Smart Cooking for Singles: Tips to Save Time and Money in the Kitchen
by Kevin Knasel
As Kevin Knasel explains, Cooking for one doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. With a little planning and clever strategies, you can prepare delicious meals while saving time and money Here are some practical tips to help you streamline your cooking routine and reduce food waste as a single person.
Create a Weekly Meal Plan
The key to efficient cooking is planning Take time each week to create a meal plan based on your schedule and preferences. Opt for meals that use similar ingredients to minimize grocery shopping and reduce waste. For instance, if you plan to buy a bunch of fresh herbs or a bag of spinach, incorporate them into multiple meals like salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes
A well-organized meal plan will make shopping easier and help you avoid the stress of deciding what to eat at the last minute This approach can also reduce the temptation to order takeout, saving you money
Buy in Bulk and Freeze Portions
Buying in bulk is one of the most cost-effective ways to shop, even for a single person Items like rice, pasta, beans, and frozen vegetables can be purchased in larger quantities without the risk of spoilage For perishable items such as meat or bread, portion them into single servings and immediately freeze what you don’t need This lets you buy more at once and take advantage of sales without worrying about waste.
Freezing leftovers and batch-cooked meals is also a smart way to save time and money Prepare soups, stews, or casseroles in bulk on a free day and freeze individual portions for quick, no-fuss meals during busy weekdays.
Use Simple Recipes and Flexible Ingredients
Opt for recipes that are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Focus on dishes that use pantry staples like rice, pasta, and canned beans, which can be combined with fresh or frozen vegetables to create nutritious meals Flexible recipes allow you to easily adapt to what you already have, cutting down on unnecessary purchases
Additionally, prioritize ingredients that can be used across multiple recipes For example, a bag of carrots can be roasted as a side dish, added to a stir-fry, or blended into a soup This makes meal preparation more versatile and ensures you use ingredients before they go bad. By incorporating these tips into your routine, cooking for one can be enjoyable and cost-efficient