The Freezer Staple I Keep on Hand for Effortless Weeknight Dinners

I've heard stories of people who, after a long day, can just reach into their freezer and have a delicious meal ready in minutes. Occasionally, I’m that person. But most of the time, since I love cooking, I prefer to prepare meals from scratch every night.

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a game-changing grocery store. It had an expansive bulk section where you could buy as much or as little as you wanted of all kinds of items. Among the many treasures was a vast selection of rice and grains.

I started experimenting by purchasing small amounts of different grains to try out. It became a fun challenge, and I learned a lot. One week, I overcooked one of my experiments and decided to freeze the leftovers. That turned out to be a pivotal moment in my cooking journey.

The grain froze perfectly, and when I thawed it a few days later, it was just as good as the day I made it. This revelation shaped the way I approached cooking for the rest of the summer, and well beyond.

Find the recipe here: Southwestern Quinoa Salad

On weekends, I typically cook several batches of different grains like basmati, barley, forbidden rice, wild rice, farro, and quinoa. After they cool completely, I transfer them into zipper-lock bags (a vacuum sealer works wonders if you have one), press out the excess air, and stack the flattened bags in the freezer. Alternatively, freezer containers can be used.

When I’m ready for dinner, I just grab a bag or two, let them thaw for a bit, and I'm ready to go. The best part is not only the time saved but also the convenience of adding a variety of hearty, nutritious grains into my family’s meals.

Grain bowls are a breeze to make in just minutes. You can elevate simple vegetable and broth soups by adding one or more types of rice or grains. With this trick, you’ll never run out of side dish ideas again.

A breakfast porridge can take on entirely new and delightful flavors and textures. Toss a quickly sautéed chicken breast into any thawed grain, and voilà—dinner is served! These are just a few of the endless possibilities.

This week, why not give grains a try? (It’s a perfect excuse to invest in a deep freezer!) Freeze them and experience the convenience of preparing a hearty meal in no time. And once you get the hang of it, feel free to get creative—the only limit is your imagination.