If you’re nearing exams season or have a hefty load of coursework to complete, meal prepping is a great way to save yourself time and energy to allow you to focus on your studies. Dedicating an hour or two at the start of the week to preparing some or all of the elements of your meals means there will be far less stress and hassle, and you won’t have to run to the store on a Wednesday evening in the rain because you need a can of beans for a dish. Check out these recipes, each of which works great for meal prepping and can be frozen so it’s ready when you are.
Chicken Casserole
Ingredients (to make 4 portions):
- 4 chicken breasts, thighs or legs
- 1 white onion
- 1 leek
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 6 – 8 potatoes, peeled
- 2 carrots
- 1 1/2 cups of vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sear the chicken pieces on both sides for 3 – 4 minutes, draining and discarding any oil that is released.
- Heat the oil in a wide based saucepan. Roughly chop the onions, leeks, carrots and potatoes and add them to the pan. Keep stirring, cook for 10 – 12 minutes, until the onions are softening.
- Take a large casserole dish. Pour the vegetables into it, and then layer the chicken pieces over. Pour over the vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper and bake in an oven heated to 400 degrees F for 35 – 40 minutes.
Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients (to make 4 portions):
- 2 cans of black beans
- 2 onions
- 1 carrot
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tin of tomatoes
- 1 cup of vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Instructions:
- Finely dice the onions, heat the oil in a pan and then add the onions. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes.
- Slice the carrot and garlic cloves, add these to the onions and cook for 4 – 5 minutes.
- Add the cocoa powder, chili powder and smoked paprika, stirring well. Add the beans with four tablespoons of their liquid, plus the tomatoes and vegetable stock.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer over a medium heat. Cook for 40 – 50 minutes. Serve alongside rice or bread.
