what can i cook in bulk and freeze?
There’s much you can bulk cook and freeze to make your meals easier throughout the week. You can easily freeze soups, stews, and chilies. Simply prepare a large pot of your favorite dish, let cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe containers. Also, you can freeze cooked grains like rice and quinoa separately to add to meals later. Casseroles are a good option too – just prepare the dish, assemble it in a casserole dish, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place directly in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly. Also, you can cook pasta dishes ahead of time and freeze them. Make a large batch of your favorite pasta sauce, toss with cooked pasta, let cool completely, then freeze. For a freezer-friendly breakfast, prepare overnight oats or breakfast burritos filled with your favorite fillings.
what are some meals that freeze well?
Soups, stews, and chili are freezer-friendly meals that can be easily reheated for a quick and hearty meal. Casseroles and lasagna can also be frozen, making them a great option for busy weeknights. Meatloaf and meatballs can be cooked ahead of time and frozen for later use. These can be defrosted and reheated in a variety of ways, such as in the oven, microwave, or slow cooker. Hamburgers and hot dogs can also be frozen, making them a great option for quick and easy meals. Pizza dough can be made ahead of time and frozen, making it easy to have pizza night whenever you want. Vegetables can also be frozen, either blanched or raw, making them a convenient way to add nutrients to your meals. Fruits can also be frozen, either whole or cut up, making them a great way to enjoy fresh fruit all year round.
what veggies can you freeze raw?
Many vegetables can be frozen raw to preserve their freshness and nutrients. Some of the best vegetables to freeze raw include broccoli, carrots, celery, corn, green beans, peas, and spinach. To freeze these vegetables, simply wash them thoroughly, cut them into desired sizes, and place them in freezer bags or airtight containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers before sealing them. Frozen vegetables can be stored for up to a year, although it is best to use them within six months for optimal quality. When you are ready to use frozen vegetables, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or microwave. You can also cook them from frozen, but be sure to add a little extra cooking time. Frozen vegetables are a great way to have healthy and delicious vegetables on hand all year long.
which vegetables cannot be frozen?
There are a few types of vegetables that do not freeze well and should be avoided for freezing. These include potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, radishes, turnips, and lettuce. Potatoes will turn brown and mushy when frozen, while onions and garlic will lose their flavor and become bitter. Celery, radishes, and turnips will become limp and watery when frozen, and lettuce will wilt and become slimy. Avoid freezing these vegetables to maintain their texture, flavor, and nutritional value.
do cooked potatoes freeze well?
It’s possible to freeze cooked potatoes, but it’s essential to do so properly to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. Before freezing, cooked potatoes should be cooled to room temperature and then transferred to an airtight container or freezer bag. Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months, while roasted or boiled potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours. Microwaving frozen potatoes is not recommended, as this can cause them to become rubbery. Alternatively, reheat thawed potatoes in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a toaster oven until thoroughly warmed through.
do potatoes need to be blanched before freezing?
Yes, potatoes should be blanched before freezing. Blanching is a process of briefly immersing vegetables in boiling water, then immediately transferring them to cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the vegetable’s color, texture, and nutritional value. Blanching potatoes before freezing also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the potatoes mushy after they are thawed. To blanch potatoes, simply bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are just tender. Strain the potatoes and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. Let the potatoes cool completely, then drain them and pat them dry. Once the potatoes are blanched, they can be frozen for up to 1 year.