One-Pot Meals for Lazy Weeknights
Trying to put supper on the table while juggling several pots and pans is the last thing you want to do after a long, busy day. One-pot dinners are the answer to that problem. These hearty, tasty dishes are ideal for lazy weeknights when your energy is down but your appetite isn't—they require little cleanup and offer maximum ease.
Prepare and clean up faster with one-pot meals, whether you're cooking for a small group of friends, your family, or yourself. This comprehensive book will help you maintain stress-free and fulfilling weeknight dinners with simple recipes, time-saving advice, and creative ingredient substitutions.
Why One-Pot Meals Are Perfect for Weeknights
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Serves:
This creamy pasta meal. Two tablespoons of olive oil Two diced chicken breasts Four minced garlic cloves
Ingredients:
Three cups of chicken broth
Two cups of milk
250g of your preferred pasta or penne
Half a cup of Parmesan cheese,
grated To taste
add salt and pepper.
Mushrooms, spinach or
cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the chicken until it turns browned.
Cook for one minute after adding the garlic.
Add the spaghetti and mix after adding the milk and chicken broth.
Pasta should be cooked after 10 to 12 minutes of uncovered simmering
With occasional stirringAdd any optional vegetables and Parmesan cheese and stir.
Pro Tip:Cook another two to three minutes.Garnish with more cheese and serve hot
One-Pot Indian Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Serves:
A tasty, high-protein vegetarian dish made with common grocery items and comforting spices.
Ingredients:
Two tablespoons of oil
One sliced onion
Three minced garlic cloves
One inch of grated ginger
Two teaspoons of garam masala
One teaspoon of cumin
Half a teaspoon of turmeric
Half a teaspoon chili powder
Two cans of drained chickpeas
One can of crushed tomatoes
Half a cup of water
Add salt to taste.
Instructions:
Garnish with fresh coriander In a big pot
Heat the oil and cook the onions until they turn golden.
Add the spices, ginger, and garli Cook for one to two minutes.
Add water, tomatoes, and chickpeas and stir Simmer
Stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes.
Add salt for seasoning and fresh coriander for garnish.
Serve with crusty bread, naan, or rice.
One-Pot Mexican Rice Skillet
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Serves:
This spicy rice dish is ideal as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients:
One sliced onion
One sliced bell pepper
Long-grain rice, one cup
One teaspoon of cumin
Half a teaspoon of paprika
Half a teaspoon chili flakes
One can of black beans
One cup of corn that has been frozen
Two cups of vegetable broth
One lime's juice
Instructions:
In a skillet and cook the bell pepper and onion for five minutes.
Toast and rice should be added for one minute.
Add the broth, corn, beans, and seasonings and stir.
The rice should be soft after 20 minutes of simmering on low heat with a lid on.
Add the lime juice and cilantro as a garnish.
Optional toppings: include sour cream, avocado slices, or grated cheese
One-Pot Vegetable Thai Green Curry
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Serves:
A creamy, comforting Thai curry made entirely in one pot—spicy, tangy, and aromatic.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp green curry paste
1 can coconut milk
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup bell peppers
1 cup zucchini or eggplant
1/2 cup green beans
Salt to taste
Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions:
In a pot, heat oil and sauté curry paste for 1 minute.
Add coconut milk and water, bring to a simmer.
Add vegetables and simmer for 10–15 minutes until tender.
Season to taste and serve over rice or noodles.