This is a question from a site user, posted 5/3/2010 11:58am, name withdrawn on request. Help/suggestions from others will be welcome-Mamta

"I have guests coming from India for a week. Though they will be travelling out most of the time, but i want to do some preparations before hand so that I am not in kitchen most of the time when they are at home.

Can you please suggest me some dishes that I can prepare in advance...vegetarian....

I was thinking of making samosas n freezing them, but last time when I did so, they all got stuck to each other, so what can be done to avoid that?

Your replies are very much appreciated and are always helpful.

Best Regards"

My reply originally posted on 5/3/2010 11:58am

Hello

As this a question that may interest others and they may have other suggestions for you in any case, I will reply it on the forum;

Samosa, aaloo tikki, Kebabs-vegetarian in your case, and similar things have to be frozen on a tray, spread out. Once frozen, they can then be put in airtight plastic boxes or in bags.

Vegetables do not usually freeze well, except for things like baingan bhurta, chickpea curry, palak paneer, karela etc. Instead of making dishes ready to serve, it is a good idea to make a lot of pyaz masala and keep it in a jar in the fridge or freeze in portions, that saves a lot of time.

You can make some Badas for dahi vadas and freeze them. Green chutney and mango chutney also freeze well. I often make a blender full of green chutney and freeze in small jar/plastic tubs.

I am sure others will come up with other ideas.

Best wishes

Mamta

"Afraid I have not tried it, but would not most dals be good for freezing?"

Depending on what and when you are thinking of making, maybe getting some airtight tubs and making up the spice mixes, cutting and freezing/fridging various vegetables etc... then you can make them "fresh" but not spend as much time prep'ing everything when they are there?

Steve