In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy vegan lifestyle while juggling work, family, and social commitments. But fear not! We have compiled a list of vegan cooking hacks that will save you time and energy in the kitchen while ensuring your meals are nutritious, delicious, and satisfying.
Don’t worry, you’re not on one of those blogs where the author gives you their life story, but please be assured these tips have come from a lot of trial and error on my part!
Let’s jump straight into it, our top vegan cooking hacks…
Plan your meals ahead
Planning your meals for the week ahead can help alleviate stress and save time when it comes to cooking. Spend some time on the weekend to create a meal plan that incorporates a balanced vegan diet with plenty of variety, so you don’t get bored.
Cook in bulk
Batch cooking is an excellent way to prepare multiple servings of a dish at once. By making large quantities of stews, soups, or curries, you can easily store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick-and-easy future meals.
Why not try out a delicious vegan recipe like this Grilled Tofu Poboy With Apple Slaw?
- Prep ingredients beforehand
Chop vegetables or measure out spices ahead of time when you have spare moments during the day or over the weekend. Prepping ingredients in advance can make your daily life much more manageable!
“**Cooking is like love; it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Julia Child
Stack your dishes
Optimize oven space by utilizing stackable oven-safe dishes – cook multiple items at once! This method significantly reduces overall cooking time and energy usage.
Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot
These handy kitchen appliances are great for busy lifestyles because they allow for low-effort, hands-off meal prep. With a slow cooker, simply toss in your ingredients and let them simmer for hours on end, resulting in a delicious one-pot vegan dish.
Be mindful of ingredient substitutes
Some traditional recipes call for many non-vegan ingredients like eggs and dairy products. It’s essential to know reliable substitutes like flaxseed or chia seeds instead of eggs and soy-based meat and dairy substitutions to maintain your vegan lifestyle.
Utilize Store-Bought Vegan Products
Products like jarred pasta sauces, canned beans, store-bought hummus (check out our article to learn if hummus is vegan), and frozen veggies can save valuable time in the kitchen while still being nutritious and tasty. With an abundance of great options available, review our comprehensive list of items in this beginner’s vegan grocery list.
Freeze individual portions
Cooking larger quantities allows you to freeze leftover portions individually, making them easy to reheat whenever you’re short on time. Check out our guide on freezing vegan cakes as an example.
- Repurpose leftovers
Transform last night’s dinner into today’s lunch by getting creative with your leftovers! Use extra grilled vegetables in salads, wraps, or sandwiches – the possibilities are endless!
Experiment with no-cook recipes
No-cook recipes like salads, wraps, and smoothies can make a quick and easy meal for busy days. Try incorporating ingredients that don’t require any cooking for optimal efficiency.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy vegan lifestyle without sacrificing your valuable time. Get inspired by checking out more of our vegan cooking hacks and embrace the mantra that “a little preparation goes a long way.”
Conclusion: Vegan Cooking Hacks For a Busy Schedule
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy vegan lifestyle while juggling a busy schedule doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning and employing these cooking hacks, you can ensure that delicious and nutritious vegan meals are always within reach.
Embrace your culinary creativity, take advantage of versatile ingredients, and discover the benefits of investing time in meal planning and preparation. Veganism is not just about what you eat; it’s a way of life – so don’t let your busy schedule deter you from reaping the rewards of this mindful and compassionate lifestyle. Happy cooking!
