Storing Cilantro Puree for chutney

Cilantro is extensively used in my Kitchen. Though fresh cilantro is always best, there are times when you are out of fresh cilantro leaves and need at least some for a chutney (you can always use tomatoes, onions, peanuts etc to increase quantity and create variety)

Last year I bought this huge cilantro pack from Farmer’s market. I knew I couldn’t use it all before it starts rotting, so I decided to store some for later. I googled up how to store cilantro and surprisingly enough everyone was freezing leaves in zipper bags and even in ice trays, but no one was storing the puree. I decided to give it a try.

Posting this after tried and tested method plus experience in using my frozen cilantro puree.

So without further due.. Here is my recipe of cilantro puree

• Huge bunch of cilantro
• Blender (I use Vitamix)
• Some water to help make a smooth paste

Procedure :

• Make a smooth cilantro puree using little amount of water as needed.
• Pour the cilantro puree in ice trays and freeze.
• Cilantro puree cubes are ready for making green chutney

Nothing can beat the taste of fresh ingredients, but this method definitely gives the flexibility without compromising much on taste.

 

Tips

• Once frozen, take out the cilantro cubes and keep in freezer safe bag instead on ice trays to save space and empty up those trays for other things.
• If you have some fresh cilantro handy, try to use both fresh and frozen for better taste.

I will try to post some of my favorite chutney recipes to put your frozen goodies to use. Do share your experiences 🙂

 

Advertisement

Tags: chutney, cilantro, freeze, Jain, prep ahead, preserve, puree, store, storing cilantro