Have you ever thought of freezing Dosa batter?
Refrigerator has solved many problems for all of us, as you can keep different food ingredients fresh for a considerable amount of time.
But can you store processed food like Dosa batter in your freezer?
Let’s find out more about it in the following guide.
Can You Freeze Dosa Batter?
Yes, you can freeze Dosa batter in your freezer.
The freezing technique helps extend the shelf life of the batter, which allows you to use it at any time.
This way, you don’t have to make new batches of the batter each time you feel like making Dosas or Idlis at home.
You can just take out the required amount of batter from the container and use it as you like.
Most restaurants follow the same technique while making the batter in their professional kitchens, as it helps save a lot of time.
And it’s cost-effective too!
That said, you always need to be careful when you want to freeze the dosa batter for a long duration.
Although you can store it in the freezer for 2-3 weeks, it can easily affect the taste and color to a certain extent.
It can also turn sour if you don’t store it properly.
So, in the next section, let’s quickly learn about how you can freeze the batter more effectively.
How To Freeze Dosa Batter
Let’s check out the steps involved in this process –
- Prepare the batter and make sure it has a slightly thicker consistency.
- Get an airtight container.
- Pour the batter into the container using a ladle.
- Once you’re done filling the batter, place the lid on the container and ensure it’s sealed tightly.
- Put it in the freezer.
Pretty easy, right?
Note: Do not add salt to the batter at this stage.
You can adjust the salt later on, i.e., while using it for making Dosas or any other snacks.
Follow these steps as suggested above, and you won’t have to worry about storing or reusing the batter again.
Now, let’s look at the tips section below, where I’ve shared some more insights on how you should go about this process and the precautions you need to take to store the batter.
6 Tips To Freeze Dosa Batter
Here are some of the tips you can use –
1. Make Sure The Batter Is Fermented Well
That’s right!
The batter needs to be fermented well before you can think of putting it in the freezer.
If it’s not fermented properly, you will have inconsistent results while making the Dosas afterward.
To confirm the fermentation, you can check the consistency and texture of the batter with the help of a ladle or spoon.
It will give you an idea of whether you should go ahead with the storage or not.
If you want to know more about batter preparation and fermentation, you can read this guide.
2. Reduce Water Quantity In The Batter
The consistency of batter matters a lot when you’re storing your batter.
If the batter has too much water content, you will not be able to store it for a long duration.
So, reduce the amount of water that goes into your batter.
You can always add more water at the time of preparation and make it thinner as per your liking.
3. Keep It In An Airtight Container
Finally, when you’re ready to store the batter, you should keep it in an airtight container.
The container should have a tight lid so that the moisture doesn’t come in contact with the batter.
This is the most important step in freezing the batter.
If you do use any other container, you will have more trouble storing the batter.
And that too while storing it in the fridge or freezer!
4. Clean The Container Before Pouring The Batter
Next, clean the container.
You don’t want to store the batter in a used or stained container, as it can easily invite harmful elements to the batter.
And as a result, the batter will go bad in a few days instead of lasting for a week or two more.
So, clean it with a dry cloth and make sure there are no stains or moisture present on the inside.
The container needs to be clean and dry.
5. Store It In Small Batches
This is a much more effective strategy to extend the use of existing batter.
Many households and chefs recommend this strategy, and I can vouch for it as well.
It works so beautifully that you don’t have to worry about anything other than the clean storage containers.
When you store the batter in small batches, you can use them accordingly as per your usage or requirement.
This helps in keeping the other batches untouched, which means they don’t come in contact with external air or moisture.
Hence, it helps in increasing the shelf life of the other frozen batter batches.
Try this method if you haven’t already, and I’m sure you will be surprised by seeing how well the batter stays fresh in such batches.
6. Do Not Use Different Spoons To Pour Or Remove The Batter
You should not use different or used spoons whenever you store the batter or reuse it for later use.
The spoon or ladle needs to be clean and dry while removing the batter.
It’s pretty similar to how we handle our homemade pickles.
You need to be careful when you want to store or reuse the batter.
If you can follow this guideline, you won’t have an issue with the overall storage period.
It will stay fresh for a couple of weeks.
Things To Remember While Reusing Frozen Dosa Batter
How do you use your frozen batter?
What are the things you need to remember while making Dosas with such a batter?
Let’s find out in this section.
1. Dosas May Stick To The Pan If You Use Cold Batter
The batter needs to be at room temperature before you can think of making Dosas or Uttapams out of it.
Otherwise, they will stick to the pan, and you will have a difficult time removing the sticky particles from the pan.
Also, you will easily scratch your non-stick pan during this process.
So, allow the batter to reach room temperature.
Don’t rush into making Dosas with such a batter.
2. Keep The Batter Container In Water
To defreeze the batter, you should keep the batter container water.
You may also use lukewarm water, but do not use hot water here.
Once the existing water turns cold, you can replace it with fresh water.
This should help expedite the defreezing process, and it is certainly faster than the natural process.
So, do give it a shot!
3. Mix The Batter Well
Mix the batter nicely once it reaches room temperature.
With this method, you can remove any lumps from the batter and help incorporate air in it.
Ideally, you should use this technique for each set of Dosa-making processes.
4. Add Salt And Water To The Batter
Just before you start making the Dosas with this batter, add a pinch of salt to it.
You should also add some water to the batter to get the right consistency.
Do remember these steps whenever you’re using leftover or frozen batter.
In the case of packaged batter, you will have to read the details on the package.
If they have already added salt to the batter, you don’t have to do it again.
You can directly use the same batter for the preparation.
Now, let’s have a look at the FAQs below.
FAQs
You can store the batter in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on your use.
Also, do not use too much water while storing the batter.
It should have a slightly thicker consistency.
If the batter tastes too sour, it means it is over fermented and is of no use.
Similarly, you can look for a change in color and smell.
Both these factors will give you a good idea about the freshness of your batter.
Yes, you can freeze store-bought batter in the fridge.
But do keep an eye on the expiry date.
In general, you can freeze the batter for a couple of weeks only.
So, you will have to adjust the storage period accordingly.
Note: Most packaged batters contain preservatives, which allows the batter to stay fresh for more time.
Therefore, you should also consider this factor while freezing it in the fridge.
You can keep the batter in an airtight container in a relatively cooler place.
However, you cannot store it without a refrigerator for too long.
You may keep it at room temperature for a few hours only.
Yes, you can surely keep the batter in a plastic container.
The container should have a tight lid, and you should avoid any moisture entering into it.
If you can ensure these things, the batter will definitely remain fresh for an extended period.
Over To You
Well, I hope you liked this guide on how you can freeze your Dosa batter safely.
In case you want to know more about it or have any other questions regarding this topic, feel free to write them down in the comments section.
I will surely try to help you out.
In the meantime, do share this guide with your friends and family if you really found it useful.
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