It's the question I get asked time and time again: what are the best recipes for meal prep? The short answer is anything that's fast, easy, nourishing, and stores well as leftovers.

We all struggle when it comes to meal prepping and I'm no exception. But I've learned over the years that having a few recipes in my repertoire that are simple and fast (and yield lots of portions) makes all the difference.

I'm a firm believer in doing a large batch cook of a stew or chili about once a week, so I have lunches in the fridge ready to go. It's saved me on many an occasion! Also, prepping food in advance when you're busy is such a time-saver and really makes life easier.

The recipes below are some of the most popular from my blog, and the ones I think are best suited to vegan batch cooking. They're fast, easy to make, and usually yield several portions (or are easy to scale).

I'm not suggesting that you need to make them all (!), but by simply trying one or two a week you'll find you almost always have food available and it'll save you a lot of time and headaches. Enjoy, and let me know how you get on!

Store Cupboard Lentil Bolognese

This bolognese is one of my favourite recipes for meal prep. Not only is it inexpensive because it's made with protein-rich red lentils, but it's also made completely with pantry ingredients! For those moments where you want a healthy meal but can't get to the shops, this vegan bolognese is ideal.

Chocolate Nut Butter Overnight Oats

The simplest of all breakfasts when it comes to meal planning, overnight oats are a winner because they're SO easy to make. Simply throw oats, plant milk and any optional sweetener/flavourings together and leave overnight. Add your favourite toppings and enjoy. That's it! It's also incredibly easy to make several portions of these and store them in the fridge for the week.

Red Lentil Dhal

If you're looking for something simple, comforting and nourishing for dinner, this Red Lentil Dhal is perfect. It uses just one pan and is rich in plant protein, as well as being full of warming spices. This recipe gets made on an almost weekly basis in our house.

6-Ingredient Granola Bars

These bars are incredibly versatile as they can be eaten as snacks or as a light breakfast. Requiring no baking, they're made with a base of oats and coconut oil to which you can add your favourite nuts and seeds. They're the perfect snacks to keep you fuelled during the day!

Lemony Millet Tabbouleh

Want a salad but also want something a bit more filling? This Lemony Millet Tabbouleh is perfect: made with millet to keep you full, it contains crunchy fresh vegetables too. It stores really easily so is the ideal packed lunch.

Raw Walnut Brownies

Possibly my favourite snack recipe ever, these Raw Walnut Brownies again require no baking and are made with a few simple ingredients and a blender. Sweetened only with dates, they're high in protein and healthy fats perfect for boosting your energy on busy days. I make these almost weekly and absolutely love them!

Easy Homemade Tomato Pasta Sauce

One of my favourite recipes for meal prep and one that I make constantly, this Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce is so simple to make yet tastes so delicious. Containing just 6 ingredients (most of which you probably already have), it takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook. I love having a jar of this in the fridge so I've always got a sauce to throw over pasta, pizza or top a buddha bowl with!

Quinoa Power Bowls

This dish is my favourite for getting loads of different colours of fruit and veg in. Containing a whopping 6 types of produce, these bowls have a hearty base of quinoa that's balanced with sweet mango and topped with toasted almonds and edamame to add extra protein. This dish also keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for packed lunches.

Warming Bean Chili

The ultimate recipe for meal prep, because it yields at least 4 portions and is packed with vegetables and protein. This is a great meal to make if you're having friends over as well, because it's easy to cook while spending time with them, and again requires just one pan (so fewer dishes to wash).

Red Lentil Vegan Lasagna

Saving the best 'til last, this vegan lentil lasagna is comfort in a meal. Made with inexpensive red lentils and gluten free rice pasta sheets and smothered with a creamy vegan cheese sauce, this delicious and satisfying dinner is one you'll want to make every week!

Looking for more help with meal prepping? You can find my full Guide to Vegan Meal Prep here, as well as my posts on How to Shop as a Vegan and How to Go Vegan. You might also be interested in learning How to Make Your Own Sauerkraut. 

Minimalist Baker also has a great resource called 12 Make Ahead Plant-Based Meals if you're looking for more inspiration!