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.
Chop up the tomatoes you have on hand today for tomatada!! An easy, versatile recipe, usually served as a side dish, but it can also become a main course simply by adding an egg. With tips like these, everything is more delicious when cooking. Check...
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.
An easy-to-make, tasty savory cream. Zucchini pesto can be used on bruschetta, to fill sandwiches , or as a pasta sauce: we used it to dress a delicious pasta salad . What makes this recipe special is that the zucchini is raw , so you won't even...
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: use a tortilla as the base! Yes, the one you have left over from your fajita party! It's ultra-convenient, light, and perfect when you need a quick fix. Just...
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 easy, fluffy creamy pie with sardines , made in a blender , is one of those practical recipes that can save any meal. The light batter comes together quickly in the blender, and the flavorful filling is made with well-seasoned sardines. The...
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 among the most searched-for recipes right now because they make it easy to serve a tasty , light meal in just a few minutes. Perfect as a main course for the whole family, they’re also ideal as a tasty appetizer or finger...
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 homemade pulled pork ! With the 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 marinade of...
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.
A tasty, crispy exterior and a soft interior that melts in your mouth: our baked zucchini croquettes will delight you with every bite! This light and easy-to-prepare recipe is served with a refreshing homemade yogurt sauce . You’ll need just a few...
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.
Air fryer zucchini muffins are an easy, quick savory recipe, perfect for any occasion—from a savory breakfast to aperitif hour or as part of a packed lunch for work. Made with grated zucchini , eggs, skyr (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan and fresh...
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 cooked ham is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home: Sunday tables set for lunch and forks sinking into a still-steaming baking dish. This Italian classic wins you over at the first bite with the perfect balance...
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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