Heat's back: start freezing these 9 dishes today so you'll have ready meals when it's too hot
The idea isn’t to cook for the whole week in one go, but to prepare a few useful staples: tomato sauce, a quiche, a savory cake, meatballs, chicken, individual portions of gratin, or small bites that are easy to reheat. On hot days, all you’ll need to do is thaw them in the refrigerator, then reheat them quickly or serve them warm with a salad!
Why should you prepare your freezer before a heat wave?
The best approach is to freeze food in small portions. A large family-sized dish can be convenient, but individual portions or portions for two are often easier to thaw. Also, be sure to write the freezing date and the name of the dish on each container or bag. Three weeks later, an unlabeled orange cube quickly becomes a bit of a mystery.
1. Homemade tomato sauce to liven up pasta, rice, or eggs
To freeze it, let it cool completely, then divide it into small containers. Ice cube trays are handy if you want small portions to add flavor to a dish.
Are your tomatoes starting to look sad? Turn them into tomato sauce! This recipe is perfect for accompanying your pasta, rice, quinoa, and more. We also love to make a larger batch and let it simmer in a pan while cracking in some eggs (like a...
2. Zucchini pesto to freeze in small portions
The easiest way is to pour it into an ice cube tray. Once the portions have frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can then take out just the amount you need.
With the temperatures warming up, we're not against a little summer touch in our meals! With this super easy zucchini pesto recipe, you can spice up bruschetta, sandwiches, or even add it to pasta for a creamy and delicious dish . Our tip?...
3. A crustless quiche that can be cut into slices
For best results, let it cool, cut it into slices, and then wrap them separately. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it briefly in the oven or air fryer if you want to restore some of its firmness.
No puff pastry on hand and a sudden craving for quiche ? We've got the perfect solution: a tortilla as a base! Yes, the one you have left over from your fajita party! It's ultra-convenient, light and a great way to get by. Just add a simple filling...
4. A savory sardine cake for quick meals
To freeze it, slice it once it has cooled. Place parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking together. Then, simply take out two or three slices, depending on the meal.
This sardine cake is the kind of practical recipe we like to have. The batter is quickly prepared in a blender , making the recipe even simpler and more accessible. Once in the oven, the cake becomes golden brown on the outside while remaining...
5. Meatballs to pull out when you don't feel like cooking
You can freeze them after they’re cooked and thoroughly cooled on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. This way, they won’t freeze into a solid block, and you can take out just what you need.
Air fryer meatballs are one of those recipes that feel almost too good to be true : juicy and tender on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and ready in minutes. They’re a total win for busy weeknights, but also work perfectly as a fun...
6. Pulled pork for topping sandwiches, wraps, or cold bowls
Pulled pork freezes very well in portions. It’s a great idea if you want to prepare quick meals without starting from scratch. Once thawed, it can be used as a topping for a sandwich, a wrap, a bowl of rice, a mixed salad, or pre-cooked potatoes.
It’s best to freeze it with a little cooking liquid to keep it from drying out. Then, reheat only the amount you need, either over low heat or in the microwave.
Good news: you don't need a smoker or endless cooking to enjoy a homemade pulled pork ! With the air fryer air fryer, you get tender, juicy meat that shreds on its own, all with very little preparation. The pork roast is coated in a fragrant...
7. Zucchini Fritters: A Way to Use Up Summer Vegetables
Cook them, let them cool, then freeze them flat before storing them in a bag. You can reheat them quickly to restore a more pleasant texture.
Surprise the whole family with our irresistible recipe for baked zucchini croquettes ! These delicious croquettes are the way to make everyone love vegetables :-) These zucchini balls are not only delicious, but are also a healthy and light...
8. Savory zucchini muffins for lunchboxes and appetizers
Once cooled, freeze them individually. To serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator or warm them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes.
Zucchini muffins in air fryer are an easy, quick savory recipe that is perfect for any occasion-from savory breakfast to appetizers to office schiscuit. Made with grated zucchini , eggs, skyr (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan cheese and fresh basil,...
9. A pasta gratin to be divided into portions
One portion with a green salad or cold vegetables is often enough for a simple dinner. Let the gratin cool, pack it into individual portions, then reheat only what you need.
Baked pasta with peas and ham is a comforting Italian classic. This creamy dish stands out for its rich texture, combining velvety and creamy béchamel sauce with melted stringy mozzarella cheese , all finished with a delicious parmesan gratin...
Foods you should avoid freezing as is
That doesn’t mean you have to throw them away if they’re very ripe. Tomatoes can be made into sauce before freezing. Very ripe fruits can be turned into compote, coulis, or purée. The rule is simple: it’s better to freeze a cooked or processed dish than a very watery food left as is.
Tips for filling the freezer
Also, avoid filling the freezer with large quantities of hot food all at once. For effective home freezing, you need a suitable appliance; ideally a 4-star freezer. And once your meals are stored, keep a short list on the freezer door or in your phone; this helps you remember what you’ve prepared.
Adèle Peyches
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