Winter is the season of comfort food and cozy nights, but it can also be a time of rising power bills and tighter household budgets. The good news? You can warm your belly and your home without cranking up the heat or emptying your wallet. A few simple tricks in the kitchen could make all the difference. JUNO SCOTT-KELLY from Love Food Hate Waste NZ shows us how.
Batch cooking
The best ways to save on food and energy is by batch cooking. Cooking a big pot of something hearty, like vegetable soup, chicken curry, or lentil stew, will provide meals for multiple nights, using your appliances just once, Juno says.
“This method helps make the most of affordable, seasonal winter vegetables like pumpkin, kumara, leeks, and carrots, which are nutritious and filling. Cooking in bulk also reduces the temptation to grab expensive and often less nutritious takeaway meals on busy nights,” she says.
Slow cookers and pressure cookers – the unsung heroes
When it comes to power savings, low-energy appliances like slow cookers and pressure cookers are your winter heroes.
“A slow cooker can gently simmer a meal all day using less power than a lightbulb – around 15 cents for eight hours of cooking. These devices make the most of cheaper, tougher cuts of meat and are great for turning forgotten fridge items into flavourful dinners,” she says.
Try Dump Bags
Want to cut prep time while stretching your grocery budget? Try Dump Bags – pre-portioned ingredients packed into freezer bags. Chop your veggies, season your meat, add sauces or stock, and freeze until needed. Then just defrost and dump into your slow cooker for an easy, hands-off dinner.
“A favourite from Love Food Hate Waste is the Moroccan Chicken Stew – packed with warming spices, tender chicken, and hearty veggies, it’s the perfect cozy dinner,” Juno says.
Create an ‘Eat Me First’ shelf
If you want to start reducing food waste in one simple step, try creating an Eat Me First shelf in your fridge or pantry. Designate a visible space for items that need to be used up soon – like a half-used jar of sauce, leftover cooked veggies, or an opened tub of yoghurt. This small habit makes a big difference, ensuring nothing gets forgotten or tossed.
When planning your weekly meals or prepping dump bags, check your Eat Me First shelf to see what needs using. It’s a smart way to save money, reduce waste, and ensure your food gets eaten, not binned. As Juno says, “If it’s visible, it’s more likely to get used.”
Cooking efficiently is just as important as what you cook. Keep lids on saucepans, use the kettle to pre-boil water, and cook multiple dishes at once in the oven. Roasting extra veggies for tomorrow’s lunch or turning stale bread into croutons are small steps that reduce waste and get more from every dollar spent.
“Winter doesn’t have to mean higher bills or wasted food. With a few smart habits – like batch cooking, using an Eat Me First shelf, and prepping ahead – you can enjoy cozy meals, save money, and keep your kitchen running efficiently,” Juno says.
For more inspiration and recipe ideas, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz.
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