Meal Prepping with Freeze Dried Corn: The Easy Way

Meal prepping has become a popular way to save time and eat healthy. By preparing meals ahead of time, you can avoid the temptation of fast food or unhealthy snacks. However, it can be challenging to come up with new and exciting recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and nutritious. Freeze-dried corn is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor, texture, and nutrients to your meals. In this article, we will share tips, recipes, and storage ideas on how to meal prep with freeze-dried corn.

Benefits of Freeze-Dried Corn

Freeze-drying is a process that removes the moisture from the corn, making it lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to store. Freeze-dried corn retains most of its nutritional value, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some benefits of using freeze-dried corn in your meal prep:

• It adds flavor and texture to soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.
• It is a good source of fiber and plant-based protein.
• It is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
• It is affordable and easy to find in grocery stores or online.

How to Store Freeze-Dried Corn

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and freshness of freeze-dried corn. Here are some tips on how to store freeze-dried corn:

• Keep it in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent moisture and air from getting in.
• Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Label the container or bag with the date of purchase or expiration.
• Use it within six months to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value.

How to Cook with Freeze-Dried Corn

Freeze-dried corn is easy to rehydrate and cook. Here are some methods to prepare freeze-dried corn for your meal prep:

• Soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate the kernels. Drain off excess water before using.
• Add it directly to soups, stews, or casseroles, and let it cook with the other ingredients.
• Use it as a topping for salads or as a side dish for grilled meats or vegetables.
• Mix it with other freeze-dried or dehydrated vegetables to create a custom blend for your recipes.

Meal Prep Recipes with Freeze-Dried Corn

Here are some meal prep recipes that use freeze-dried corn as a key ingredient:

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup freeze-dried corn
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, freeze-dried corn, black beans, and red bell pepper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
• Top with diced avocado before serving. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup freeze-dried corn
• 1 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in butter until fragrant and translucent.
• Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until no longer pink.
• Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
• Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Add freeze-dried corn and season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chowder thickens.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

For even more recipes using freeze-dried corn, be sure to read Delicious Freeze Dried Corn Recipes to Try.

General Tips for Meal Prepping

Meal prepping can be an effective way to save time and money while maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some general tips to help you get started with meal prepping:

1. Plan your meals in advance: Decide what you want to eat for the week and create a grocery list accordingly. This will help you avoid impulsive buying and reduce food waste.
2. Choose versatile ingredients: Opt for ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes to increase variety and save time. Freeze-dried corn is one such ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from soups and stews to salads and casseroles.
3. Use the right containers: Invest in good quality containers that are leak-proof, microwave-safe, and freezer-safe. This will help you store and reheat your meals with ease.
4. Choose a meal prep lunchbox:  A meal prep lunchbox such as the Bentgo Multi-Meal Bag will allow you to easily transport your meal for the day, no matter where your day takes you. 
5. Label your meals: Use labels or markers to identify the contents and date of your meals. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it was prepared.
6. Start small: If you are new to meal prepping, start with a few recipes and gradually increase the number of meals you prepare. This will help you avoid burnout and make the process more manageable.

By following these tips, you can make meal prepping with freeze-dried corn a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Meal prepping with freeze-dried corn is a smart and tasty way to add variety to your diet. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or meat lover, there are many recipes and methods to incorporate freeze-dried corn into your meal prep routine. From soups and salads to casseroles and chowders, freeze-dried corn adds flavor, texture, and nutrients to your meals. So, next time you plan your meal prep, don't forget to add freeze-dried corn to your shopping list.