7 Easy Vegan Cooking Shortcuts for Busy Weeknights

Preparing vegan meals doesn't have to be time-consuming or complex, especially on busy weeknights. With the right strategies and a few clever shortcuts, you can whip up delicious and nutritious vegan dishes in no time. Here are seven easy vegan cooking shortcuts that will save you time while keeping your meals exciting and healthy.

Table of Contents

• 1. Pre-Made Vegan Bases
• 2. Utilize Frozen Vegetables and Fruits
• 3. Opt for Canned or Pre-Cooked Legumes
• 4. Master the Use of Spices and Condiments
• 5. Embrace One-Pot Meals
• 6. Batch Cooking and Meal Prepping
• 7. Kitchen Gadgets to the Rescue

1. Pre-Made Vegan Bases

One of the quickest ways to prepare a vegan meal is to start with a pre-made base. This can include vegan broths, sauces, or even pre-made vegan doughs. These bases can serve as the foundation for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pizzas and wraps.

• Look for low-sodium and organic options to keep your meals healthy.
• Experiment with different flavors to keep your meals interesting.

2. Utilize Frozen Vegetables and Fruits

Frozen vegetables and fruits are great time-savers and ensure that you always have produce on hand. Since they're picked and frozen at peak ripeness, they retain most of their nutrients and flavor.

• Use frozen veggies in stir-fries, soups, and smoothies.
• Frozen fruits are perfect for quick desserts or oatmeal toppings.

3. Opt for Canned or Pre-Cooked Legumes

Canned or pre-cooked legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are staples in the vegan pantry. They can be easily added to salads, wraps, or mashed for patties.

• Always rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
• Try different types to diversify your nutrient intake.

4. Master the Use of Spices and Condiments

Spices and condiments are essential in vegan cooking, transforming simple ingredients into flavorful meals. Keep a variety of spices and vegan condiments on hand to enhance any dish effortlessly.

• Invest in quality spices—they can make a big difference in taste.
• Explore international cuisines for inspiration on spice combinations.

5. Embrace One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals are not only time-savers but also minimize cleaning up. Dishes like vegan chili, curries, and casseroles can be made in a single pot or pan.

• Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to save even more time.
• Experiment with different grains and legumes as the base for variation.

6. Batch Cooking and Meal Prepping

Spending some time on meal prepping or batch cooking during the weekend can save you a lot of time during the week. Prepare large quantities of staples like quinoa, rice, or roasted vegetables to use throughout the week.

• Store prepped ingredients in clear containers for easy access and organization.
• Plan your meals around what you prep to reduce food waste.

7. Kitchen Gadgets to the Rescue

Investing in helpful kitchen gadgets can significantly cut down on cooking time. Tools like food processors, blenders, and mandolines make food prep quicker and easier.

• A high-speed blender is perfect for smoothies and soups.
• A food processor can quickly chop veggies or make vegan nut cheeses.

By incorporating these vegan cooking shortcuts into your routine, you can enjoy delicious, healthy vegan meals even on the busiest of weeknights. With a little planning and some smart strategies, vegan cooking can be quick, easy, and fun!