5 easy steps to simplify dinnertimes
Simplifying your meals enables you to eat better whilst saving you money, time and stress: although the steps you take may seem small, they have the ability to combine to make a big difference and reduce time clearing and cleaning up.
Changing habits and routines can feel overwhelming, so start small – perhaps begin with just one day a week: I’m quite liking the sound of a traybake Tuesday!
So, how can you simplify your mealtimes?
1. Create a realistic meal plan – make sure meals are simple and use normal everyday ingredients. This is something I specialize in: recipes that are uncomplicated but don’t compromise on flavour. This can limit the number of things you need to keep in your cupboards and save space
2.Cook in one pot- whether it’s your slow cooker, a roasting tray or a cast iron pot or saucepan, using one pot means less fuss(and washing up!)
3. Find that perfect tomato sauce recipe – a tomato sauce can be used in multiple ways so is a great one to master and cook in bulk. It makes for a simple pasta sauce; can be used in your bolognaise or chilli (much tastier and healthier than a jar); it’s delicious when poured over chicken thighs – top with mozzarella and bake for the ultimate midweek dinner; and makes a tasty Spanish cod (pour the sauce over the fish, throw in some chopped black olives and bake).
4. Love your leftovers- cook a little extra and have it for lunch, reducing the need to use as much cookware the following day. I know it sounds boring, but you can change the way you serve it so it doesn’t feel like the same meal: a dhal or chilli eaten with rice for dinner can be served as a jacket potato topper or with a simple side salad for lunch. Breaded chicken served with wedges and peas for dinner makes the ultimate lunchtime sandwich (just add some crisp lettuce and a dollop of mayo!)
5. Add some theme nights to your week- pick a theme for a couple of nights a week: we have meat-free Mondays and fish Fridays and I’m definitely going to be adding a Traybake Tuesday to the list! This approach makes planning meals simple as it gives a structure to your week and means that you are not starting completely from scratch each week.
5 easy steps to simplify dinnertimes
Simplifying your meals enables you to eat better whilst saving you money, time and stress: although the steps you take may seem small, they have the ability to combine to make a big difference and reduce time clearing and cleaning up.
Changing habits and routines can feel overwhelming, so start small – perhaps begin with just one day a week: I’m quite liking the sound of a traybake Tuesday!
So, how can you simplify your mealtimes?
1. Create a realistic meal plan – make sure meals are simple and use normal everyday ingredients. This is something I specialize in: recipes that are uncomplicated but don’t compromise on flavour. This can limit the number of things you need to keep in your cupboards and save space
2.Cook in one pot- whether it’s your slow cooker, a roasting tray or a cast iron pot or saucepan, using one pot means less fuss(and washing up!)
3. Find that perfect tomato sauce recipe – a tomato sauce can be used in multiple ways so is a great one to master and cook in bulk. It makes for a simple pasta sauce; can be used in your bolognaise or chilli (much tastier and healthier than a jar); it’s delicious when poured over chicken thighs – top with mozzarella and bake for the ultimate midweek dinner; and makes a tasty Spanish cod (pour the sauce over the fish, throw in some chopped black olives and bake).
4. Love your leftovers- cook a little extra and have it for lunch, reducing the need to use as much cookware the following day. I know it sounds boring, but you can change the way you serve it so it doesn’t feel like the same meal: a dhal or chilli eaten with rice for dinner can be served as a jacket potato topper or with a simple side salad for lunch. Breaded chicken served with wedges and peas for dinner makes the ultimate lunchtime sandwich (just add some crisp lettuce and a dollop of mayo!)
5. Add some theme nights to your week- pick a theme for a couple of nights a week: we have meat-free Mondays and fish Fridays and I’m definitely going to be adding a Traybake Tuesday to the list! This approach makes planning meals simple as it gives a structure to your week and means that you are not starting completely from scratch each week.
