Share your meal planning strategies! Do you have a themed night tradition, like Taco Tuesday or Pizza Friday? Are there any foods you prepare weekly? How do you organize your grocery list when you're cooking for the week ahead? And most importantly, what are some of your favorite recipes that keep you inspired and excited to cook? Let's share ideas to make meal planning fun and effortless!
Meal planning can definitely be a challenge, but themed nights are a great way to stay organized and add a bit of variety. We don't really have specific themed nights, but Sundays are often pizza days, especially homemade thin crust pizzas.
I usually plan our meals for the week on Saturdays, after ensuring the fridge is fully stocked. I organize my grocery list by departments - produce, meats, grains, dairy - and also have a separate section for any non-perishables that we've run out of or will need for the planned meals (e.g., tinned tomatoes, rice, pastas).
Having a meal plan ensures I only buy the ingredients I need, which saves money and reduces food wastage. I also prepare some foods weekly, like a big batch of vegetable stock, which comes in handy for soup of the day or a quick sauce base. Sometimes, I also roast a couple of chickens - shred the meat, and it's versatile for several meals: salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, etc.
As for recipes, I draw inspiration from everywhere - restaurant menus, cookery shows, magazines, and often, Instagram! I love discovering new flavors and techniques, then attempting to recreate them at home. One trick I use to keep meal times interesting is to add an unexpected twist to regular dishes. For instance, adding a spicy kick to fried rice or infusing unusual herbs like lemongrass into chicken burgers. It's fun to experiment with different cuisines and styles, keeping things exciting.
What about you? Do you have any go-to meal planning strategies or signature dishes that your family looks forward to?
