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Original poster

Anyone do the capsule kitchen method?

29 replies

Strangeencounter · 16/01/2026 21:09

So time comes again where prices go up and I have another mad attempt at cost cutting the food bill.

Also recent news to me apparently we are supposed to be having 50 plants a week!

Last year I went on a drive with this and went down the meal planning route; buying what we need, reducing food waste, and part of the strategy was bulking items to use in multiple meals and get a cost saving that way. It was very successful cost wise.

On reflection that is limiting the range of plants; so I want to try another method I have been researching which I am not sure has a name; its kind of a combo of the capsule kitchen method and the meal prep/ ingredient method (but more for freezer long term storage than weekly). So the savings then focus more on meat and staples which allows me to spend more freely and flexibly on fruit and veg.

Previous method also was mainly cooking fresh everyday where my new method would be over cooking certain meat staples to store and get economies of scale for a quick meal.

Another poster set out a cool schedule which I copying for inspiration:

Sunday: Roast with an oversized meat
Monday: Meal using leftover
Tuesday: Stew/ Curry/ Stir fry - if a mega mega joint then using this meat again
Wednesday: Quiche, Salad and Carb Day (Jackets/ Potatoes/ Something?)
Thursday: Pasta, pizza or risotto day
Friday: Prep day - Making something with a bulk buy of a chosen meat. Ie. Portion of mince - Make a bolognese, chilli con carne, Burgers, meatballs. Something to freeze and at a later date.
Saturday: Choice Meal

This sounds very confusing I am sorry for the ramble. I am just wondering if anyone does this or a similar kind of method? Any tips on how to simplify this in my mind.

The furthest I have got is overthinking the above and that I bought 3 for £8 Quiche in M&S today and am planning to get a giant chicken for Sunday. And that I fancy waldorf salad with my quiche. (Grapes, apple, walnuts, lemon, celery - which works with the capsule kitchen idea).

WELCOME TO MY CHAOTIC BRAIN 🧠😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Strangeencounter · 16/01/2026 21:34

Catza · 16/01/2026 21:16

I mean, if you really want to cut down on costs, then you need to cook one pot meals which last two to three days. Curry, stew, soup - vary veg in them and spices. For example a base would be meat, vegetables, onion, garlic and tinned tomatoes. Then you can add Indian spices for Indian curry (I buy spices in bulk and make my own mixes) or Thai curry paste and coconut milk for Thai curry. Or some herbs and paprika for a stew. Same base, three to four different combinations. Cuts down on planning and I use a 5l pot which enough to feed four adults for two days and still have little left for someone's lunch.
I am not sure why everyone is so obsessed with a Sunday roast, it's about the most expensive meal of the week and we maybe eat it two times a year.

I agree! We never had roasts last year.

Boxing Day we roasted a big lamb leg and I kept all the fat. I have been using it to roast potatoes since and it is utterly incredible.

Likewise saw the old fashioned cooking thread last week; and that was interesting because I had been musing about similar.

Maybe its just because it’s winter; or maybe I just want to challenge myself to the MN feed the family for 7 weeks on a large chicken 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Strangeencounter · 16/01/2026 21:30

greencrab · 16/01/2026 21:12

I think the idea of a diversity jar (or but a ready made product like this https://www.ocado.com/products/m-s-good-gut-35-gut-booster-mega-mix/650702011?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22848902551&utm_content=non-brand&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22845072428&gbraid=0AAAAADi6iHkkjJ20LJDbft4Oe92ffqCwM&gclid=CjwKCAiA4KfLBhB0EiwAUY7GAT_M-v4dRuT77tw3vifrZDNanU_k3VlPZTwyS9VTMhMenxrJPMvMdxoCTsIQAvD_BwE) would be easier to add in plants to what already sounds like a sensible meal plan you set up last year

Ooo that is an idea thankyou!

Yes the meal plan was working cost wise. I do just worry it wasnt reaching to 50.

It was more like 15/20 plants a week which isnt great. I would love to eat 50 but cant afford that without doing something clever!

I do like your idea though thank you 🙏

OP posts:
Catza · 16/01/2026 21:16

I mean, if you really want to cut down on costs, then you need to cook one pot meals which last two to three days. Curry, stew, soup - vary veg in them and spices. For example a base would be meat, vegetables, onion, garlic and tinned tomatoes. Then you can add Indian spices for Indian curry (I buy spices in bulk and make my own mixes) or Thai curry paste and coconut milk for Thai curry. Or some herbs and paprika for a stew. Same base, three to four different combinations. Cuts down on planning and I use a 5l pot which enough to feed four adults for two days and still have little left for someone's lunch.
I am not sure why everyone is so obsessed with a Sunday roast, it's about the most expensive meal of the week and we maybe eat it two times a year.

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