I’m that Batch

Making ahead and batch cooking

• Most of the mains serve 2-3 people. This is a generous portion for two people or a lighter portion for three people. So just a simple double up and you get great portions to feed a family of four. Always read the recipe before you shop as some recipes already serve more than 2-3 people.
• Desserts can serve a group of four people. Except the mousse. So make them for a Friday night in or to serve a dinner party.
• The night before you can prep the two overnight oat recipes, and I highly recommend doing that on a Sunday to begin Monday with a bang.
• All the pasta sauces can be made in advance - and they’ll keep in the fridge for a good 3-5 days in an airtight container, so you can have great pasta sauces at your disposal whenever you fancy it. Just use some pasta water to make them properly saucy when you mix them with pasta.
• Make the Pick-Me-Ups before you make any of the meals. It allows you to not only have them ready when the food is, but I find it nice when you get the side dishes done first, before you tackle the main.
• Soups for all - again, airtight container, make the soup the night before and bring to work for the next day.
• The curries and chillies are beautifully batchy - I don’t know what that means but make them in advance, the flavours mingle in the fridge, and you end up with a bold lunch for the next day, or freeze in an airtight container for up to a month.
• Double up the sandwich recipes and serve to more people - for example, the ‘Chuna’ Sandwich and the Creamy Harissa Chickpea Ciabattas are great for this. You can also double the Crispy Buffalo Tofu Tacos to serve a board full of tacos to a good party of four. I’d recommend making the salsas from Pick-Me-Ups on the same day to enjoy with them.