Plant-based vegan recipes are generally affordable! This One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli Rice Meal Prep is just one super cheap vegan meal prep example. Give it a go, your wallet will thank you.
If you are on a budget, you HAVE to try this super cheap vegan meal prep! Whether you are vegan or not… just do it!
Including more simple plant-based vegan recipes into your meal plans, can generally help you reduce your food cost. This recipe is one that I repeat regularly, not only because it is super cheap, but also because it is delicious and is very easy to prep.
In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to prep this super cheap One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep.
This post is all about Cheap Vegan Meal Prep!
Super Cheap Vegan Meal Prep:
Confession time! December and January are months during which I really struggle to meal prep on Sundays. If you live in Cape Town, you will understand why. It is hot hot hot and weekends are meant to enjoy our beautiful beaches, camping sites, and divine (vegan-friendly) restaurants with family and friends. In my case, my family visits from Belgium during these months, and we do all the things to make the most of their time here.
This doesn’t mean that I don’t meal prep whatsoever, but I adapt my routine! I usually prep lunches for the week on Sunday or Monday. And on Monday night, I prep a few dinners. For breakfasts, I keep things super simple with toast, cereal, and 3-Ingredient Chia Pudding. We also tend to eat out more often, so to balance out the expenses, I try to meal prep as cheaply as possible. This One-Pot Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep has thus made it to our December-January meal plans on repeat.
Tips To Prep The Perfect One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal
I have a few tips for you, to make sure this meal prep turns out perfectly every time!
Firstly, make sure to cut the broccoli into small bite-sized florets. If you cut the broccoli into too big florets, the broccoli will be undercooked/raw. Also, add the broccoli to the pot according to your preference. For tender broccoli, add it for the last 3-5 minutes. For more well-cooked broccoli, add it for the last 8 minutes. Keep in mind that this is a meal prep dish and you will most likely reheat it, so definitely don’t overcook.
In terms of the creaminess of the dish, I opted to use 2 cups of plant milk and 1 cup of vegetable broth. If you wish the dish to be creamier, you could increase the milk ratio. You could also replace some of the milk with a plant cream, such as cashew cream.
Thirdly, chickpeas are very cheap and thus keep the price of this dish in check. If you are not on a budget and want to try something different, you could replace the chickpeas with plant-based chicken strips! It’s divine!
What Are The Best Containers For Meals That Need To Be Reheated?
Glass Containers
For meals that need to be reheated, like this One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep, I swear by the 630 milliliter or 21 oz LOCK & LOCK Purely Better Glass Food Storage Container with Lid. This borosilicate glass container is both microwave and oven-safe, as well as dishwasher and freezer-friendly. It doesn’t stain and has a luxurious feel to it, making it very enjoyable to eat from. It is so versatile that you can bake your meal, freeze your meal and eat your meal, all from the same bowl!
One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep: FAQs
Can I replace the soy milk with another plant milk?
Sure thing. Just make sure it is relatively neutral-tasting milk, which is unsweetened. I’m sure unsweetened almond, cashew, and even oat milk would be great! I chose soy milk because it is the cheapest plant milk. It also has the highest protein content! Win-win.
Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time and liquid content according to the package instructions of the brown rice.
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep last in the fridge?
I recommend storing this meal in the fridge and consuming it within four days from preparation. This will ensure the ideal nutritional and taste quality. This meal is also a great freezer-friendly option.
One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 clove of garlic pressed
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- 2 cups soy milk or plant milk of choice
- 1 cup veggie stock
- salt to taste
- 1 head of broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegan cheddar flavored cheese grated
Instructions
- Saute: Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft – 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 more seconds.
- Toast: To the saute pan, add the rice and toast for 2-2,5 minutes. Toasting the rice results in the grains separating from one another, which is a great technique to use for one-pot rice dishes.
- Simmer: Add the milk, broth, and salt and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 7 minutes. Add the broccoli and chickpeas. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Covered.
- Make it cheesy: Once the rice is done, remove the saute pan from the heat and stir in half of the cheese.
- Divide: Divide the rice amongst 3 meal prep containers. Garnish with the rest of the cheese.
- Store: Store in the fridge for up to four days!
Nutrition
Did you meal prep this One-Pot Cheesy Chickpea Broccoli and Rice Meal Prep Recipe? Don’t forget to let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag @vegan_meal_prep_sunday on Instagram so I can see!
This post was all about Cheap Vegan Meal Prep!
