Here are three ideas for freezer-friendly Mediterranean meals.
Shrimp pasta with a fresh green salad. Pasta pairs perfectly with staples from the freezer. Start by thawing frozen shrimp in a strainer under a drizzle of cool running water for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring water to boil for the pasta and prepare a simple green salad. Sauté olive oil, garlic, and herbs together for a simple sauce, add the shrimp to cook, toss with pasta, and you're set.
Tip: Frozen shrimp at the supermarket is may be fresher than the "fresh" shrimp at the seafood counter, which is often thawed from frozen anyway.
Falafel pitas and asparagus soup. Homemade falafels (chickpea fritters), like meatballs, freeze well pre-cooked. Freeze them on sheet pans to start, then put them in bags to take up less space once they are frozen. When you are ready to use them, thaw and pan-fry in olive oil. Serve them in whole wheat pitas, with fresh vegetables. For a more substantial meal, add soup. Both the pitas and the soup can be thawed from the freezer, of course!
Tip: Freeze soups and sauces in plastic freezer bags to save room. Fill the bag with room temperature soup, flatten, seal, and label.
Baked salmon, whole grains, and roasted vegetables. If you're lucky, your grocery store will carry a variety of bagged frozen vegetables, including pre-roasted versions. Try roasted butternut squash, for example, or simply freeze your own. Frozen fruits and vegetables can taste better than what is available fresh or canned, because they are usually flash-frozen soon after harvest. They are often more affordable too. Serve with salmon and a whole grain of your choosing, both of which store well in the freezer.
Tip: Due to their heart-healthy fats, fish like salmon doesn't stay flavorful as long as lean fish, such as cod. Use fatty fish within 2-3 months after you freeze it.
When your freezer is mindfully filled with ingredients you can use, it can be a source of inspiration. For even more freezer-friendly meal ideas, check out the recipes below.