Does Cooking Every Night Save Money? Debunking Myths and Optimizing Savings Through Batch Cooking

Many households are curious about whether cooking every night at home translates into financial savings. This article delves into the nuances of home cooking versus eating out, explores the benefits of batch cooking, and provides practical advice on how to optimize your culinary routine for better savings and convenience.

Is Home Cooking Cheaper Than Eating Out?

Yes, it can be, especially if you adopt batch cooking techniques.

Batch cooking involves preparing a large quantity of food on a single day, which can be reheated and eaten over several days. This method saves money because it reduces the need for frequent supermarket visits and minimizes energy consumption. For instance, spending 8 hours to prepare 60 meals can result in each meal costing about 8 minutes of preparation time, which is significantly cheaper than getting takeout or eating at restaurants.

Preparing Batches of Meals for the Week

Imagine creating a authentic bolognaise sauce that can serve up to 8 people. Despite the longer preparation time, it is still cost-effective. Here’s a guide to making a batch of bolognaise:

Ingredients: 1kg of mince, onions, bacon, carrots, tinned Roma tomatoes (or passata stock), herbs, spices, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (optional), salt, pepper, capsicum, and mushrooms. Preparation Time: 3.5 hours. This includes chopping vegetables and preparing the ingredients, as well as boiling and simmering the sauce. Method: Saute onions, bacon, and carrots in a large cast iron pot. Add minced meat to brown. Stir in tinned Roma tomatoes or passata stock and herbs and spices. Cover and let it simmer in the oven at around 90°C for a couple of hours, then uncover to reduce and thicken the sauce. Stir every half hour to an hour. Usage: Use this sauce to create multiple meals throughout the week. You can also use leftover ingredients to make other dishes, such as curries or goulashes.

By utilizing batch cooking, you can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with meal preparation, while enjoying a variety of delicious meals.

Saving Money with Personalized Recipes

No recipe fits all, but you can customize your dishes to fit your budget. For example, making a homemade pizza at home can cost just a few dollars, while taking out can cost much more. Similarly, making a whole chicken can yield several meals for the week. If you like lasagna, making an extra pan to freeze can be a cost-effective choice.

Conclusion

While cooking every night may not be cost-effective for everyone, batch cooking can bring significant savings and convenience. Whether you are cooking for one or a family, the key is to plan and prepare in bulk to save both time and money. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients, and find what works best for your budget and lifestyle.