Batch cooking: prepare a week of meals in about 2 hours
Cook once, eat well all week. My simple method to prepare a week of meals in about 2 hours with your Thermomix®.
Busy weeks, long working days, kids' activities… In Dubai, time goes fast. Batch cooking is a simple idea: you cook several dishes in one session, then you have home-made meals ready for the week.
With the Thermomix®, it is even easier. The machine chops, cooks and stirs while you prepare the next dish. Here is my simple method.
Step 1: Plan your menu
Choose 4 or 5 dishes that keep well in the fridge. Mix different types so you don't get bored:
- ✅ A soup (lentil soup, vegetable soup)
- ✅ A main dish with sauce (chicken curry, bolognese, chickpea stew)
- ✅ A base: rice, bulgur or quinoa
- ✅ Steamed vegetables
- ✅ A dip or sauce (hummus, yoghurt sauce, tomato sauce)
Tip: the weekly planner in Cookidoo® can help you choose recipes and make your shopping list.
Step 2: Shop and get organised
Buy everything the day before. Before you start, take out all the ingredients, containers and labels. A clean, clear counter makes everything faster.
Step 3: Cook in the right order
The order matters. Start with dry chopping, then go to sauces and cooking. This way, you rinse the bowl less often.
- Chop first. Onions, garlic, carrots, herbs: chop them in the bowl and keep them in small boxes.
- Make the dip. Hummus or a cold sauce, no cooking needed.
- Cook the soup. It cooks alone while you wash vegetables.
- Cook the main dish and steam on top. Use the Varoma to steam vegetables or chicken at the same time.
- Cook the rice or grains in the simmering basket.
Between dishes, a quick rinse of the bowl is usually enough.
Step 4: Cool and store safely
Let the food cool a little, then put it in the fridge within two hours. Use airtight containers and write the name and the date on each one.
- ✅ Most cooked dishes keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- ✅ For the end of the week, freeze some portions and take them out the night before.
- ✅ Soups, stews and sauces freeze very well.
How long does it take?
With a little practice, about 2 hours is enough for 4 or 5 dishes. The first time can take a bit longer, and that is normal. After a few weeks, you will have your own rhythm.
Why I like batch cooking
You eat home-made food every day, you spend less on delivery, and you waste less food. And on a busy evening, dinner is ready in 5 minutes.
Want to learn batch cooking with your Thermomix? Contact me for tips or a demo.
