Which dishes can be prepared in advance and frozen?
Whether to save time during the week, prepare holiday meals or manage busy schedules, cook ahead and freeze is an effective solution. But not all dishes are suitable for freezing. Some lose their texture, others their taste. Fortunately, many recipes can be frozen just fine, as long as a few rules are observed.
In this article, Frigelux offers you a selection of dishes that freeze perfectly, to get organized without sacrificing the pleasure of eating.
1. Simmered dishes
Rich in sauce and flavour, they often gain in flavour after freezing.
Ideas to prepare :
- Beef bourguignon
- Veal Blanquette
- Chicken curry stir-fry
- Chili con carne
- Vegetable or meat tagine
Board freeze in individual or family portions as required. Allow dishes to cool before packaging.
2. Soups and veloutés
Easy to prepare in large quantities, they are ideal for express dinners.
Freezing :
- Pumpkin soup
- Lentil soup
- Minestrone
- Vegetable broth
Tip Frigelux add cream or cheese only when ready to serve, to avoid texture separation.
3. Gratins and baked dishes
They freeze very well, raw or cooked, as required.
Examples:
- Gratin dauphinois (lightly precooked before freezing)
- Meat or vegetable lasagne
- Parmentier (beef, duck, vegetables)
- Cannelloni or moussaka
Good to know freeze these dishes in specially adapted molds or in portions, ready to be put directly into the oven.
4. Savoury quiches and tarts
Whether with vegetables, cheese or bacon, they retain their flavor very well.
Suggestions :
- Quiche lorraine
- Spinach and goat's cheese tart
- Onion tart
- Zucchini quiche
To do cool, trim if necessary and wrap in cling film or an airtight tin.
5. Pasta dishes in sauce
Some pasta dishes freeze well, provided they are rich enough in sauce.
Good candidates :
- Lasagne
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta Bolognese
- Homemade ravioli or gnocchi
Avoid sauces based on crème fraîche alone, which do not freeze well.
6. Cooked meats
Meat in sauce or slow-cooked remains tasty after freezing.
Examples:
- Sliced roast pork with jus
- Beef meatballs in tomato sauce
- Pre-cooked marinated chicken breast
- Chicken drumsticks in sauce
Board add a little juice or stock before freezing to preserve the softness.
7. Vegetarian dishes
Rich in fiber, vegetables and spices, vegetarian dishes stand up well to freezing.
Recipes to prepare :
- Lentil Dahl
- Chickpea curry
- Ratatouille
- Mixed roasted vegetables
Tip add fresh herbs after defrosting to bring out the flavours.
8. Home-made desserts
Some desserts can also be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer.
Freezing :
- Chocolate Moelleux
- Muffins and madeleines
- Home-made compotes
- Apple or pear tarts (raw or baked)
Do not freeze preparations containing custard or very moist fillings.
Practical tips for successful freezing
- Use airtight containers or well-sealed freezer bags.
- Label with name of dish and date.
- Freeze as soon as possible after cooking (after cooling completely).
- Keep your dishes -18 °C for a maximum of 2 to 3 months, depending on the recipe.
In a nutshell
The dishes that freeze best are :
- Simmered dishes (stews, curries, blanquettes)
- Gratins, lasagne, savoury tarts
- Soups, veloutés and broths
- Meats in sauce or pre-cooked
- Vegetarian dishes based on vegetables or legumes
- Soft pastries and homemade compotes
With good organization and a freezer Frigelux efficient, you can prepare in advance varied, balanced and tasty meals, ready to enjoy at any time.