A New Way to Save Time and Money in the Kitchen

You may have seen TikTok videos showcasing elaborate batch cooking sessions where meals are prepared for each day of the week. However, Madeline Summers, a specialist at Mississippi Market Co-op in St. Paul, has a different take on saving time and money in the cooking process. Summers argues that a more practical approach to batch cooking involves cooking individual pieces that can be combined to create various meals, rather than preparing a single large batch.

• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• Toss each type of vegetable with a small amount of olive oil and salt, keeping them separate.
• Spread the vegetables out on two sheet pans, allowing for each type to have its own “zone.”
• Roast until tender and golden, with cooking times varying between 15-20 minutes for zucchini, peppers, and onions, and 25-30 minutes for sweet potatoes.

According to Summers, this approach to batch cooking can help reduce food waste and save time. Instead of having a large batch of cooked vegetables that might go bad before they can be used, you can create a variety of meals by combining the same batch of vegetables with different proteins, grains, and sauces. For example, you can roast a large batch of vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchinis, bell peppers, and onions, and then use them to make a variety of meals throughout the week. Here are some ideas:

1. Breakfast hash: Toss roasted sweet potatoes, peppers, and onions with bacon ends or a soft egg for a cozy, quick breakfast.
2. Quick succotash: Warm up roasted zucchini, peppers, and onions with thawed frozen corn and a little butter.
3. Grain bowl: Layer roasted vegetables over rice, quinoa, or farro, add a protein like beans, tofu, or chicken, and drizzle with a favorite sauce.
4. Tacos or wraps: Pile roasted vegetables into a tortilla with shredded chicken or beans and top with yogurt sauce or salsa.

By using this approach to batch cooking, you can create a variety of meals without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste and save money, as you can use the same batch of vegetables to make multiple meals.

“Mise en place” is a French culinary term that refers to the practice of having all ingredients prepared and organized before cooking. In the context of home cooking, this mindset can be incredibly beneficial, especially when it comes to batch cooking. By having a few prepared basics in your fridge, you can create a build-your-own meal station that’s perfect for busy nights and picky eaters alike.

The key to this approach is to focus on preparing individual pieces that can be combined to create different meals. This way, you can create a variety of meals without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. One of the benefits of this approach is that it’s flexible and can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. You can use the same batch of vegetables to make a variety of meals, from breakfast to dinner, and everything in between. This makes it easy to plan meals and make adjustments as needed.