The concept of batch cooking has gained popularity in recent years. Enthusiasts appreciate it for saving time and reducing food waste. It involves cooking in large quantities and then storing preparations to enjoy ready-to-eat meals. Mornings are often a time when we lack time, so why not apply batch cooking principles to breakfasts? Not only will you be ready to start the day stress-free, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of consuming healthy, balanced, and especially vegetarian preparations. In this article, we will explore three ideal preparations for morning batch cooking: granola, pancakes, and chia bowls.

What is batch cooking?

Batch cooking involves preparing a set of dishes or meal components in advance, often in larger quantities than needed for a single serving. The goal is to make the most of time spent in the kitchen and quickly assemble meals for several days. For example, you can cook a large amount of vegetables, grains, and legumes on Sunday afternoon to cover several lunches or dinners during the week.

Applied to breakfast, batch cooking involves preparing your bases in advance, such as cereals, fruits, sauces, or sides. You’ll just need to assemble the ingredients before heading to work or starting your daily activities. With a little organization, it’s possible to enjoy variety without wasting time every morning.

Why batch cook your breakfast?

1. Time-saving: Instead of getting up earlier every morning to make a complete breakfast, you’ll already have preparations ready. You just need to reheat or assemble.
2. Money-saving: Buying certain ingredients in bulk and preparing larger quantities can be more economical. Moreover, you avoid buying processed products that are often more expensive.
3. Quality control: You know exactly what you’re putting in your recipes. You can choose organic ingredients, limit sugar, opt for whole flours, etc.
4. Reducing food waste: By planning your needs for several days, you use ingredients optimally. You prepare appropriate quantities, avoiding food getting lost at the back of the fridge.
5. Nutritional flexibility: With batch cooking, you can adapt your recipes to your needs (more protein, gluten limitation, etc.). You remain in control of your plate’s composition.

Action plan for morning batch cooking

To adopt batch cooking in your morning habits, here are some key steps:

1. Plan recipes for the week: Take a moment over the weekend to choose your menus and assess your ingredient needs.
2. Make a shopping list: Note precisely the quantities needed for each recipe to avoid missing anything and better manage your budget.
3. Prepare containers: Invest in airtight jars, storage boxes of various sizes, and possibly labels to easily identify each preparation.
4. Organize your cooking session: At the beginning or end of the week, set aside an hour or two to cook most of your preparations. Ensure you have the right equipment: baking sheets for granola, pan or griddle for pancakes, containers for chia bowls, etc.
5. Store efficiently: Store in containers suitable for each type of preparation and maintain freshness according to hygiene rules (refrigerator or freezer).

Recipe #1: Homemade Granola

Granola is one of the simplest breakfast bases to prepare. It consists of a mix of cereal flakes (often oats), dried fruits, and nuts, combined with a sweetener (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar…). The whole is baked until a crispy and fragrant mixture is obtained. For a vegetarian version, homemade granola is perfectly suitable. If you’re vegan, you can avoid honey and prefer maple or agave syrup.

Basic Ingredients for a Large Jar (about 8 servings)

• 300 g of oats (ideally large flakes that hold up better during cooking)
• 100 g of coarsely chopped dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, raisins…)
• 50 g of nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut or canola, for example)
• 3 or 4 tablespoons of maple or agave syrup (adjustable according to your preference for sweetness)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C.
2. Mix in a large bowl the oats, nuts, and optionally seeds (sunflower, flax, pumpkin, etc.) to add more variety to your granola.
3. Incorporate the vegetable oil and maple syrup (or other sweetener). Mix well so that all dry ingredients are lightly coated.
4. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Watch the cooking and stir once or twice during baking for even coloring. Remove from the oven when the granola is golden.
6. Add the dried fruits after cooking, otherwise, they may burn or dry out too much. Mix them gently after removing from the oven.
7. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight jar. Granola can be stored for up to two weeks in a dry place.

Tips and Variations

• Vary the cereals: You can opt for an oat-spelt-quinoa mix or include buckwheat flakes.
• Enhance the taste: Add spices like cinnamon, vanilla, or cardamom.
• Optimize nutritional value: Incorporate chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, or other superfoods.
• Distribution: Before your batch cooking session, prepare several jars if you want to vary the flavors.

