I started getting wise about freezing a few months ago when I became a mom of two. I had to shed any food snobbery and really think about maximizing my time in the kitchen. What I found was that if you freeze the right things in the right way, there’s actually little to no detectable difference in the quality of most food. Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, get recipes & tips every week! For a comprehensive of Ramadan-forward Suhoor, Iftar, Drinks, and Desserts, head to my Ramadan recipes roundup. You can also browse my Ramadan Recipes Archive.
Here are 3 helpful rules for Freezing:
Keep in mind, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning and prepping. I’ve found the best way to meal prep is to just add it on to something I’m already doing. For example, if I’m making cookies, I just make a double batch and freeze half of them after forming balls of cookie dough. Let’s begin!
Freezer-Friendly Suhoor Recipes:
Parathas: When preparing the dough, add a bit of oil to help them stay soft after freezing. Roll them out as you normally would, then place each uncooked paratha between parchment paper and freeze in an airtight container. When ready to cook, heat a pan over high heat and place the frozen paratha on the pan. Lower the heat to medium and cook, buttering and flipping as necessary.
Pancakes: Prepare and freeze between parchment paper in an airtight container or bag. Microwave for about 10-15 seconds and then pan-fry again to get them crispy.
Frittata: Freeze uncooked in a glass pan with a lid. When ready to bake, place from frozen into the oven and give some extra time to cook. I’ve tried (and enjoyed) the recipe below with some extra red chili pepper.
Oats: I often make a double batch of oats and refrigerate half for later. Microwave or reheat over the stovetop. Before serving, add a splash of milk to freshen them up and make them creamier.
Freezer-Friendly Iftar Recipes:
A Note on Air-Frying to Reheat: I have found my air-fryer to be the best at reheating Iftar items. Examples: Samosas, Pakoras, Puff Pastries, Kebabs of all sort, Chicken Nuggets/Tenders, and so much more. If you have one, skip the microwave & oven and reheat on 350°F until warm! 🍟Freezer-Friendly Iftar Recipes 🥘Freezer-Friendly Dinner Recipes 🍮Freezer-Friendly Dessert Recipes
Chaat Masala: Though it’s not necessary to freeze it, I couldn’t resist adding it to this roundup. It’s THE essential spice blend to make ahead for Ramadan.
Dahi Bhalle: This recipe is designed to be freezer-friendly. Just double or triple the bhalla batch, and you’re good to enjoy several Iftars in Dahi Bhalla heaven. Details in post!
Chicken Puff Pastry: See in depth freezing instructions in the post!
Shami Kababs: Form into patties and freeze on a flat tray. Once firm, remove and place in an airtight ziplock bag or container. When ready to use, allow to come to room temperature or quickly defrost in the microwave. Then dip in egg wash and pan-fry as needed. Update: I’ve been known to pan-fry ahead of time and just microwave using the defrost setting. Great for kids lunches!
Chapli Kabab: See in depth freezing instructions in the post!
Seekh Kababs: I’ve tried freezing them before cooking and after cooking, and they both work. If you freeze while they’re uncooked, don’t allow them to thaw but cook directly. If thawing from cooked, cover and steam with a splash of water to help them remain moist.
Keema Naan: See in depth freezing instructions in the post!
Aloo Ki Tikki (Potato Cutlets): I haven’t tried freezing these myself, but I’ve heard from many people who’ve successfully frozen them. I’d suggest freezing after pan-frying, without the breadcrumbs. Reheat in an air-fryer for best results.
Mint Raita: Freeze the chutney before adding yogurt. After grinding the herbs, place in an airtight bag or container and freeze. When ready to prepare, thaw the frozen solid at room temperature (don’t microwave!). Then add the yogurt and whisk to combine.
Freezer-Friendly Dinner Recipes:
Most South Asian dinner recipes are exceptionally freezer-friendly. After thawing, reheat over the stovetop on relatively high heat with a little bit of water for a like-new taste. Garnish and serve.
Freezer-Friendly Lentil & Legume Curries
Dals are perfect for freezing. I prefer to freeze dal without finishing it with a tarka (tempering). After thawing, reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if it thickens up. Finish off with a fresh tarka.
Chickpeas: Beans are also wonderful to freeze. Allow to thaw, then reheat over the stovetop with a splash of water.
Freezer-Friendly Meat Curries
Kofta: Freeze the Koftas before cooking them. You can also make the entire curry and then freeze. Allow to thaw, then gently reheat over the stovetop.
Keema: Other than keema with potatoes (which lose texture and taste when frozen), you can freeze Keema with any vegetable. Keema serves as an excellent filler or topping for samosas, puff pastries, pasta, and so much more. Freeze in an airtight container, thaw, and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Chicken Curries: To reheat chicken curries, thaw close to room temperature. Reheat over the stovetop on medium heat to allow time for the chicken to heat through. Add a splash of water to make up for the dehydration. Be careful not to heat too much to prevent any breaking of the chicken.
Baked Tandoori Chicken Curry: Freeze this chicken in its marinade. Thaw and bake.
Haleem: As with dal, add the final tadka after thawing it.
Freezer-Friendly Vegetarian Curries
I find cooked vegetables do not freeze well if they have a high water content. Though you can freeze curries like Zucchini (Courgette) curry, they may not taste as delicious as their pre-frozen versions.
Saag: A wonderful freezer-friendly vegetarian recipe. As always, for best results, freeze before topping with tadka.
Baingan Bharta: Because of it’s naturally puréed texture, Baingan Bharta makes a great freezer-friendly vegetarian recipe.
Freezer-Friendly Breads
Naan: These gluten-free naan freeze wonderfully. Microwave them covered in a paper towel (no need to thaw) or reheat over the stovetop. On that note – Most baked goods freeze very well as long as they’re tightly sealed. I’ve successfully frozen baked banana bread, french toast, and cookie dough balls, and so much more!
Freezer-Friendly Dessert Recipes:
Carrot Halwa: I’ve had great luck freezing and reheating Carrot Halwa over the stovetop.
Panjeeri: Leave out the exotic ingredients (fox nuts, kamarkas, etc.) and you’ve got a wonderful snack of semolina, wheat, nuts, and raisins that’ll fuel you throughout the nights of Ramadan. Thaw at room temperature and it’s ready to eat.
Meal Plan
Before you leave, be sure to grab your free Ramadan Iftar & Dinner Meal Plan. It has tons of ideas to keep you inspired the whole month! If you try any of these recipes or freeze them, do share with me in the comments or on Instagram. Also, I’d love to hear about your freezer-friendly recipes too. Thank you for reading!
