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Frozen vegetables are every smart cook’s best friend. They save a lot of time and hassle, which generally is not the case when using fresh vegetables. The best part about frozen vegetables is that they come in handy during last-minute meal preps or while catering to a large crowd. However, to utilize them to the fullest, you need to be careful about the way they are cooked. Have you not been able to get the desired result with your veggies? Or do they taste bland? If you are someone who uses frozen vegetables regularly or just started, then fret not. Read about these 5 mistakes you might be making while cooking frozen vegetables (and how to avoid them).
Also Read: Going for Frozen Food? Here’s What You Need to Know
Frozen vegetables need to be thawed.
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 5 Mistakes That You Are Making With Frozen Vegetables
1. Not Thawing
Are you cooking your frozen vegetables without thawing them first? Then you should avoid this practice. Thawing is a simple process that means letting the frozen vegetables sit out or warming them up a bit in a microwave. This process helps in cooking the vegetables evenly and prevents excess moisture so that the frozen item remains nice and tasty.
2. Cooking Without Seasoning
Do your frozen vegetables taste bland? Freshly chopped veggies contain natural sweetness and crunch, which may be lacking in the frozen ones. Adding extra flavour and seasoning may help enhance the flavour of the veggies. The next time you are cooking, sprinkle some salt, pepper, dry herbs, or even a dash of lemon juice to make them tasty.
3. Overcooking
It is a common belief that frozen vegetables need to be cooked for a longer time than fresh ones; however, it is wrong. Frozen vegetables cook way faster than fresh ones. Leaving the frozen vegetables on the stove or in the oven for longer periods can make them mushy and lose their flavour. If you are sceptical about the time required to cook the veggies, follow the instructions on the cover or box.
Not all frozen vegetables need to be cooked.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Thinking All Veggies Need To Be Cooked
This might come as a surprise to you, but you don’t need to cook all the frozen vegetables. Just like frozen fruits, some vegetables like carrots, sweet corn, etc., don’t need to be cooked but only brought to room temperature. This would ensure they remain crunchy. So, the next time you are using these, defrost them a bit and toss them into your salads.
5. Not Drying
One of the most common mistakes that you can make while cooking frozen vegetables could be not drying them after thawing. After you have thawed your desired vegetables, place them on a paper towel to remove extra water. Using the vegetables directly after thawing would make them soggy and lose taste. Patting them dry just before tossing them in the pan would ensure that the vegetables are just the perfect amount of crunchy.
Also Read: Did You Know? Viral Hack Lets You Quickly Reseal Frozen Snack Packets
Do you have any other tips for cooking with frozen vegetables? Let us know in the comments below.
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