I keep a lot of side dishes in my freezers and they're really handy to have. I
make large batches and then divide into 1 cup or 1/2 cup portions.
Take a bag of any kind of dried beans and cook them up according to the
directions on the package, but don't cook them until completely done. I take
them off a few minutes before they are done because they will finish cooking as
they are being reheated. If you cook them completely before freezing, the
freezing plus the reheating will leave you with mushy beans. Leave them plain
or season them. I like them for a quick lunch but they also make a good side
for Mexican dishes.
Rice dishes of all kinds (but don't use instant rice) do well in the freezer. I
like to do them in a large casserole or small roaster in the oven so I don't
have to watch them as I'm doing other things. You could also use a Dutch oven.
I put a couple cups of rice in the roaster. Then I add whatever I want to
flavor it. A can of soup (I like golden mushroom), a packet of gravy mix,
or some soup base, etc. I usually add some onion, either chopped fresh of
dehydrated. You could also add a packet of onion soup mix or use a can of onion
soup. I also add a couple cans of mushrooms and a bag of frozen mixed
vegetables. Finally, add at least 4 cups of water and mix everything well. I
bake at 530 degrees, 1 hour for white rice or 2 hours for brown, checking about
15 minutes before it should come out to see if the rice is getting done and to
see if I need to add any more liquid (add any additional liquid hot). If you
want to cut the baking time in half, bring the liquid to a boil on the stove
prior to mixing it in. The thing I like about this is that you can add anything
you want to the mix as long as you add the right amount of liquid. And you can
make it in big or small quantities to suit your needs. Just remember when
choosing your utensil, the rice will expand 2-3 times.
Potato sides will also freeze well. I freeze mashed potatoes just as they are
although I know some people like to add cream cheese to theirs. Mine are just
fine without anything added. Just give them a quick stir as they are being
reheated. I also bake a large number of potatoes at one time and freeze them.
They only take a few minutes in the microwave to reheat (the time depends on the
size of the potatoes). Commercially frozen hash browns (either shredded or
cubed) can also be used to make some quick sides. Scalloped or au gratin make
up really fast this way.
You could also use frozen vegetables. Don't thaw them, just divide them into
single servings and add whatever you like - crumbles bacon, diced onion, cheese
(we like Parmesan on corn), any seasonings you wish, etc. Then return them to
the freezer.
If you want to use pasta, choose sturdy shapes and undercook it slightly.
Soups work well as sides also.
Check to see what, if any, dietary restrictions they might have. Also ask what
some of their favorite dishes might be and what things they dislike. And go
easy on the seasoning, especially the salt. They can add it at the table is
they want.
________________________________
From: Stephanie Stowe stowe_family@comcast.net
I have a friend whose parents are having health issues. Mom is in the
hospital, and Dad is on his own. I want to make some singer serve dinners. I
have all sorts of suitable main dishes. Anyone have suggestions for side
dishes to suggest?
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