Meal Prep Party

Whenever there's a way to get a jump on the week ahead, count us in. Batch cooking (cooking larger quantities of food, and storing in separate portions for later) is a great way to do exactly that. It's not only a time-saver but a resourceful way to reduce unnecessary food waste. Prepping your meals in advance also happens to be a solid way to eat healthier and fresher meals. With the help of Tupperware and family (or friends), meal prepping for the week ahead doesn’t need to be a long, lonely Sunday chore. Here’s how we turn prep into a party!

Introducing: The Meal Prep Party

Today, we'll explore how to get your family and friends in on the act by preparing a nutritious chicken, veggie, and quinoa meal together. In true batch cooking style, the result is easily storable, family-friendly, and full of flavor. So, grab your favorite Tupperware tools – there's #NoTimeToWaste!

Getting Started

To get the most out of your meal prep venture, you'll need some basics: pour yourself a glass of your favourite drink, spread out fresh ingredients on the kitchen counter, and your favorite Tupperware tools. The Crystalwave, Rice Maker, and Silicone Baking Sheet are ideal helpers to have by your side.

Put on some background music and your apron and let’s get to work.

How it works

The concept behind this meal prep party is simple: The host (aka you) asks each person to shop for allocated ingredients for the recipe. Each guest should spend approximately the same amount. Once the meal prep party is underway, each person helps to prepare an aspect of the meal, which you can all enjoy together once completed.

Sounds like fun? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for 4 people

Meat – Fried in your Chef Series Fry Pan:

  • 500 g-700 g fried chicken breast or fried fillet strips (You can add chili, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme and basil for extra flavour!)

Grains – Prepared in your Rice Maker:

  • 250 ml quinoa or grains of your choice (about 200 g)
  • 0.5 tsp salt (about 2.5 ml)
  • 400 ml of water.

Seasonal vegetables:

  • 500g combination of veggies like carrots, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, beetroot, leeks, sweet potatoes, onions, green beans– anything your heart desires! (Your local grocer or farmer’s market will be a good spot to pick up veggies that are in season.)

Preparation Steps

Let each of your guests prepare their portion of the recipe using a Crystalwave as a base.

Preparation Steps

  1. Rinse and drain the quinoa. Afterwards grab your Tupperware Microwave Rice Maker and add quinoa and 400 ml of water. Place the white shield cover on top with the tabs upwards and cover with the lid. Make sure you press down on the lid until it clicks into place. To ensure it is completely sealed, make sure the handles of the container and the lid are on top of each other. Cook in the microwave for 14-15 minutes at 900 watts.
  2. When it’s done, allow the quinoa to rest for about 5 mins. Then open the lid, press one side of the handles together, then the other side.
  3. Mix and fluff the quinoa gently with the Silicone Spatula and allow to cool to room temperature.

ProTip: For a tasty twist, portion the quinoa into equal servings and season each portion differently. Alternatively, you can let each guest personalize their quinoa by adding their preferred seasoning.

Vegetables:

For the veggies, if you choose a variety of veggies, start by separating them out onto your Silicone Baking Sheet based on how long they take to cook in the oven. For example, potatoes roasted at 200°C will take 30 to 35 minutes in the oven but mushrooms will only need about 20 minutes. You can save time and energy by using both oven racks to cook multiple ingredients together #NoTimeToWaste

If you want to you add some beans or Brussel sprouts to your bowl, steam them upfront before you roast them in the oven.

Drizzle olive oil and your choice of spices over, and pop your veggies in the oven. Be sure to check on them to make sure they’re evenly roasted. It’s a great way to roast your vegetables on the Silicone Baking Sheet.

You can also use fresh ingredients like rocket, butter lettuce, cucumbers, avocados, grapefruits, oranges or pomegranate that don’t need to be cooked and can be chopped up on the day before you enjoy your meal. You can use our seasonal produce guide to see what’s available and in-season in your region.

Vegetables:

Next up, divide your ingredients (quinoa, chicken, and veggies) equally into Crystalwave containers for the week ahead. Crystal waves are perfect because there is a size to suit each person’s desired portion and you can easily reheat your meals in the microwave by simply popping open the steam valve, which means fewer dishes to wash up during the week. Bonus!

This dish is also a good midday meal for work because it can be eaten hot or cold.

How to love your leftovers in 2020

Here are some additional tips to loving your leftovers:

  • Bread is often bought in larger quantities, which can result in food waste. Try our delish leftover bread recipes to make the most of your stale bread.
  • Invite your friends over for a ‘leftover party’ where each guest brings a leftover dish for a #NoTimeToWaste feast, or you can host another memorable meal prep party.
  • Sharing is caring – Donate your unopened or unspoiled food to a local charity or neighborhood initiative, you can make a big impact with small acts of kindness.

Contact a Tupperware consultant today to find out what colors the Crystalwave is available in and what other products are available to purchase.