This $2.99 ALDI Freezer Find Is Better (and More Affordable) Than Fresh
It’s saving my hectic back-to-school weeknights.
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Summer is my favorite season—can't beat peach and tomato season. Fall comes in at a very close second, not just because of the cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice everything—though I love that, too.
It's the time of year when my kitchen comes alive again with warmer, cozier, and more comforting flavors. So, when I saw this blend of frozen carrots and sweet potatoes for $2.99 at ALDI, I'll admit, I first had a minor panic that summer was ending, then quickly reminded myself that fall food is good food. Hip, hip!
It's a delightful mix of sweet potatoes and carrots, all pre-chopped and seasoned heartily. When I first tossed it into my cart, I had no idea I would love it so much, but as my daughter says, "It's fire." And from her mother's perspective, a ready-to-roast blend is like having a little autumn fairy godmother in your freezer.
Why ALDI's Sweet Potato Blend Is a Great Freezer Find
As much as I love cooking, I don't always have time to be a prep chef. This blend is highly convenient–ready to go from freezer to oven faster than my kids can say, "Can I have a snack?" (for the 123rd time that day). And with school starting in two weeks, I need all the help I can get to quickly get a healthy dinner on the table. My kids also eat this like candy, and I'm happy to contribute to that health-promoting behavior as long as it's happening. As an added bonus, frozen veggies are often flash-frozen at their peak, packing them with nutrients and flavor.
The thoughtful combination of flavors sets this blend apart from the ones I've tried at other stores. The sweetness of the potatoes and carrots plays beautifully with the garlic and rosemary, creating a vibe of classic fall flavors that are hard to beat.
And I'd be remiss not to mention the price. At $2.99, it's less than what you'd pay for the same fresh ingredients, especially if half of them end up forgotten in the pantry or crisper drawer. We've all been there before.
Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / ALDI
How I Use ALDI's Carrot and Sweet Potato Blend
My go-to method is to simply roast the blend according to the package directions. It comes out nicely caramelized and makes an ideal side dish for anything from roast chicken to pork chops. But because I'm a lover of salads that combine cooked and fresh ingredients, one of my favorite applications has been using it as a base for a warm fall salad. I roast the veggies and toss them with some peppery arugula, crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, and a zingy maple-balsamic dressing. It's a restaurant-worthy dish that takes minimal effort.
I also plan to use it to fill in the gaps in our Thanksgiving leftover meals this year. The mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes are the first things to disappear. So I can easily roast some of these for a well-rounded post-T-day dinner before turning to my favorite Thanksgiving tradition–leftover turkey sandwiches (obviously). This latest ALDI find is a convenient freezer staple that's opened up a world of quick, delicious fall meals that don't skimp on flavor. So, if you find yourself in ALDI's freezer section, grab a bag (or three) to have your own freezer fairy godmother on those busy back-to-school nights.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes.
