How Long to Simmer Frozen Vegetables?

Frozen vegetables like peas should simmer for no more than 5 minutes.

Frozen vegetables are a convenient and nutritious choice when fresh vegetables aren't available. How long you simmer frozen vegetables depends on the type of vegetable and whether they had been cooked at all prior to freezing.

Function

Bring a pot of water to a hard boil, add the vegetables and then bring the water just to a boil again and turn down to a simmer. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and check for tenderness. If they are tender, drain them. If not, keep simmering the vegetables until they are tender.

Frozen Leaf Vegetables

Thaw leaf vegetables like spinach a bit before cooking so they come apart. Place them in water that has been boiled and then reduced to a simmer. They should simmer for just 1 to 2 minutes.

Overcooking

Watch your vegetables closely to avoid simmering them for too long. Overcooking will result in a mushy texture and a loss of nutrient value. 1 half cup to 1 full cup of water per one cup of vegetables work well for simmering, as the vegetables will release water as they cook.

References

• Food.Com: How To Cook Frozen Vegetables In the Microwave
• Michigan State University: Using Frozen Vegetables

Resources

• Tallyrand's Culinary Fare: Plain Jane Cooking: Recipes For The Novice