To many takeaways .... Help

MrsRogers

Not only is it bad for our health it's bade for our budget.

Fortunately DH and I can afford to eat out / have takeaways but we have both said we are doing it far to often. (2/3 times a week). It's not that I don't like cooking I do... It's just we both work long hours and so often I can not be bothered / to tired / to hungry to cook.

Please help with really quick ideas....

We do meal plan every week but that also goes out the window if we have a late finish in work

joedenise

How about doing some batch cooking? It's really easy just to make double the amount of something and put half into the freezer. Meals such as chilli and curry are particularly good for this. Then all you need to do is get it out in the morning before work and then when you come in put on some rice or potatoes to go with it.

Denise

kboss2010

Invest in a slow cooker, chop up veg and meat and freeze so you can just throw handfuls of ingredients in in the morning before you leave for work and it'll be ready when u get home.

Pasta, bacon, frozen peas and cream (+ salt and pepper to taste) is yummy and takes minutes.

Frozen veg stir fry with noodles is quick (4 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce to make a quick sauce)

Bacon or sausage/chorizo, tinned tomatoes & mixed herb pasta (with a pinch of sugar to get rid of the bitter tomato taste) is also fast.

camNolliesMUMMY

Batch cook and use a slow cooker I say

heretolearn_2

I do a batch cook every weekend and freeze several portions. That way I just get a portion out to defrost in the morning and microwave in evening and it's just as easy as a ready-meal/takeaway but a lot cheaper and healthier.

I don't just do the usual stews/curries/chillies etc. Sometimes I do a big roast joint, then slice it up into portions and freeze those. Or do a load of chicken drumsticks etc. Just need to add some microwave steam veg and there's your meal.

ragz_2

Make yourself a list of quick cook foods (using ingredients you always have in) and stick it to the fridge. (I need to do this!).

I find I can whip up a meal in ten minutes, but often when pushed for time my mind goes blank. Having it there in front of you takes the thinking away!

Example list
Pasta and pesto (add frozen veg, chopped ham/bacon/egg)
Carbonara
Stir Fry
Beans on toast (add curry powder, or grated cheese)
Egg and chips

Using jars of sauce/frozen standbys is a lot cheaper than take out and still often healthier. Some frozen garlic bread livens up a lot of things

camNolliesMUMMY

I cooked this today http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/01/slow-cooker-mongolian-beef.html it's fakeaway Saturday and was no effort at all all of it went in the slow cooker!

MrsRogers

:TThanks all will give your suggestions a try.... Here's to no more takeaways

krlyr

You could look at the book "The Takeaway Secret" - looks of "fakeaway" type recipes to satisfy your cravings for chinese, curry, etc.
It may require a bit of outlay to get all the spices etc in - but for the £20 you might spend on a curry, you'd have all the pieces to make dozens of meals
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Takeaway-Secret-Cook-Favourite-Fast-food/dp/0716022354
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2665259