Time & Money saving stew tip

sandiep

HI

I did this last week, and have been dead impressed with the results. When I make a stew/casserole i like it loaded with lots of different veggies. But because there are only 2adults and 2 children, there are too much veggies for one meal.

So i went to the grocers and bought the lot, turnip, carrots, leeks, spring onions, parsnips, sweet potatos, ordinary white potatos, and chopped it all. I froze bags of the chopped mixture, and now when i want a stew etc, then i just brown off some meat, add some stock and a bag of frozen chpped veggies, and leave to simmer.

And it tastes great.

So far, i've done beef & red wine, Pork & cider, and Chicken. You can also bung in a can of tomotos. I think it would also work well as a curry base, but i've not done that yet and my family aren't curry fans.

But i do know that it does the healthy tea option, with five minutes effort (once you've chopped the veg in the first place )

Will be having another mass chopping session next week as i'm down to my last bag

Jack_D_2

Hi sandiep

Did you cook the veg before you froze it

Thanks

Jack_D

sandiep

Nope, i wondered if i should, i know that lots of recipe books talk about "blanching", but i just froze the lot. Still tasted good, and the potatos didn't go black or gunky or anything.

claireabelle_2

that's a really good tip, thanks for sharing!

vivw_2

Thanks for the tip. I freeze peppers and mushrooms without blanching but have never done it with other veg.

thriftlady_2

This idea might interest you too;)

trying-very-trying

Sandiep, yes I freeze raw veg, especially if I notice that I have more than I can use before it goes off, i.e got it extra cheap, but I always keep this at the top of the freezer for short term use.
Thriftlady, I had never thought of mixing my veggies before freezing, but will definitely give it a go, thanks!

Catwoman_Kent

I often make a big veggie stew with lentils and split peas in it. Have it for a couple of meals then add some curry paste as it starts to thicken up. Any leftover curry gets frozen for further meals.