Introduction
One of the common problems that arise in the kitchen is figuring out how to store leftover soup. Soup is a great comfort food, but making it from scratch can be a lengthy process. That’s why meal prepping and freezing soup is a great solution for busy weeknights and future meals.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to freeze soup, tips and tricks on how to store and reheat frozen soup safely, suggestions for the best containers to use when freezing soup to avoid freezer burn, and recipe ideas that are perfect for bulk cooking and freezing. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Freeze Soup for Meal Prepping
Preparing the Soup for Freezing
When freezing soup, it’s important to prepare it properly before storing it in a container. First, make sure that your soup has cooled down to room temperature. Soup that is still hot can cause freezer burns on the container, which can affect the flavor and texture of the soup. Next, remove any excess fat or grease from the surface of the soup to prevent it from going rancid while frozen.
Choosing the Right Container
The best containers to use when freezing soup are freezer-safe containers that are airtight and leak-proof. Glass and plastic containers are great options for freezing soup, especially ones with locking lids. When selecting a container, make sure it’s the right size for the soup you’re freezing. Try to leave some room at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Freezing the Soup
Before adding the soup to the container, label it with the name of the soup, the date you made it, and whether it contains any allergens. This will make it easier for you to find the soup you want to eat later without having to open all your containers.
When ready, pour the soup into the container and seal it tightly. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Do not overfill the container as the soup will expand as it freezes.
Place the container in the freezer in a level position. Do not stack containers until they have frozen solid, as this can cause the container to tip over.
Labelling the Containers
Labelling the containers is important for identifying the soup and keeping track of when it was made. You can use a marker or label maker to label the container with the name of the soup, the date it was made, and any special instructions for reheating the soup.
Tips and Tricks on Freezing Different Types of Soups for Various Occasions
Tips on Freezing Creamy Soups
Creamy soups, like chowders and bisques, can be frozen, but they may separate or become grainy once defrosted. To avoid this, let the soup cool down to room temperature, then add some heavy cream or coconut cream to the soup. This will help stabilize the soup and keep it creamy when defrosted.
Tips on Freezing Broth-Based Soups
Broth-based soups, like chicken noodle soup or vegetable soup, freeze well and retain their texture and flavor after defrosting. To freeze broth-based soups, let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly and label it with the name of the soup and the date it was made.
Tips on Freezing Meat-Based Soups
Meat-based soups, like beef stew or chili, freeze well and are great for meal prepping. To freeze meat-based soups, let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly and label it with the name of the soup and the date it was made.
Ideas on Occasions Where Freezing Soup Would Be Helpful
Freezing soup is great for meal prepping, especially for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook. It’s also helpful when you have unexpected guests, as you can quickly defrost some soup for a warm and cozy meal. Additionally, freezing soup is perfect for preserving leftovers and reducing food waste.
How to Properly Store and Reheat Frozen Soup for Safe Consumption
Storing Frozen Soup
Frozen soup should be stored in the freezer at 0°F or below. It’s important to keep track of the soup’s shelf life, as it can affect the quality of the soup. Most soups can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months, but some soups, like cream-based soups, may only last for 1-2 months.
Reheating Frozen Soup
To safely reheat frozen soup, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Once defrosted, transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat it on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also microwave the soup, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent any hot spots.
Safety Precautions for Consuming Frozen Soup
When reheating frozen soup, it’s important to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown while frozen. It’s also important to discard any soup that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F.
Suggestions on the Best Containers to Use When Freezing Soup to Avoid Freezer Burn
Overview of Container Types for Freezing Soup
When freezing soup, the best containers to use are airtight and leak-proof to prevent freezer burn. There are several types of containers you can use:
- Plastic containers with locking lids
- Mason jars with plastic lids
- Ziploc bags
- Vacuum-sealed bags
Pros and Cons of Each Container Type
- Plastic containers: Pros – reusable, durable, come in various sizes. Cons – can crack or warp over time, may leach chemicals into the food if used repeatedly.
- Mason jars: Pros – reusable, eco-friendly, easy to clean. Cons – prone to cracking or chipping, may not be airtight.
- Ziploc bags: Pros – take up less space in the freezer, easy to label. Cons – not reusable, may not protect against freezer burn.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: Pros – protect against freezer burn, take up less space in the freezer. Cons – can be expensive, not reusable.
Recommendations on Best Containers to Use
The best containers to use when freezing soup are glass or plastic containers with locking lids. These containers are durable, airtight, and leak-proof. Mason jars with plastic lids are also great options for eco-conscious individuals, but they may not be airtight. Ziploc bags and vacuum-sealed bags can be used for short-term storage but are not ideal for long-term storage due to their lack of durability and protection against freezer burn.
A List of Soup Recipes That Are Perfect for Freezing and Can Be Made in Bulk
Here are some soup recipes that freeze well and are perfect for meal prepping:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Tomato soup
- Vegetable soup
- Beef stew
- Minestrone soup
- Baked potato soup
- Split pea soup
- Chili
How to Save Time and Money by Freezing Leftover Soup for Future Meals
Explanation of the Benefits of Freezing Leftover Soup
Freezing leftover soup is a great way to save time and money in the kitchen. You can make a big batch of soup and freeze it for future meals, which means less time spent cooking and more time relaxing. Additionally, freezing leftover soup is great for reducing food waste and preserving leftovers.
Tips on How to Reuse Frozen Soup
Leftover frozen soup can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave until hot and bubbly. You can also use leftover soup as a base for other recipes, like casseroles or pot pies. Alternatively, you can mix and match different soups to create new flavor combinations.
Conclusion
Freezing soup is a great solution for meal prepping and preserving leftovers. By following our step-by-step guide, tips and tricks, and recommendations for containers, you can freeze soup successfully for future meals.
