to freeze it but I’m afraid it might change the flavor or texture. Can you freeze hummus?
Freezing Hummus
A. Yes, you can freeze hummus. The easiest hummus to freeze is plain hummus because it’s made with few ingredients, mostly chickpeas, olive oil, and tahini, and they all freeze well. Flavored hummus can still be frozen, but additional ingredients such as olives or red peppers may change consistency when thawed. When freezing flavored hummus, ensure that the added flavor ingredient is a good candidate for freezing, or you may be disappointed with the results.
To freeze hummus, place the hummus in a flexible, freezer safe container or freezer bag. Allow some extra room at the top to allow for expansion, since hummus expands during the freezing process. To help hummus retain its moisture, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing the container. If you plan to use the hummus all at once when thawed, you can freeze it in large batches. If you plan to use it for snacking, it may be a good idea to freeze hummus in small containers for single-serving portions that can be thawed as needed.
To thaw hummus, remove from the freezer and place in the refrigerator for several hours or up to a day or two depending on the size of the package. Hummus may lose some of its consistency when thawed, so give it a good stir to reconstitute its creamy texture. The olive oil will help with this. If the hummus has lost some of its flavor, you can restore it by adding some salt, garlic, or other spices to your liking. If you’ve thawed a flavored hummus, adding some of the flavor ingredient to the hummus can help kick up the flavor to its original state.
Thawed hummus will last in the refrigerator up to a week, although the flavor will be best if used immediately. If you find your hummus is slightly grainy or too thin to spread, it can still be used in recipes to add flavor.
Hummus can be safely frozen for up to six months. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents for future reference. Hummus should be kept below zero and in an airtight container to avoid it taking on the flavors of other food items in the freezer.
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