Time Saving Hacks

Simple tips for a speedy weekday dinner

Before you reach for the takeaway menus – have a look at our quick and easy tips. You’ll be able to whip up a delicious dinner in no time and it’ll be faster than picking up your order.

March 9, 2023
  • Firstly, plan, plan, plan. Take a few minutes at the beginning of each week to plan your meals. It'll save you time and money in the long run, and you won't be left staring blankly into your fridge wondering what to cook. Plus, you can prep some ingredients in advance, so when it's time to cook, you'll already be halfway there. How to keep your fridge crispy cool
  • Set aside a couple of hours on the weekend to do some prepping. Chop veggies and salads and keep them in an airtight container with a couple of paper towels to absorb any moisture. Store in the fridge and they should last for a few days.  
  • Chop up a load of onions and fry them – then freeze in serving sizes to save time on this step when cooking during the week. Fabulous freezer tips
  • Pre-cook your pasta, drain, and then let it dry for at least 15 minutes. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep it moist and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • When making sauces, soups, and casseroles, make double the amount and freeze for those nights when you are short of time. Make sure you label everything with the contents and the date it was made to avoid any dinner-time surprises!
  • Use a slow cooker. Toss in all the ingredients, set and forget until dinnertime.  
  • Keep rice in the freezer – this is especially good for brown rice which takes a bit longer to cook. Cook up a big batch of your favourite rice and freeze in single-serve and family-sized containers. When you want to use it, defrost it in the microwave and give it a quick fluff with a fork. Which rice?
  • Use frozen vegetables – they are picked at the height of freshness and frozen straight away to retain all the nutrients. Some are probably better than fresh produce that has been hanging around in the supermarket for a while.  
  • Make the most of one-pot recipes - everything goes into one pan and dinner is done!
  • Next, use a few shortcuts. There's no shame in using pre-made sauces and there are some high-quality ones at the supermarket. They can be a lifesaver when you're short on time - just try to avoid those that have a high salt or added sugar content.
  • Try keeping it simple. You don't need to be a Michelin-starred chef to make a tasty meal. Stick to a few basic ingredients and let them shine. A simple dish with perfectly cooked pasta, some fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil can be just as satisfying as a fancy meal.  

You can also save time with breakfast smoothies

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