The Joys and Challenges of Meal Prepping
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve always loved the art of cooking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking fresh, high-quality ingredients and transforming them into a delectable meal. But let’s be honest – with our busy modern lifestyles, finding the time to cook a wholesome, homemade dinner every single night can be a real challenge.
That’s where meal prepping comes in. By setting aside a chunk of time each week to plan, prep, and cook several meals in advance, you can save yourself so much hassle and stress during the hectic workweek. No more last-minute scrambling to figure out what to make for dinner or resorting to unhealthy takeout options. With a little upfront effort, you can have nutritious, home-cooked meals ready to go whenever you need them.
But as any experienced meal prepper will tell you, it’s not always as simple as it sounds. There’s an art to crafting a well-rounded weekly menu, mastering storage and reheating techniques, and finding recipes that actually taste good after being frozen or refrigerated for days on end. Saint Marc, a beloved food and dining destination, has perfected this art – and they’re here to share their top tips and tricks.
Laying the Groundwork for Successful Meal Prep
The key to effective meal prepping is all about planning and preparation. Before you even step foot in the kitchen, take some time to thoughtfully map out your weekly menu. Consider factors like:
- Your schedule for the upcoming week – which nights will you be home late or out of the house for long stretches?
- Variety in your meals – aim for a mix of proteins, veggies, grains, and flavors to keep things interesting.
- Potential leftovers – look for recipes that make extra portions you can enjoy later in the week.
- Ingredients you already have on hand – start there to minimize food waste and unnecessary purchases.
Once you’ve settled on your meals, make a detailed grocery list and carve out a dedicated block of time, usually on the weekend, to get cooking. Mise en place (French for “everything in its place”) is key here – take the time to chop, measure, and organize all your ingredients before you start, so the actual cooking process is a breeze.
And don’t forget to stock up on some essential meal prep tools and containers! Investing in sturdy, leak-proof storage vessels, a quality blender or food processor, and a wide selection of spices and seasonings can make all the difference in the world.
The Saint Marc Approach to Meal Prepping
As an acclaimed restaurant group with a focus on seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, the team at Saint Marc knows a thing or two about creating delicious, nourishing meals. They’ve developed a foolproof approach to meal prepping that makes the most of fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-saving techniques.
1. Start with a Solid Foundation
The foundation of any great meal is a well-made protein, grain, or vegetable. At Saint Marc, they often focus on building blocks like perfectly cooked chicken breasts, tender roasted vegetables, or fluffy quinoa that can be easily repurposed in multiple dishes throughout the week.
“We love to roast a big batch of chicken, veggies, or a grain like farro or brown rice at the beginning of the week,” says head chef Samantha. “That way, we have a nutritious base to build on for quick salads, bowls, or even just a simple protein and side dish.”
2. Leverage Versatile Staple Sauces and Condiments
In addition to their protein and produce prep, the Saint Marc team always has a selection of versatile sauces, dressings, and condiments on hand. Things like a bright, herby chimichurri, a creamy tahini dressing, or a zesty homemade salsa can instantly elevate even the most basic meal.
“Having these flavor boosters ready to go makes it so easy to mix and match different components throughout the week,” explains Samantha. “A spoonful of chimichurri can transform roasted chicken into an entirely new dish, or a drizzle of that tahini dressing can take a simple grain bowl to the next level.”
3. Embrace Make-Ahead Meals
One of the most genius meal prep hacks from the Saint Marc team? Embracing make-ahead dishes that actually taste better after some time in the fridge or freezer. Things like hearty soups, comforting casseroles, and even certain types of pasta or grain salads often improve in flavor and texture when prepared in advance.
“We love putting together a big batch of our lentil and butternut squash chili on the weekend,” says Samantha. “The flavors really meld together as it sits, and we can easily portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. And our sweet potato and farro salad? It’s even better on day two or three.”
Recipes to Inspire Your Meal Prep Adventures
Ready to put the Saint Marc meal prep philosophy into practice? Check out these delicious, make-ahead recipes that are perfect for your weekly prep sessions:
Lentil and Butternut Squash Chili
Saint Marc’s hearty, veggie-packed chili is a meal prep all-star. The flavors only improve after a few days in the fridge, and it freezes beautifully too. Serve it over brown rice or quinoa for a complete, nourishing meal.
Sweet Potato and Farro Salad
This colorful, protein-packed grain salad is a total flavor bomb. Roasted sweet potatoes, nutty farro, crunchy greens, and a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette come together for a satisfying make-ahead lunch or side dish.
Chimichurri Chicken and Veggies
Prep a big batch of juicy, oven-roasted chicken thighs and your favorite seasonal veggies, then drizzle everything with the punchy, garlicky Saint Marc chimichurri sauce. Serve over rice or pasta, or enjoy as is for a simple, wholesome meal.
Creamy Tahini Dressing
This versatile, dairy-free dressing is a game-changer for meal prepping. Whip up a big batch at the beginning of the week and use it to dress salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, and more. It’ll keep for up to a week in the fridge.
Meal Prepping Beyond the Basics
Of course, the art of meal prepping extends far beyond the basics of protein, grains, and sauces. The team at Saint Marc is always experimenting with new techniques and recipes to make the process even more streamlined and delicious.
For example, they love to prep entire meals in advance, portioning them out into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Things like veggie-packed frittatas, hearty pasta bakes, or even fully-assembled sandwich wraps can all be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
They also believe in the power of batch cooking, tackling larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes in one fell swoop. “If I know I’m going to need shredded chicken for a few different recipes, I’ll just cook a big batch all at once,” says Samantha. “It saves so much time in the long run.”
And when it comes to reheating, the Saint Marc team has perfected their methods. They use a combination of the oven, stovetop, and even the air fryer to ensure their prepped meals stay fresh, flavorful, and perfectly textured, no matter how long they’ve been stored.
The Bottom Line
Meal prepping may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and recipes, it can be a total game-changer. By taking the time to plan, prep, and portion out your meals in advance, you’ll save yourself countless hours of stress and scrambling during the busy workweek.
And by drawing inspiration from the experts at Saint Marc, you can elevate your meal prep game to new heights. With their focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients, versatile flavor boosters, and make-ahead magic, you’ll have a repertoire of delicious, nourishing meals at your fingertips all week long.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, your meal prep containers, and get ready to savor the joys of stress-free, home-cooked meals. Your future self will thank you.
