Meals in a Jar Substitution Tips:
• Many of these recipes may contain products from a specific freeze-dried company. You do not have to use ingredients from that company. You can use your own dehydrated foods, or a freeze-dried company of your choice.
• Use approximately 1/2 of the quantity of dehydrated foods when they call for freeze-dried, as freeze-dried foods don’t shrink. Quantities aren’t written in stone. You can change the mixes up easily to your preference.
• Give yourself a little extra time in rehydrating/cooking when using dehydrated vs freeze dried. It may take a little longer.
• Use a thermos to rehydrate/cook in if you are on the go
• If you need a truly instant-meal, precook all of your ingredients before dehydrating.
Freeze-dried meals in a jar provide shelf-stable, “just-add-water” convenience, combining freeze-dried proteins, vegetables, and starches with seasonings for quick, homemade meals. Popular recipes include hearty stews, chicken broccoli alfredo, and various soups that can last for years when sealed with oxygen absorbers.
Popular Freeze-Dried Meal-in-a-Jar Recipes
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo: Freeze-dried chicken, broccoli florets, pasta, and parmesan sauce powder.
• Beefy Vegetable Stew: Freeze-dried ground beef, potatoes, peas, carrots, and beef bouillon powder.
• Bean & Rice Fajita Casserole: Instant rice, freeze-dried black beans, corn, bell peppers, and taco seasoning.
• Chicken Noodle Skillet Meal: Egg noodles, freeze-dried chicken, celery, onions, and chicken bouillon.
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Tomato powder, freeze-dried onions, and powdered milk.
• Buttermilk Pancake Mix: A simple jar mix of flour, sugar, and buttermilk powder for fast breakfasts.
Key Tips for Success
• Layering: Place dense items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
• Storage: Use Mason jars with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage to keep food fresh for up to 5-10 years depending on the ingredients.
• Preparation: Most recipes are prepared by adding the jar contents to boiling water and simmering for 15–20 minutes, or until ingredients are tender.
• Seasonings: Use powdered versions of sauces and seasonings to prevent clumping and ensure fast rehydration.
Meals in a Jar Tips
