How to store courgettes? Just freeze them (cooked or raw)

How to freeze cooked and raw courgettes: ideas and suggestions for enjoying this typical summer vegetable even in winter.

Courgettes are among the tastiest and most versatile vegetables: they can be prepared in many different ways, and are ideal for seasoning pasta or for becoming a main course, an appetizer or a side dish. Why deprive ourselves of it during the winter? Having the courgettes already washed and portioned is a great convenience , because this way you can prepare quick lunches or dinners without having to run to the supermarket .

Can courgettes be frozen? The answer is yes, but first you should know how to best preserve them! In fact, courgettes can also be preserved cooked: let's see how.

How to freeze cooked courgettes

Courgettes are suitable for the preparation of countless recipes to freeze. If you want to freeze grilled courgettes (but also cooked in the oven or in a pan) for the winter, you can prepare them for conservation like this:

1. Grill the sliced ​​courgettes on the griddle for 10/15 minutes , then – avoiding overlapping and seasoning them – arrange them on a tray. Alternatively, cook them in the oven for the same amount of time or cut them into cubes and cook them in a pan until they are no longer tender (but must not fall apart).
2. After they have completely cooled to room temperature, place the tray in the freezer and leave them for about 2 hours.
3. Once frozen, put them together or in portions in a freezing bag or in a special container with a lid . When you feel like it, you can defrost them and season with oil, garlic, mint, salt and basil.

You can also think about doing a quick (delicate) pre-cooking of the courgettes before storing them in the freezer.

1. To do this, cut the vegetables into cubes and boil them in salted water for a few minutes (3-5 will be enough).
2. Drain them directly in a bowl of cold water (preferably with ice) so that they maintain their consistency better in the freezer.
3. Dry the pieces on a cloth and proceed to freeze as per the previous instructions.

You can also freeze courgettes in practical single portions , after having processed them until you obtain a sort of sauce which will be useful above all for seasoning pasta.

1. Cook the courgette pieces in a little oil and shallots.
2. When they are cooked, blend them in the blender, adding salt and pepper.

How to freeze raw zucchini

Freezing raw vegetables is very simple.

1. In the case of courgettes you can cut them into slices or cubes , depending on your needs.
2. Freeze them in the freezer for about 2 hours, on a tray and well spaced apart.
3. Once they are completely frozen, take them out and portion them or put them all together in bags and place them back in the freezer.

Otherwise, you can prepare a raw courgette pesto to freeze.

1. Place the vegetables in the mixer with parmesan, oil and pine nuts.
2. Blend everything until you obtain the consistency of a classic courgette pesto.
3. Freeze the pesto, also in this case, in ice cube molds so as to have single portions ready when needed.

How to freeze courgettes in a vacuum

Vacuum packing is a perfect method for preserving foods for even longer, in this way they are not altered by the air and can maintain their characteristics for longer. To vacuum-pack courgettes you will need a special machine equipped with single-portion bags. This way you can freeze your vegetables, both raw and after cooking, in a healthy and hygienic way.

All you have to do is cut the courgettes, wash them and seal them in the bag , remembering to leave at least 10-12 cm of space for sealing. This method will guarantee you can keep them in the freezer for 7-8 months .

Thanks to these tricks you can prepare delicious recipes with courgettes all year round!

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