When serving, your granola can be enjoyed with plant-based yogurt, plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat…), or simply topped with fresh fruits for a complete and satisfying breakfast.

Recipe #2: Vegetarian Pancakes

Pancakes are also a breakfast classic, and they are easy to include in your batch cooking routine. Once cooked, they can be frozen or kept for several days in the refrigerator without losing their fluffiness. Just reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave or toaster to regain their fluffy texture.

Ingredients for about 10 pancakes

• 200 g of flour (wheat, spelt, or gluten-free mix if you prefer)
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, according to your taste)
• 300 ml of plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat…)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (sunflower, melted coconut, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (optional but improves texture and rise)

Method

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, put the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add plant-based milk: Pour gradually and whisk to avoid lumps.
3. Incorporate the oil into the mixture, as well as the apple cider vinegar if using.
4. Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the baking powder to act and bring more lightness.
5. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil or some plant-based margarine.
6. Pour the batter: Drop a small ladle of batter. When bubbles appear on the surface, flip the pancake and continue cooking for a few seconds on the other side.
7. Place cooked pancakes on a plate or rack. Repeat until all the batter is used.

Storage and Tips

• In the refrigerator: Pancakes keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
• In the freezer: Let them cool completely, then stack them, optionally interleaving parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place them in a suitable bag or box. They keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, take out as many as needed, heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a toaster.
• Variations: Add blueberries, chocolate chips, mashed banana, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), or even grated vegetables if you like savory versions (carrot, zucchini…).

Topping Ideas

• Classic: Maple syrup, peanut butter, fresh fruits.
• Gourmet: Jam, hazelnut cream, melted chocolate.
• Protein-rich: Plant-based yogurt, hemp seeds, berries.

Thanks to batch cooking, you always have a stock of delicious pancakes on hand to start the day. Their fluffy and comforting nature makes them a favorite breakfast for many food lovers.

Recipe #3: Chia Bowls

The chia bowl, also known as chia pudding, is a simple and nutritious preparation, ideal for a vegetarian breakfast. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3, fiber, and protein. By soaking them in a liquid (plant-based milk, fruit juice, etc.), they form a thick gel. This texture makes the chia bowl an easy-to-eat and very filling meal.

Basic Ingredients for 3 to 4 servings

• 60 g of chia seeds
• 400 ml of plant-based milk (coconut, almond, soy…)
• 2 tablespoons of maple or agave syrup (or other sweetener of choice)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation

1. Mix the chia seeds and plant-based milk in a large bowl or salad bowl.
2. Add the sweetener of your choice (honey, if not vegan, maple syrup, etc.) and vanilla if desired.
3. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping.
4. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Ideally, prepare the chia bowl the night before for the next morning.

Storage

• Chia bowls keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days in airtight containers.
• For batch cooking, pour your chia pudding into small individual jars, ready to be topped as desired.

Topping Ideas

• Fresh fruits: Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mango…
• Dried fruits: Sliced almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, crushed hazelnuts…
• Superfoods: Goji berries, raw cacao nibs, ground flaxseeds.
• Spices or cocoa: Cinnamon, cocoa powder, shredded coconut.

By varying the toppings, you can create a different chia bowl every morning while enjoying a healthy and quick-to-eat base. Add a drizzle of maple syrup, some chopped fruits, or granola for extra crunch.

General Tips for a Successful Vegetarian Breakfast

• Anti-waste: If you have slightly overripe fruits (bananas, apples), use them in coulis or compote to top your pancakes or fill your chia bowls.
• Choose your dairy alternatives wisely: Opting for plant-based yogurt (soy, almond, coconut) allows you to vary flavors.
• Vegetable proteins: Chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and nuts are excellent sources of protein and essential fatty acids.
• Glycemic index: Prefer raw sugars (honey, maple syrup, whole sugar) and moderate their quantity to avoid blood sugar spikes in the morning.
• Spices and herbs: Cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom can enhance your preparations without adding extra calories.

Organization and Storage

For effective batch cooking, divide your cooking session into several clear steps:

1. Prepare the granola: Start by mixing all the dry ingredients and baking. While it’s cooking, you can start the second recipe.
2. Cook the pancakes: Once the granola is in the oven or cooling, move on to preparing the pancake batter. Cook all the pancakes at once, then let them cool on a rack before packaging.
3. Set up the chia bowls: Finally, mix the chia seeds and their plant-based milk. Once rested, divide them into small jars.

