When you’re pressed for time during the week, batch cooking can be a lifesaver. By cooking a bunch of meals at once, you can save time and stress, and ensure you’ll have healthy and delicious meals on hand whenever you need them. If you’re vegan or looking to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, here are five vegan batch cooking ideas to try:
1. Lentil Soup: Lentil soup is a hearty and healthy vegan meal that can be easily batch cooked. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot, then add in lentils, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Let it simmer for about an hour, and you’ll have a delicious and filling soup that can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
2. Veggie Stir Fry: Stir fry is a versatile and easy dinner option that can be endlessly customized to fit your taste preferences. For a vegan version, start by stir frying veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, and broccoli in a wok with your choice of oil. Then add in a sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey (or agave for a vegan option) and toss until everything is coated and fragrant. Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Chickpea Curry: Curry is a flavorful and comforting vegan option that can be batch cooked for easy weeknight meals. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, then add in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a blend of curry powder and spices. Let it simmer for about half an hour, and you’ll have a delicious curry that can be served over rice or with naan bread.
4. Vegan Chili: Chili is a classic comforting meal that can easily be made vegan. Start by sautéing onions in a large pot, then add in diced tomatoes, canned beans, and your choice of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add in chili powder, cumin, and paprika for flavor, and let it simmer for about an hour. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
5. Sweet Potato and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that can be easily made vegan. Start by boiling peeled and diced sweet potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them with vegan butter and milk. In a separate pot, sauté onions and garlic, then add in lentils, diced tomatoes, and veggies like carrots and green beans. Top the lentil mixture with the sweet potato mash and bake in the oven until crispy and golden.
Batch cooking doesn’t have to be boring or bland. With these easy and delicious vegan recipes, you’ll be able to make healthy and flavorful meals for the week with ease.
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