Big batch cooking can be a big time and energy saver. It’s also very easy to make and can be a great way to create mix-and-match meals. This story first appeared on iVillage. The information is relevant for all levels of cooks.
Mix-and-Match Meals
A successful mix-and-match meal strategy starts with preparing one or two proteins and grains, plus some vegetables and seasonings. This strategy helps you create a variety of complex, balanced meals. You can cook these ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers for easy mixing and matching.
While it may sound complicated, meal planning does not need to be time-consuming. Using ingredients you already have, you can make different meals weekly. With this method, you will have a variety of meals for lunch and dinner, as well as intentional leftovers.
Avoiding Unhealthy Preservatives
Food manufacturers add preservatives to foods to protect them from deterioration and spoilage. They also help prevent bacterial, mold, and microbial growth, which can spoil or alter food quality. You can find preservatives in fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
Some common preservatives include sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate. However, these chemicals can be converted into nitrosamines in the stomach, which are known to increase cancer risk. In addition, calcium propionate is often used in bread to prevent mold growth but is associated with adverse health effects.
Saving Time
Big-batch cooking can save you time and money. During the winter months, you can prepare a big batch of meals to freeze for later. It can also save you money on take-out meals during the holiday season. In addition, it will help you save money on groceries. This method is perfect for busy families.
One advantage of big-batch cooking is using all the ingredients to make various meals. For example, you can cook a whole chicken and freeze it for later. This way, you can use it for different meals throughout the week. You can save money by using the same ingredients more than once and save time by preparing different meals each night.
Making a Meal Plan
Meal planning is a key component of big-batch cooking. It allows you to create meals in bulk and store them for later. In addition, using a meal plan makes mealtime easier and less stressful. For example, it eliminates the need to think about what to cook and where to store the leftovers. Instead, you can plan your meal around your schedule and favorite meals.
Making a meal plan for big-batch cooking doesn’t have to be a complex process. The key is to read recipes and decide what needs to be prepared and what ingredients are available. Then make your plan based on these details.
Freezer-Friendly Recipes
If you’ve been cooking in large quantities, you might have noticed that many of these recipes are freezer-friendly. Freezing leftovers is a great way to store food, and you can also reheat them when needed. You can even freeze whole dishes, such as lasagna so you can easily reheat them whenever you want.
Freezer-friendly recipes are great meal prep ideas that can save you money on food bills. They can also take the stress out of feeding your family. Many freezer-friendly recipes don’t take much time to prepare and are great for preparing meals for busy days.