My Favourite Kitchen Hacks for Busy South African Mums

Let’s face it—life as a busy mum can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Between school runs, work deadlines, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, the last thing you need is to spend hours in the kitchen. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to. With a few smart kitchen hacks, you can shave precious minutes off your meal prep time and still put delicious, nutritious meals on the table. These are some of my go-to tips that have made all the difference in my daily routine.

1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Meal planning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifesaver. Taking a bit of time at the start of the week to plan your meals can make a world of difference. When you know what’s for dinner every night, you eliminate the 5 pm stress and avoid those last-minute takeout orders that aren’t so friendly on the wallet. And here’s a tip: if meal planning feels like one more thing on your to-do list, consider outsourcing it. Plan My Meals takes care of the heavy lifting, providing you with a customized meal plan and grocery list so you can focus on what really matters.

2. Batch Cook and Freeze

Batch cooking has been a game-changer for me. On the days when I do have some extra time (rare as they may be), I like to cook larger portions of our favourite meals and freeze the extras. It’s like having money in the bank for those nights when cooking feels like too much. Whether it’s a comforting soup, a hearty stew, or a lasagna, these meals freeze beautifully and are easy to reheat. Plus, you’ll thank yourself later when you realize dinner is already sorted.

3. Use Pre-Chopped or Frozen Vegetables

This is one of those hacks that seems so obvious, yet it took me forever to embrace it. Pre-chopped and frozen vegetables are lifesavers. They’re just as nutritious as fresh veggies but without the prep time. Having a variety of frozen vegetables on hand means I can easily add them to stir-fries, soups, or as side dishes, cutting my meal prep time in half. And let’s be honest, any time saved is a win in my book.

4. One-Pot Wonders

I’m all about one-pot wonders—meals that are cooked in a single pot or pan. Not only does this save on cooking time, but it also means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a bonus. Pasta bakes, sheet pan dinners, and stews are my go-tos. They’re easy to prep, cook, and serve, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short, and patience is even shorter.

5. Invest in Time-Saving Gadgets

I wasn’t always a fan of kitchen gadgets, but now I swear by them. A slow cooker, air fryer, or instant pot can drastically cut down your cooking times and make meal prep a breeze. The slow cooker is perfect for meals that can cook while you’re out running errands, and the air fryer is a quick and healthy way to prepare snacks or meals. These tools are worth their weight in gold when you’re short on time but still want to put a decent meal on the table.

6. Prep Ingredients in Advance

Spending a little time on the weekend or in the evening prepping ingredients for the week has been a lifesaver. Whether it’s chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or pre-cooking grains, having these ready to go means I can throw together meals quickly during the week. I like to store everything in clear containers so I can see what I have at a glance—no more digging around in the fridge at the last minute.

7. Double Up Recipes

Whenever I’m making a meal, I always try to double the recipe and use the leftovers for another dinner or lunch. Dishes like lasagna, chilli, or curry actually taste better the next day, so they’re perfect for doubling up. This not only saves time but also gives me a break from cooking the next day, which is always appreciated.

8. Get the Family Involved

I’ve learned that getting the kids involved in the kitchen can actually be a big help. Whether it’s helping with meal prep or setting the table, involving them in the process lightens my load and teaches them valuable skills. I assign age-appropriate tasks—like washing vegetables for the little ones or stirring pots for the older ones—and it becomes a fun, family activity rather than just another chore.

9. Organize Your Pantry and Fridge

Keeping my pantry and fridge organized has been a game-changer. When you know exactly what you have on hand, you’re less likely to overbuy or waste food. I use clear containers and labels to keep everything in its place, and I do a quick inventory before I shop to make sure I’m not buying something I already have. It sounds simple, but it’s amazing how much time and money it can save.

10. Outsource When You Can

Sometimes the best hack is knowing when to outsource the work. Services like Plan My Meals take care of the meal planning and grocery list creation, so you don’t have to. By letting someone else handle the planning, you can focus on enjoying more time with your family, knowing that dinner is already sorted. It’s one less thing to worry about, and that peace of mind is priceless.

Conclusion

Being a busy mum is no easy feat, but with these kitchen hacks, you can save time and reduce stress, all while putting delicious meals on the table. And remember, it’s okay to outsource and make use of services like Plan My Meals or the occasional Uber eats take out to take the burden off your shoulders. With a little planning and these tried-and-true tips, you’ll find that mealtime doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can actually be something to look forward to.