10 tips for cooking ahead

Tips

Thinking of starting to cook ahead for busy lunches or evenings? What a great idea! In addition to saving you time, this habit can break the monotony of sandwiches and allow you to better monitor your diet. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

1. Cooking in large quantities on Sundays

Set aside Sunday afternoon and prepare all your meals for the week. Yes, with a little organization, it's possible! Then you can say goodbye to those rushed weekday meals.

2. Use the freezer

When it comes to cooking ahead, the freezer is your best friend! Just about anything can be frozen, so you can keep that delicious stew you've just cooked for months.

3. ... Or Mason jars

If you don't like having to wait for a dish to defrost, make your own homemade preserves. Once sterilized, Mason jars can be used for sauces, soups and other home-cooked meals!

4. Go by cooking time

Starchy foods take longer to cook than vegetables and proteins: make the most of it! At the beginning of your cooking session, start cooking your cereals or potatoes. Meanwhile, cook your chicken and carrots. Everything will be ready almost at the same time!

5. Plan meals that cook at the same time

Plan ahead by planning recipes that cook in the oven, on the stovetop and in the slow cooker. That way, you can cook everything at once!

6. Cook side dishes in advance

Pasta and cereals can be prepared in advance and stored for days in the refrigerator! All you have to do then is reheat them to accompany your dishes, or use them as they are to concoct tasty salads.

7. Cooking in duplicate

Planning to make a recipe for dinner tonight? Double it and put the leftovers in the freezer! You'll be ready for another night when you don't feel like cooking.

8. A sauce for several meals

Want to make a béchamel sauce? Cook some more, and use it for a gratin, pasta or lasagne! Prefer tomato sauce? Put it on tacos, pasta or a sloppy Joe! You'll be able to create ever-new meals with next to nothing.

9. Vary combinations

Think about cooking several grains like rice, quinoa or even barley, several proteins and several vegetables. This way, you won't end up with the same dish every day: you can get tired of even the best things.