A mission to cook more

I really enjoy cooking, but unfortunately, it’s something I do less and less of these days. I’m the only vegetarian in my household, and while I approach each Sunday with the best of intentions to make a batch of something to see me through the week, I never seem to get around to it. The result is my eating a lot of the same things over and over and over again. Not necessarily ‘bad’ things – I’ll make sure to pack my dinners with fresh veggies and salads – but nonetheless, the repetition can be tedious, and I’m acutely aware that variety is an important part of a balanced diet. 

So, as I approach a busy few months balancing work, uni, and social activities (birthdays, birthdays, birthdays) I’m committing to getting better at planning my meals and snacks in advance so that I’m more organised and eating a more well-rounded diet throughout the week. 

So, if you’re interested in doing the same, below is a list of just a few of my favourite easy and affordable snacks and meals. Here’s to being organised and eating good. 

Snacks

Roasted almonds

Just toss some almonds with your spices of choice (I like a very simple sweet paprika and salt mix) and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly browned. 

Bliss balls

One of my favourite and incredibly satiating snacks to eat throughout the week. It’s really just a super simple mix of Medjool Dates, almonds, and a few added extras (I’ve got a recipe up on the blog here). 

Homemade hummus

I consider hummus to be a major food group, so I’m thankful that it’s incredibly easy and cheap to make at home. It works perfectly as a snack, but is also an easy way to elevate a salad bowl for dinner. 

Table of Plenty Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes

Okay, I know these sound weird, but are actually really delicious, highly addictive, and also affordable. You can find them easily at Coles, Woolworths, or any good supermarket. 

Dinners

Vegetable curry 

Easy, satisfying, and affordable, my favourite vegetable curry is an interpretation of an Aloo Gobi, which includes a mix of cauliflower, potatoes, and peas. 

Kidney bean chili 

Basically a classic chili, only without the meat. I like to include plenty of fresh tomato, and spices like chili, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon, and I serve it with avocado and some coconut yoghurt on top. 

Cabbage borsch 

If you're not familiar, borsch is basically a soup which originated in Russia, which features a variety of hearty vegetables, the main ingredient being cabbage. My Babushka used to make this all the time, and the recipe has been passed down to me. It’s simple, but delicious.