Are you tired of scrambling to prepare dinner after a long day? Say goodbye to mealtime stress with these easy vegetarian freezer meals! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this quinoa and black bean dish is not only simple to make, but it's also a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Imagine having six delicious servings ready to go in your freezer, just waiting to be warmed up and enjoyed. Dive into this recipe and discover how you can effortlessly stock your freezer with nutritious meals that will keep your taste buds happy and your schedule stress-free!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
- While quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Drain and rinse black beans, then add to the skillet with corn and chili powder.
- Stir the bean and corn mixture, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and add to the skillet with vegetables.
- Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature, about 20-25 minutes.
- Divide the mixture into six equal portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Label containers with date and contents, then seal tightly, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze meals for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in refrigerator and warm in microwave or skillet.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the natural bitter coating called saponin, ensuring a pleasant flavor.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: For perfectly cooked quinoa, use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. This will help absorb all the water and yield fluffy grains.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even diced tomatoes can add a delightful twist.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the chili powder to your taste preference. For a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Cool Before Freezing: Allow the mixture to cool completely before dividing it into containers. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and keeps your meals fresh.
- Label and Date: Always label your containers with the date and contents. This way, you can keep track of what you have and ensure you use them within the recommended three months.
- Reheating Tips: For best results when reheating, thaw the meal overnight in the refrigerator. This helps maintain texture and flavor, and you can warm it in a skillet for an even better taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
