Cooking when you’re alone or just two people can quickly become a headache: portions that are too big, forgotten leftovers, lack of inspiration. However, with a few good reflexes, it’s possible to eat varied, comforting dishes—without waste.
Rely on Freezing
Freezing allows you to cook a larger batch of soup, classic chili, lasagna or a casserole, and then save individual servings for later. Several ingredients also freeze very well, such as grated cheese, fruits and vegetables, and portioned meats. Is a large format on sale? Divide, freeze, and avoid waste while saving time on busy evenings!
Adjust the Portions
Most recipes are easily split in half. In savoury dishes, just go easy with the spices and tweak according to taste. In baking, it’s best to prepare the entire recipe and freeze in portions.
To adjust properly, you can rely on simple guidelines: half a cup of rice per person, 100g of pasta per person, a chicken breast for two, half a plate of vegetables, a handful of nuts or legumes to complete a meal, one egg per person (or two as a main course).
- Recipes For 4 That Are Easy to Divide:
Chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese in the air fryer
This recipe, designed for two people, can be easily doubled or divided according to the number of guests. And if there is any left over, simply grill the pieces of meat to make a delicious sandwich the next day.
Beef medallions with creamy mushroom sauce
A Reflex to Develop
Using ramekins or measuring bowls helps visualize the actual amount before cooking. By getting into the habit of evaluating what is really enough to satisfy your hunger, you can avoid surplus while preparing perfectly balanced meals.
Choosing the Right Size Cookware
A small skillet, a compact pan, or a narrower baking dish can make all the difference. They allow for even cooking and make it easier to adapt recipes. Otherwise, choose a container where the preparation can remain as thick as the original recipe for optimal results—without drying out or burning.
Transform Leftovers with Creativity
Cooking leftovers not only saves time, but also creates simple and satisfying meals. Vegetables roasted the day before can easily be slipped into fried rice, an omelette or a soup, pasta can be transformed into a salad or an express gratin, while surplus meat or legumes make excellent sandwiches or wraps. Even crumbled taco shells can add a crunchy touch to a salad.
Varying the seasonings or adding a homemade sauce allows you to breathe new life into what you already have on hand, for comforting, economical meals that are perfectly suited to cold winter days.
Reduce Waste
Planning your meals, buying as you go, properly storing fresh products and cooking more fragile foods quickly are key gestures. Vegetables that are a little tired can easily be transformed into soups or purées. Stale bread is perfect for making croutons or French toast. Betting on bulk also allows you to buy exactly the quantity you want, especially for non-perishable foods.
Opt for Simplicity and Versatility
Eggs, cheese, chicken, sausages: these versatile proteins can be cooked in a thousand ways and can be easily integrated into several meals. In winter, favour root vegetables, cabbage and squash, which are nourishing and comforting.
By cooking more simply, with well-chosen ingredients and adapted portions, you can gain pleasure—and waste much less.
1. Lemony Pork Chops with Tomato, Zucchini and Parmesan Orzo Try this pork chop recipe for 2 people, and simply double it if you’re cooking for 4.
2. Air Fryer Chocolate Pudding Cakes The air fryer is ideal for cooking small quantities, like this chocolate dessert for 2.
