Meal prepping is the art of planning, preparing, and cooking meals in bulk ahead of time, ensuring a steady supply of ready-to-eat meals all week long. This practice not only ensure more balanced meals and stress-free mealtimes but also reduces the probability of procrastination or mindlessly ordering takeout meals.
In a world where the rhythm is constantly increasing, skipping meals or relying entirely on food delivery services is a common occurrence. The temptation of readily available and comfortable fast food is strong, but it is widely accepted that homemade meals are healthier and more affordable. Despite these, many people find stepping into the kitchen too daunting a task or simply lack the time for it.
The rise and success of food influencers and online chefs have brought about a plethora of meal ideas – from 15-minute dinners to quick, easy-to-prepare, healthy recipes. But nothing has taken up more attention and popularity than meal prepping, a trend that is considered the ultimate time-saving hack in the kitchen.
Meal prepping, in essence, involves preparing meals in bulk during weekends or any convenient time. The meals are then portioned based on proportion and stored either in the fridge or the freezer. As and when required, they can be reheated and consumed.
Experienced chefs and food entrepreneurs have observed that meal prepping is not only a practical solution but also a way to enhance the culinary experience. By planning and preparing meals ahead, an individual can concentrate on perfecting the taste and presentation during the actual cooking process. This system also affords individuals mental space, time, and clarity to experiment with multiple flavors, textures, and seasonal ingredients.
This practice has gained wide patronage especially amongst those trying to eat healthily and maintain balance in their diet. While the trend might have gained traction from the 1990s, especially in the West, Indians have customized it just to suit their dining experience. From grandmothers in the past making pickles as a form of meal prep, to companies like Haldiram and others turning it into a lucrative business, and even to health-focused individuals storing home-cooked meals in the fridge without the preservatives found in pre-packaged options, meal prepping has been embraced in multiple forms in India.
The fundaments of Indian meal preps form around building solid foundations with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and garlic. This provides a platform to layer varied flavors and structures the base for multiple gravies. The active use of spices contributes to the overall depth of flavors and the delicious taste of dishes. For instance, making marinades and gravy bases, partially preparing them in advance and completing the final cooking right before serving ensures a burst of flavors in every meal.
Can Indian meal prep be nutritious? Absolutely! To ensure a nutritiously rich meal, focus on integrating diverse vegetables, legumes, and gluten-free grains like quinoa, millets, or brown rice. This would ensure a wide consumption of diverse vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. Also, the inclusion of healthy oil like extra virgin coconut oil, mustard oil, or avocado oil fortifies the nutritional value of these prepped meals.
However, one of the significant factors that play a vital role in the effectiveness of meal prepping is storage. Proper storage and refrigeration are necessary to retain the freshness and prevent the spoilage of the meals, especially during warmer seasons. It is crucial to utilize airtight containers for cooked components and immediate refrigeration post-preparation. For example, marinating meats can be kept refrigerated till it is necessary to cook them. This practice enhances the flavor and reduces spoilage risks.
In conclusion, meal prepping can be your savior in the kitchen for days when you are pressed for time or simply do not feel like going through the hassle of cooking. This trend aligns perfectly with Indian cuisine, which wraps rich flavors, vibrant colors, and textures to create a healthy and enjoyable dining experience if done and stored rightly.
In the height of this summer heat, seek meals that can be eaten cold or require minimal cooking time. Treasure every meal and relish the flavors of the Indian cuisine. Meal prepping can indeed be a blissful culinary journey if done right!
