Forget the panic buying - Try these freezer-friendly recipes instead

The coronavirus pandemic may have left the shelves bare, but here's how you can cook smarter.

Mar 19, 2020 12:55pm

By Alex Lilly

The coronavirus pandemic has seen mammoth changes in the ways Aussies and people around the globe view food.

Supermarket shelves were virtually emptied by panic buyers stocking up on canned beans, tinned tomatoes, pasta and even the Prime Minister was forced to step in and reprimand those who did.

"It is not sensible, it is not helpful and it has been one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis," Scott Morrison told the press on Wednesday.

However, with many Aussies in self-isolation wondering how they're going to feed their families without regular trips to the shops, now is the time to embrace freezer-friendly recipes.

Meal prepping in this way is not only convenient when you have hungry mouths to feed, but it's also a way to stay healthy and manage your weight.

"Meal prepping eliminates how reliant we are on cravings so if there's food already prepped, then we're more inclined to eat what's already been made," dietitian Lyndi Cohen explains.

And while takeaway is tempting, especially when the supermarket shelves are bare, there are some recipes you can try that involve other ingredients.

Keep scrolling for our favourite dishes that can easily be stored in the freezer.

1 / 0

These easy, freezable green power mini frittatas with spinach and feta are packed with vitamins and protein making them a fab breakfast option.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

2 / 0

This creamy chai-roasted pumpkin soup with honey walnuts is a great lunch or light dinner.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

3 / 0

A hearty vegetable lasagne will be a guaranteed family-favourite, on more than one occasion too.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

4 / 0

Spice things up with this vegetarian Thai yellow curry.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

5 / 0

Feed the family with this hearty roasted vegetable and chorizo risotto. You can even freeze it into patties and shallow fry later for something different.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

6 / 0

Fresh and light, this feta and tomato quiche is perfect with a green salad for a complete meal.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

7 / 0

These chicken, asparagus and leek pot pies freeze well but do so before baking the pastry and bake from frozen. You'll need to increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

8 / 0

These zucchini fritters can be made several hours ahead and stored away in the freezer. Fry them up and serve with tzatziki.

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)

9 / 0

Staying inside isn't so bad when you have this beef casserole to indulge in. The casserole itself is freezer-friendly but you'll have to eat the cheesy herb dumplings in one go!

(Image: Women's Weekly Food)