master-cooks | The One Frozen Veggie Vegans Should Always Have In The Freezer

Frozen spinach is a versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable that every vegan should consider keeping stocked in their freezer. This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium, making it an excellent addition to a plant-based diet. Its convenience and long shelf life are major advantages, allowing vegans to easily incorporate it into meals without worrying about spoilage. Spinach can quickly elevate a variety of dishes, from smoothies and soups to stir-fries and pasta sauces, providing a nutritional boost without altering the flavor profile significantly. Additionally, frozen spinach retains its nutritional value well, often being flash-frozen at peak freshness, which ensures that its health benefits are preserved. Its compact form also means it requires minimal freezer space, making it a practical choice for those with limited storage. By having frozen spinach on hand, vegans can effortlessly enrich their meals with vital nutrients, ensuring a balanced and wholesome diet. Its adaptability and health benefits make frozen spinach an invaluable staple for anyone following a vegan lifestyle, offering a simple solution to enhance the nutritional quality of everyday meals.

Grab shelled or still in the pod for a boost of protein

You definitely don’t need to be vegan to enjoy the versatility, nutritional benefits, and the delightful crunch of edamame. These chewy green beans are an obvious choice for boosting protein in stir-fries, Asian-inspired noodle dishes, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own with a sprinkle of salt.

For plant-based enthusiasts seeking vegan protein options, edamame truly shines. While frozen broccoli, corn, peas, and spinach have their merits, if your aim is to increase your protein intake, keep looking in the freezer aisle. A budget-friendly 10-ounce steamable bag (available at most grocery stores) packs 14 grams of protein. A single ½ cup serving offers 7 grams—slightly more than what you’d find in a boiled egg, for comparison.

Choosing between shelled or in-the-shell edamame is entirely up to you. If you want to recreate the restaurant experience of shelling each bean from its pod with your teeth, opt for edamame still in its shell. This variety makes for a convenient desk or on-the-go snack, and can be kept frozen and microwaved when you’re ready to enjoy, or pre-cooked and stored in the fridge. If you plan to incorporate the edamame directly into your cooking, go for a bag of already-shelled beans, which can be microwaved and tossed into salads or grain bowls. Alternatively, save yourself a step and a dish by adding the beans directly to a pot of boiling water to cook alongside noodles or other vegetables.

The One Frozen Veggie Vegans Should Always Have In The Freezer

Grab shelled or still in the pod for a boost of protein

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