Categorization

• Jars for granola: Store at room temperature (up to 15 days).
• Airtight container or freezer bag for pancakes: In the fridge (3 to 4 days) or in the freezer (up to 2 months).
• Individual pots for chia bowls: In the refrigerator (2 to 3 days maximum).

Be sure to label the content and preparation date to consume each dish before its shelf life expires. You can also vary the order of your breakfasts to avoid monotony: one day granola, the next pancake, then a chia bowl on the third day, etc.

Additional Tips for Optimal Batch Cooking

• Plan a rotation: Try not to prepare the same recipe every week. Alternate between types of cereals, flours, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Adjust quantities: If you work 5 days in a row, prepare 5 portions of pancakes, for example, and 2 large jars of granola for the entire week or two weeks.
• Adapt to the season: In summer, berries are abundant and can be stored easily for a few days. In winter, favor oranges, apples, pears, and possibly frozen fruits (blueberries, raspberries) for a colorful touch.
• Optimize space: If you have a small freezer, prioritize preparing batches for the refrigerator over 3 or 4 days.

Nutritional Balance and Variety

A vegetarian breakfast can perfectly meet your morning nutritional needs. It’s important to ensure:

• Complex carbohydrates: Oats, whole flour, cereals for sustainable energy.
• Proteins: Seeds, nuts, legumes, or silken tofu if you include another protein smoothie recipe.
• Good quality fats: Vegetable oils, nuts, flax seeds.
• Vitamins and minerals: Fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables in savory preparations (vegetable pancakes), spices rich in antioxidants.

The key to a good morning start is finding a balance between taste pleasure, limited preparation time, and sufficient nutritional intake. Batch cooking not only allows you to have varied dishes but also ensures better overall quality of your diet.

Example Batch Cooking Schedule

Here is an example schedule for 4 days, imagining you dedicate your Sunday to preparation:

• Sunday afternoon:

  • Prepare 2 jars of granola (one with cinnamon and the other with cocoa).
  • Cook about ten plain pancakes and 5 chocolate chip pancakes.
  • Set up 4 pots of chia bowls (200 ml each).

• Monday morning:

  • Cinnamon granola + plant-based yogurt + red fruits as topping.

• Tuesday morning:

  • 2 reheated plain pancakes + apple compote + some toasted almonds.

• Wednesday morning:

  • A vanilla chia bowl + sliced bananas and pumpkin seeds.

• Thursday morning:

  • Cocoa granola with almond milk + some shredded coconut pieces.

Of course, this is just an example, and you can adapt it according to your desires, fruit availability, and preferences for seeds or sweeteners.

Key Points to Remember

1. Organization: The success of batch cooking relies on good planning and a well-organized cooking session.
2. Equipment: Plan jars, airtight boxes, freezer bags, labels, and markers to easily identify your preparations.
3. Variety: Alternate recipes between granola, pancakes, and chia bowls to avoid monotony and cover a broader range of nutrients.
4. Storage: Respect storage times to avoid food degradation.
5. Pleasure: Consider personalizing your recipes to maintain desire and motivation. Add spices, creative toppings, or vary the type of flour.

Conclusion

Taking care of your breakfast by adopting the batch cooking principle is a major asset in a life often paced by a lack of time. By anticipating a few key preparations like granola, pancakes, and chia bowls, you offer yourself calmer and more delicious mornings. The health benefits can be positive since you control the quality and origin of the ingredients. Not to mention the satisfaction of avoiding waste and saving money.

Whether you follow a vegetarian lifestyle or not, these recipes are suitable for everyone and can be adapted according to tastes and seasons. You just need to vary flours, fruits, spices, and plant-based milks to create a culinary universe rich in flavors. With a little practice, you’ll enjoy planning your breakfasts, and you’ll quickly notice how much simpler and more enjoyable each morning can become.

Feel free to experiment, share your creations, and adjust the recipes to your preferences. You’ll see that when you wake up, everything is already ready or almost ready for a healthy, balanced, and delicious meal. Try it this week and enjoy your saved time to savor even more the first part of the day. Happy morning batch cooking to all!