Here are a few of the soups I recommend!

The first time I tried this method I was making Taco Soup. I had already batch cooked some beans and was ready to make soup. I decided to make one on the stove and add the exact same contents to a zip lock freezer bag for an easy meal on another day. I let it thaw in the fridge over night then poured it in the Crock Pot in the morning with some extra water. Viola!

This one can be made two ways. You can add everything except water to the bag and store it in the freezer OR you can add just the dry ingredients together and store it in the pantry. If you choose the second option I recommend that you write on the bag the rest of the ingredients in case you forget.

You can place it in the refrigerator the night before to defrost or dump it frozen into the crock pot with the correct amount of liquid and cook it all day.

Normally I just cook a double batch of chili and freeze the leftovers but it’s easy to prep it and toss it in the freezer without cooking it. This is a great option when you have a lot of extra beans or veggies that need to be used.

When I was a kid my mom would make big batches of soup and chili and freeze them when we went on trips. Whether you cook the soups before hand or not having a “packaged” soup ready to go will free up time later. I definitely recommend it.

What is your favorite soup? Have you considered trying this tip with it?

Favorite Plant-Based Freezer Foods

There are several foods that I always keep in my freezer. Freezing food can save time and money when done right. I’m not talking about frozen veggies but I try to keep those handy also. Here is my list of my favorite plant-based freezer food.

Cooked Whole Beans

I buy and cook dry beans in bulk then freeze them in individual or family size portions. When I’m out of beans I’m tempted to use canned, which may be ok but they are more expensive and often high in sodium and sometimes weird ingredients. If you’ve never bought and cooked dry beans is really easy, check out my How to Cook Dry Beans Guide.

Once your beans are cooked and cooled just chose a container, I sometimes use freezer bags or plastic container (I have little boys so I’m not ready to convert to glass), label and store. I’ve successfully stored several varieties of whole beans, including lentils. You can drain them or freeze them in the liquid, which ever you prefer.

Cooked beans can be added to a number of dishes or eaten plain. Next time you plan to cook beans just double it and freeze half.

Unfried Beans

If you have tried my Unfried Black Beans or Unfried Pinto Beans you know they are life changing! They also freeze really well, even more life changing. These are perfect for Nachos or Burritos (which are also great to freeze).

Grains

I often cook grains in bulk and sometimes it ends up being way more than we can eat. Simply choose a container, label and freeze. Some grains may lose their texture slightly. I prefer to use frozen grains in soups or casseroles because they usually need more liquid. Most of the time I freeze rice or quinoa since they are both gluten-free.

Muffins and Breads

Do you ever have company come over and need a snack for a crowd? Maybe you are doing to a birthday party and need an allergy-friendly treat for you little one. Freezing Breads and Muffins are the perfect solution. If you need gluten-free baked goods I recommend Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins (with or without chocolate chips), Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins, or Gluten-Free Apple Muffins.

If gluten isn’t an issue you simply must try my recipe for Worlds Best Banana Bread, this delicious Pumpkin Bread or my Blueberry Muffins.

Soups and Chili

I always try to save at least one serving of soup or chili but I love them so much it is hard to resist finishing it all. I usually store these in wide mouth containers so I can easily dump them in a pot to defrost. I don’t think I’ve tried freezing soups with noodles but I’ve been successful with several different veggie based soups including Potato & Broccoli Soup, Green Chili, Cilantro & Lime Soup, Enchilada Soup and Taco Soup. Chili also freezes really well. Try freezing it in individual portions so you can grab it quickly for lunch. Simply let it defrost throughout the morning then heat at lunch time.

Mashed Potatoes

One year we made way to many mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving but I learned a valuable lesson, Mashed Potatoes freeze really well. I prefer to store them in a containers that can easily be dumped into a bowl for defrosting. You could even whip up a big batch before the holidays to save time, just don’t forget to defrost the day before.

Chocolate Mousse

Although it’s a little too cool for frozen treats I can’t help but mention how delicious Chocolate Mousse is frozen. It’s perfect in Popsicle molds or even in a shallow dish.

What is your favorite plant-based freeze food?

Freezer Bag Soup

Freezer Bag Soup

Here are a few of the soups I recommend!