Frozen foods can be great for quick cooking when you are too tired to cook. They have a longer shelf life so they can be kept in the freezer for a long time. Frozen foods can also be very nutritious. Many frozen fruits and vegetables have protein, fiber and other essential nutrients.
We have compiled a list of 15 mistakes to avoid when making frozen food. It is important not to lose the nutritional value or flavor of your frozen foods.
1. Make a mistake: Don’t Thaw and Drain Certain Vegetables
Kelly Jones MS, RD CSSD, LDN, states that Spinach retains a lot when frozen, and this fluid is transferred into any dish it’s added to. It may be useful for adding the frozen spinach to soups and stews, but it can make it difficult to kulinarika use in other dishes, such as eggs or spinach artichoke dip. If you need to use the liquid, either thaw the liquid and strain it out before using, or heat the liquid off.
2. Make a mistake: Don’t use the oven or air fryer
Many frozen vegetables can be baked in the oven or air fried, including green beans, broccoli, cauliflower and green beans. Jones says that they are my favorite method of preparation because it provides a crisp texture and hands-off cooking.
3. Mistake: Overcooking Veggies
Although frozen vegetables are colder than fresh, it can be counterintuitive. However, they cook much faster than fresh vegetables. Jones says that this is a good thing in terms of prep time. However, if you don’t keep an eye on them while they cook, you could lose flavor, texture and nutrients.
4. Make a mistake: Thawing frozen Berries too long
They taste great when thawed, especially if they are part of a meal like overnight oats. However, berries can become hard and brittle if left to thaw in their own time. Jones advises that berries should only be allowed to thaw for a few minutes if they are going to be used as a topping or snack.
5. Make a mistake: Frozen vegetables are not cooked properly
Jones says that frozen butternut squash and cauliflower make great additions to smoothies. These can be left raw.
6. Make a mistake: Add excess water to the stove when you cook
If you don’t want to add water, use a small amount. Jones says that vegetables cooked in olive oil or grass-fed butter will give them a better texture and retain more nutrients. You will also be able to absorb fat-soluble nutrients more effectively by using fat.
7. Make a mistake: Smoothies can only be made with frozen fruit
You don’t have to limit the amount of frozen fruit you can eat! I love to use frozen berries as a topping for waffles and pancakes. Jones says that you just need to add the ingredients to a saucepan. It’s done when it thickens.