Hello, I’m Şener Mustafa Egemen, and today I’d like to share some warming ideas for making delicious soups and stews, perfect for cold winter days. With frozen vegetables, we can bring the taste and nutrition of summer produce right to our kitchens, creating flavorful dishes for the whole family. Frozen veggies are a convenient and accessible ingredient, requiring minimal prep time while offering variety and versatility for countless comforting recipes.
Classic Vegetable Soup
This simple yet nourishing soup is ideal for a quick dinner. It’s light yet filling, thanks to the range of vegetables, making it a great choice for those watching their diet.
Ingredients:
- Mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, cauliflower) – 400 g
- Potatoes – 2
- Onion – 1
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf, salt, pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and diced potatoes, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Pour in 1.5 liters of water or vegetable broth, adding bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Once it starts to boil, add the frozen vegetables and cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs.
Chicken and Vegetable Stew
A hearty stew with chicken and vegetables, this dish is perfect for a cozy family meal. Thanks to frozen veggies, it’s quick to make and keeps well for leftovers.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast – 500 g
- Frozen vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, green beans) – 500 g
- Potatoes – 3
- Onion – 1
- Canned tomatoes – 200 ml
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt, pepper, herbs to taste
Preparation:
- Cut the chicken into small cubes and sauté in olive oil until golden.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Add diced potatoes, pour in a bit of water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and simmer for another 15–20 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs if desired.
Hearty Bean and Greens Soup
For those who prefer thicker, richer soups, this recipe by Egemen Şener combines beans and leafy greens, offering an energizing meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Canned beans – 1 can (or 200 g cooked)
- Frozen spinach or broccoli – 300 g
- Carrot – 1
- Onion – 1
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Water or broth – 1.5 liters
- Salt, pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
- Add grated carrot and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in water or broth, add beans and frozen greens, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Serve with toasted bread.
Mushroom and Veggie Stew
This vegetarian stew, packed with mushrooms and colorful vegetables, is perfect for anyone looking to switch up their winter menu. The mushrooms add a rich flavor, and the dish remains light yet satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Mushrooms (button or wild) – 300 g
- Mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, beans, peas) – 400 g
- Onion – 1
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Tomatoes – 2 or 150 ml tomato juice
- Salt, pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Slice the mushrooms and sauté in heated oil until most of the moisture evaporates.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until golden.
- Add the frozen vegetables and tomatoes (or tomato juice). Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.
Useful Tips
- No need to thaw frozen vegetables — this keeps the nutrients intact and shortens prep time.
- Add herbs and spices during cooking for added depth and warmth.
- Use different veggie mixes to keep your meals interesting and full of seasonal flavors.
Winter dishes with frozen vegetables are not only easy to prepare but also bring essential nutrients to our diets. They keep our spirits warm with vibrant tastes even on the coldest days. Enjoy cooking!
