Meal planning
Cooking for One Without Repetition
Cook a flexible base rather than four identical plated meals. A pot of beans can become tacos, soup and a warm salad.
What you need
- Small portions
- Freezer containers
- Versatile staples
- A short shopping list
Put it into practice
Freeze individual portions in containers you can label clearly. Keep a simple list of what is frozen so food does not disappear into the back.
The detail that makes a difference
Buy loose produce when practical. Compare the usable quantity, not just the package price, when deciding whether a large bag is worthwhile.
Make it work in your kitchen
Start with a small batch and taste as you go. Keep a note of the ingredients and proportions you prefer so you can repeat the result. For substitutions, consider texture and cooking time as well as flavor; a softer ingredient often needs less time than a firm one.
These are practical cooking guides, not laboratory-tested recipes. Cooking times vary with ingredients, equipment and portion size. Follow package instructions where applicable.