Meal Prepping with Freeze Dried Potatoes: The Easy Way

Meal prepping is a popular way to save time and effort in the kitchen, especially for busy people who want to eat healthy, home-cooked meals throughout the week. However, the key to successful meal prepping is choosing ingredients that are easy to prepare, store, and use. One such ingredient that can make your meal prepping easier and more convenient is freeze dried potatoes. Freeze dried potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, and they are particularly great for meal prepping. In this article, we will explore the benefits of meal prepping with freeze dried potatoes and share some tips and recipes to get you started.

Benefits of Meal Prepping with Freeze Dried Potatoes

Saves Time and Effort

Meal prepping with freeze dried potatoes can save you a lot of time and effort in the kitchen. Freeze dried potatoes are already cooked and dehydrated, so all you need to do is rehydrate them with some water and they are ready to use in your dishes. This means you don't have to spend time peeling, chopping, and cooking potatoes, which can be a time-consuming task.

Reduces Food Waste

Another benefit of meal prepping with freeze dried potatoes is that it can help reduce food waste. Fresh potatoes have a limited shelf life and can go bad quickly if not used within a few days. Freeze dried potatoes, on the other hand, can be stored for months or even years without spoiling, so you can buy them in bulk and use them as needed without worrying about them going bad.

Versatile Ingredient

Freeze dried potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be rehydrated and used in soups, stews, casseroles, and other hot dishes. They can also be used as a base for mashed potatoes or potato salad, or as a topping for salads and sandwiches. With freeze dried potatoes, the possibilities are endless.

Tips for Meal Prepping with Freeze Dried Potatoes

Choose High-Quality Freeze Dried Potatoes

When shopping for freeze dried potatoes, make sure to choose high-quality products from a reputable brand. Look for potatoes that are free from additives, preservatives, and other chemicals. Also, check the expiration date to ensure that the potatoes are fresh.

Store Them Properly

To ensure that your freeze dried potatoes last as long as possible, store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is a good place to store them. Once the package is opened, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Rehydrate Them Correctly

To rehydrate freeze dried potatoes, simply soak them in water for about 15 minutes until they are soft and plump. Drain off any excess water before using them in your recipes. You can also add flavor to the potatoes by soaking them in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Recipes for Meal Prepping with Freeze Dried Potatoes

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups freeze dried potatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the freeze dried potatoes to the pot and let them soak for 15 minutes until they are soft and plump.
3. Add the butter, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pot and stir well.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the potatoes are fully cooked.
5. Serve hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups freeze dried potatoes
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and fully cooked.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. In a separate pot, rehydrate the freeze dried potatoes and drain off any excess water.
8. Mash the potatoes with butter and Parmesan cheese.
9. Spread the beef mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the beef mixture, spreading them evenly.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown on top.

FAQs

Q: What are freeze dried potatoes?

Freeze dried potatoes are potatoes that have been cooked and then dehydrated to remove all the moisture. They can be stored for a long time without spoiling and are a convenient ingredient for cooking and meal prepping.

Q: Where can I buy freeze dried potatoes?

Freeze dried potatoes are available at most grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers such as Good Neighbor’s dehydrated mashed potatoes. Look for them in the baking or canned goods section of the store.

Q: How do I rehydrate freeze dried potatoes?

To rehydrate freeze dried potatoes, simply soak them in water for about 15 minutes until they are soft and plump. Drain off any excess water before using them in your recipes.

Meal prepping with freeze dried potatoes is a practical and convenient way to save time and effort in the kitchen. With their long shelf life, versatility, and ease of use, freeze dried potatoes can be a great addition to your meal prepping routine. Whether you use them in soups, stews, casseroles, or other dishes, freeze dried potatoes are sure to make your meal prep easier and more enjoyable. So, give them a try and see how they can simplify your cooking and meal prep.