Can You Freeze Kamut – How To Freeze Kamut

Kamut, also known as Khorasan Wheat, is an ancient grain with a bit of a mysterious story.  Some say Noah found the grain after the flood and others have termed it “Tut’s Wheat” as it is believed to have been found in King Tut’s tomb.  Regardless of its true origins, Kamut is a grain similar to wheat that is currently cultivated almost exclusively in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Kamut does contain gluten so although it may be better tolerated by people with gluten sensitivity, it is definitely not suitable for those with Celiac disease.  The berries of the Kamut kernel are much larger than that of traditional wheat and contain significantly more health benefits such as high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.  The size of the Kamut berries offer a pleasant chewiness and their significant substance allows them to fair nicely in soups or casseroles.

One drawback to using Kamut is the relatively long time it takes to cook.  Kamut requires 3 cups of liquid to every 1 cup of grain and requires a solid 60 minutes of cooking time to reach completion.  It can be so easy to pass this tremendous grain up for a quick but much less healthy white rice on a busy weeknight.  Don’t let you and your family’s nutrition suffer!  There is a better way to get highly nutritious meals on the table in a flash.

Can You Freeze Kamut?

Kamut grain is an excellent option for make ahead cooking and freezing for later use.  The hearty size of the grain holds up beautifully in the freezer.

How To Freeze Kamut

The first step to make ahead Kamut is to cook a good amount say on a weekend day when life isn’t so crazy.  Grab a large saucepan or Dutch oven and make several cups of Kamut.  Remember the liquid to grain ratio is 3:1.

When the grain has finished cooking it’s time to cool it to room temperature.  An easy trick is to run cool water on a baking sheet.  Run off the water but don’t dry the pan as this will keep the grain from sticking as it cools.

In about 10 minutes, the Kamut should be room temperature.  At this point, simply fill freezer safe bags with your specific unit of use portions.  I typically do 2 cups per bag for my family of four.  Make sure that you can flatten the bags as this allows for easy storage and thawing.  Label the bags with the date.  Kamut as with most grains are good in the freezer for at least 3 months.

So now that you’re all stocked up what happens on the crazy Wednesday when a healthy meal feels basically impossible?  Fast food?  No way!  Reach in that freezer and grab a bag of Kamut.  It doesn’t even require thawing if you’re adding to a soup or casserole, just toss it in.  If you’re using it as a free standing side, simply throw it in a microwave safe bowl, add a couple teaspoonsful of water, cover and give it a couple turns in the microwave to heat it through.  Add spices or chopped veggies – really anything you have at hand.  Kamut has a subtle nutty flavor that accepts any additions.  Enjoy!

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