Batch Cooking: A Cost-Effective and Time-Saving Approach to Meal Prepping

Batch cooking is a time and cost-effective strategy that involves preparing large quantities of food at one time to save time and effort in future meals. This process, which is essentially Preparing food in large amounts so that you can in future times have a meal that takes less preparation, is a valuable technique for busy individuals and families looking to streamline their meal planning and cooking routines.

What is Batch Cooking?

A batch process is a process with a start and finish, and a prescribed set of tasks in between. While all cooking is essentially batch cooking, some batch cycles can be much longer, as seen in personal batch cooking experiences. The process starts with gathering ingredients, prepping them, mixing and cooking according to a recipe, and finally plating and serving. However, this process can be extended into future meals by prepping ingredients in large quantities and storing them for later use.

Personal Batch Cooking Experiences

For me, batch cooking means making a double batch of bagels or muffins, then freezing the excess for later use. This not only saves time but also reduces waste. Another example is cooking a large pot of cooked beans, which can be turned into several meals throughout the week with different herbs and spices added to each, as if you’re not eating the same thing every day.

Types of Foods to Batch Cook

There are several types of food that are excellent for batch cooking. Pizza crust, udon noodles, granola, and plant-based sausages/hot dogs are some of my personal time savers. Making pizza crust, for instance, allows me to have pre-made shells that I can use whenever I feel like having pizza without the hassle of making the dough from scratch.

Making Pizza Crust Batches

When I have extra time, I’ll make three batches of pizza dough and shape them into individual crusts. After partially cooking the crusts, I wrap them in parchment paper and store them in an unused plastic bag for freezing. This way, on busy Fridays, I can whip up a marinara sauce and toppings, and have a ready-to-bake pizza in no time!

Plant-Based Sausages/Hot Dogs

Plant-based hot dogs are a time-consuming process, mainly due to my perfectionistic nature, but the end result is delicious. I usually use chickpeas as the base, adding various beans, tofu seasoning, and a mix of spices. After blending the mixture, I portion out the dough into individual hot dog shapes, wrap them in parchment paper and aluminum foil, and steam them for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Udon Dough Making

Udon dough is another example of a recipe that benefits from batch cooking. I use a combination of regular flour and high gluten flour to achieve the right texture. The dough is very thick and takes time to knead, but it’s worth it. After resting and portioning the dough, I can roll it into strips, which can be quickly cooked and assembled with a stir-fry for a quick meal.

Granola Batch Cooking

Granola is another example of batch cooking that is both budget-friendly and nutritious. I use a combination of soy or nut milk, overripe bananas, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar. Dehydrating the granola instead of baking it ensures it stays flaky. I add coconut flakes, dried fruits, and seeds to make it visually appealing and packed with flavor.

Cost-Effectiveness and Environmental Impact

Beyond the convenience, batch cooking is also cost-effective and eco-friendly. By preparing large quantities of food in advance, you can reduce the amount of packaging waste and cut down on the cost of individual meals. Preparing fresh ingredients in bulk and using them for multiple meals also helps in managing the budget and reducing food waste.

Conclusion

Batch cooking is a versatile and efficient strategy that can help you save time, reduce costs, and even lessen your environmental impact. Whether you're making pizza crust, granola, plant-based sausages/hot dogs, or udon noodles, this approach can significantly simplify your meal planning and cooking routines. By dedicating a few hours to batch cook, you can ensure that you have nutritious and delicious meals ready whenever you need them.