Table of Contents
The "NEPA/PHCN" Factor
In other countries, meal prep is about the fridge. In Nigeria, it is about the Deep Freezer.
Freezer is King:
If you rely on your fridge section, one day of power outage can spoil a week's worth of food. Invest in good plastic containers (custard buckets work, but clear Tupperware is better for seeing what's inside).
Cool Before Freezing:
Never put hot food directly into the freezer. It raises the temperature and can spoil other foods. Let it cool completely on the counter first.
Freezer is King:
If you rely on your fridge section, one day of power outage can spoil a week's worth of food. Invest in good plastic containers (custard buckets work, but clear Tupperware is better for seeing what's inside).
Cool Before Freezing:
Never put hot food directly into the freezer. It raises the temperature and can spoil other foods. Let it cool completely on the counter first.
The Magic of "Base Stew"
Don't cook Jollof, Stew, and Pasta sauce separately. Cook the Base.
What is it?
A massive pot of blended tomatoes, tatashe, rodo, and onions, boiled down and fried in vegetable oil until dry.
How to use it:
- For Jollof: Take a portion, add curry, thyme, bay leaf, and rice.
- For Stew: Add meat stock and fried protein.
- For Pasta: Add minced meat and veggies.
This saves you the stress of blending and boiling pepper every time.
What is it?
A massive pot of blended tomatoes, tatashe, rodo, and onions, boiled down and fried in vegetable oil until dry.
How to use it:
- For Jollof: Take a portion, add curry, thyme, bay leaf, and rice.
- For Stew: Add meat stock and fried protein.
- For Pasta: Add minced meat and veggies.
This saves you the stress of blending and boiling pepper every time.
Market Run Strategy
Supermarkets are for emergencies. The real prep starts at the open market (Mile 12, Bodija, Wuse).
Bulk Buying:
Buy a basket of tomatoes, a bag of rice, and a carton of frozen chicken/turkey. It is cheaper and lasts longer. Share with a colleague if a full basket is too much.
Prep Immediately:
The mistake most people make is buying bulk and resting. No! Wash, blend, and boil your peppers immediately when you get home. Portion your meat and freeze.
Bulk Buying:
Buy a basket of tomatoes, a bag of rice, and a carton of frozen chicken/turkey. It is cheaper and lasts longer. Share with a colleague if a full basket is too much.
Prep Immediately:
The mistake most people make is buying bulk and resting. No! Wash, blend, and boil your peppers immediately when you get home. Portion your meat and freeze.
Storing Swallow
Yes, you can meal prep Pounded Yam and Amala!
The Cling Film Trick:
Make a big batch. While it is still hot, wrap individual portions tightly in cling film (or clear nylon). Throw them in the freezer.
Reheating:
Microwave the wrapped portion for 2-3 minutes. It comes out steaming hot and fresh, as if you just pounded it.
The Cling Film Trick:
Make a big batch. While it is still hot, wrap individual portions tightly in cling film (or clear nylon). Throw them in the freezer.
Reheating:
Microwave the wrapped portion for 2-3 minutes. It comes out steaming hot and fresh, as if you just pounded it.
Ngozi "The Planner" Adebayo
Efficiency Expert
3
Balancing a banking career and three kids, Ngozi mastered the art of "bulk cooking" out of necessity.
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