The coronavirus pandemic is definitely putting a strain in various aspects of life. It’s getting more difficult to find the necessary groceries we need for our families, especially healthy options. Here are some tips on how to maximize your food.
FROZEN VEGGIES
This is an extremely easy and affordable option. Stock up on the frozen version of your favorite veggies as these can last longer than fresh veggies so you can have them readily available.
Alternatively, you can buy fresh veggies in bulk and freeze them as well by cutting and prepping them.
Frozen veggies to consider:
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Spinach
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Frozen root vegetables of any kind
- Etc.
TIP: You can peal a large quantity of garlic (or buy them pealed already) put them in a blender and blend with olive oil. This will extend the life of the garlic and you’ll always have it handy. Alternately, you can buy minced garlic in a jar as well.
What I like to do is sauté diced onions in a pan with garlic and any frozen veggie. I have a ton of spices in my cabinet so I pick and choose which spice I’d like to add.
Let everything simmer on medium so the flavors could blend, roughly 10 minutes or so. If you see it’s drying out, add a little water. After 10 minutes or so, I add water and let simmer for another 10 minutes. At the end I add some noodles and voila! I’ve made myself a nice easy healthy soup!
FROZEN FRUIT
Great for making smoothies. Again, alternately, you could buy fresh fruit and freeze them. If you typically enjoy fresh fruit, but don’t eat them quickly enough, freeze some for later use.
MEAT
I’ve been noticing how some grocery stores are running out of certain meat products. Jokingly, I see freezer isles for “meat alternatives” untouched for the most part. I picked a great time to become vegetarian! lol
Jokes aside, even when I wasn’t vegetarian I found myself exploring meat-less options and I have to admit, even as a meat eater, I really liked the meat-less brand called “BEYOND MEAT”. Very close to the real deal.
BEANS
Beans are very economical. Dried and canned beans are flying off the shelves. However, if you can find some, try to make them last as long as possible. I’ve been making, stocking up, and freezing my bean burgers. One 15 oz can of beans can make approximately 5 burgers. Throw them in a food processor with seasoning, form into patties and bake. My recipe can be seen here.
BREAD
Bread is another one of those items that are running out. If you can manage to buy a few loafs, freeze them so they don’t expire so quickly. They can be heated/toasted when you’re ready to eat them.
UNRIPE FRUIT
Green bananas and tomatoes or any other fruit that hasn’t ripened yet along with ripened fruit as well. This way, as you consume the ripened fruit, you’ll already have more in the ripening process.
VEGGIE BURGERS
Much like my bean burger recipe, you can take various veggies and nuts and throw them in a food processor. My favorite combination is cauliflower and walnuts. I add peppers, onion, garlic, and any seasoning I have. Blend it all, add some breadcrumbs and an egg to bind, form patties, and bake. This could be a fun activity to do with your little ones. I’ll be posting more veggie burger recipes in detail soon.
Remember, always try to consume first what may expire quicker. This will help extend your overall groceries and have less wasted food.
I hope these tips help spark up ideas on how you can maximize the use of your groceries. These are trying times and we have to make sure we keep our composure and make the best out of a bad situation. Wash your hands, stay indoors, and see it as an opportunity to connect with your immediate family. Play board games, video games, cook together, and explore your creativity.
This is just a moment in history that will soon pass. Until then, lets try to stay productive!
