Freezing meals ahead of time not only saves you money by taking advantage of sales and buying in bulk, it also reduces food waste by preserving ingredients before they spoil.
DOES THE QUESTION, “WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?” STRIKE FEAR IN YOUR HEART?
Do you wince at the price of food these days? A simple solution is closer than you think: Your freezer. A well-stocked freezer is the money-saving, waste-busting, dinner-making kitchen hack you’ve been looking for…but you have to do it right.
Most importantly, stop putting things in the freezer that you don’t like, won’t eat or just forget about. Instead, stock your freezer with healthy foods that freeze well and can be transformed into lots of different dinners that you love to eat. I call these magical recipes “favours to my future self”(because I know that Future Me will be hungry and short on time!).
I’m delighted to share three of my favourites, plus a buffet’s worth of ways to use them.
PARSLEY PESTO (VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE)
Makes about 3 cups (10 – 12 servings)
After trying my usual basil pesto made with parsley instead of basil, I was hooked. It’s delicious, versatile, easy and affordable. If you’ve made traditional pesto before, you might be surprised that I use neither extra-virgin olive oil nor Parmesan in the base recipe. Instead, I like to add those flavourful (and pricier) ingredients only when I use the pesto, to maximize their punch.
Plus, 3 ways to use it!
Click HERE for the Full Recipe
BROTHY BEANS (VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE)
Makes about 10 servings
Many home cooks are stymied by dried beans. Well, that all changes today. After testing every variation I could find (soaked or not, baking soda or none, oven or slow cooker and so on), I can vouch for the ease and deliciousness of these beans.
Simmering pre-soaked beans gently in the oven with tons of aromatic vegetables makes the beans and their broth exceptionally delicious and versatile. Time is really the only requirement, so throw these on whenever you can and keep them stashed in the freezer.
Plus, 3 ways to use it!
Click HERE for the Full Recipe
EASY CLASSIC BOLOGNESE (GLUTEN-FREE)
Makes enough for about 15 portions Unlike North American spaghetti sauce, traditional Bolognese includes only a very little bit of tomato, no oregano and lots of wine and milk (I know, milk!). It is so outrageously delicious that when I first tasted it in Italy, I nearly fell off my chair. Happily, homemade Bolognese is easy, but it does take some simmering time. Good thing it freezes like a charm—now I just make bigger and bigger batches.
Plus, 2 ways to use it!
Click HERE for the Full Recipe
