One of the best ways to get the most out of your grocery budget and still enjoy nutritious meals is by using frozen vegetables. They are budget-friendly and a convenient, long-lasting way to keep fresh produce in your kitchen year-round.
Making the most of your freezer
By properly storing frozen vegetables and other foods, you can minimise waste and always have healthy, affordable options at hand.
If you freeze your own veggies, you can prep them in advance. Blanching first helps preserve their colour, texture and nutritional value. To blanch, simply boil the veggies for a few minutes, then quickly cool them in ice water before freezing. Cut up your veggies before freezing to save on prep time when you’re ready to cook.
Why frozen veggies are a smart choice
There is a myth that frozen vegetables are bland or less nutritious than fresh, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many frozen veggies are just as nutritious as fresh ones – sometimes even more so! Here’s why:
- Vegetables are usually frozen shortly after being harvested when they’re at their peak of freshness and nutritional value. This means frozen veggies often retain more vitamins and minerals compared to fresh veggies that might have been sitting on store shelves for days.
- Frozen veggies are often less expensive than fresh produce, especially when certain veggies are out of season.
- They are convenient! Frozen veggies are easy to store and can be pulled out whenever you need them.
Cooking with frozen vegetables
One of the best tips is to avoid thawing frozen vegetables before you cook. Freezing causes ice crystals to form in the cells of the veggies and thawing them can make them soggy.
Simply add frozen vegetables directly to your cooking pan, oven, or soup pot, and cook as you normally would.
You can sauté, roast, steam, or add frozen vegetables to soups and stews. Roasting them in the oven with a bit of olive oil and seasoning can bring out a caramelized flavour.
Our veggie tip: frozen kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense green packed with vitamins and fibre, making it a fantastic addition to many dishes. Here are 3 creative and delicious ways to use frozen kale:
1. Smoothies: Frozen kale is perfect for adding to smoothies. It blends well with fruit and other veggies, providing a nutritional boost without compromising taste.
2. Soups and Stews: Toss frozen kale directly into soups and stews in the last few minutes of cooking. It will retain its nutrients and give your dish a hearty, leafy boost.
3. Sautéed: Frozen kale can be sautéed with garlic, onions, and a bit of olive oil for a quick and easy side dish or topping for grains like rice or quinoa.
Stay healthy, save money, and enjoy those frozen veggies!
Frozen vegetables are a healthy, affordable, and convenient way to eat more vegetables while keeping your grocery bill low. By buying, storing, and cooking with frozen veggies properly, you can maximise their freshness, save money, and reduce waste in your kitchen.
Content developed in conjunction with VEG Education and Velisha Farms.