Want to waste less food in your kitchen? I’m sure it’s familiar for all of us at one point or another – letting food expire in the fridge or not using those veggie scraps. But now, you can turn these missed opportunities into your next meal.
Don’t worry, I’m not telling you to eat expired food! But there are several foods and staples you can freeze before it expires to use later. You might think it seems pointless to save a spoonful or two of something, but if you devote an ice tray to hosting these kinds of things, you can pack more flavor into your meals. Once frozen, you can pop the cubes out of the tray, stash them in a labeled freezer bag, and use them as you see fit. Brilliant, right?
No need to run to the grocery store next time you realize you’re out of tomato sauce when you only need a dab for your recipe.
So, what can you freeze with ease?
1. Fresh herbs
Before you turn around and find your fresh basil has gone brown, chop what’s left up and add a little olive oil to it. This works for all your fresh herbs! You can dedicate an ice-tray just for herbs, and even make some herb mixtures to try when you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Tomato paste or sauce
How many times have you forgotten about that little bit of it hiding in the jar in the back of your fridge? The next time you use tomato paste or sauce but only have a tiny bit, take it and put it in the freezer immediately so you can put it to good use next time. This is also a great way to utilize an ice-tray to keep things organized.
3. Broth or stock
Whether you use veggie, chicken, or beef broth or stock, don’t forget that carton with a little at the bottom. Freeze it in an ice tray, and next time you need some with your recipe, you can drop in your frozen cubes of it to add more flavor to sauces and gravies.
4. Yogurt
Ever bought yogurt only to realize it’s going to expire before you have the chance to eat it all? This is one that surprised me, but yogurt freezes well. Dairy-free yogurt, as well, if you’re dairy-free. There are loads of different almond or coconut milk yogurts you can still enjoy. And it’s a delightful frozen treat too, not to mention easier to add into your smoothies.
5. Fresh-squeezed juice
If you have a juicer but never feel like whipping it out for just a small batch, there’s good news. Make as much as you want, then put it in your freezer. Thaw it out for when you want it, or like the yogurt, use it for your smoothies.
6. Avocado
Don’t let that avocado go to waste! Next time you have an abundance of avocado and need to salvage it before it goes bad, you can either 1) make a large bowl of delicious guacamole, or 2) freeze it. Freeze the avocado after it’s been washed and cut in half. Seal it in an air-tight container or a ziplock bag and pop it in the freezer. Once it’s thawed, it will be no longer firm, but they’re perfect to use in sauces/dips or in your smoothie.
When you use your freezer to stash these little bits, you’ll find they’ll go a long way in your kitchen!
Are there any other freezer tricks you know about?
Looking for more meal planning tips and support? Join me and a community of like-minded individuals in my Facebook group, Practical Meal Planning Moms. We share recipes, strategies, and encouragement to help you succeed!
