One-Pot Wonders

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. One-pot meals are perfect for busy weeknights, saving both time and cleanup. Here are some simple, delicious, and budget-friendly one-pot recipes.

1. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

A colorful and healthy pasta dish with vegetables and light seasoning.

Ingredients:

• 200g pasta
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, vegetables, and water/broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is cooked and water is mostly absorbed.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

---

2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

A filling and flavorful meal in just one pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add chicken pieces and brown slightly.
3. Add rice, water/broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice and chicken are cooked. Serve hot.

---

3. One-Pot Lentil Soup

Hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water or broth
• Salt, pepper, and spices to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in a little oil.
2. Add lentils and water/broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Season to taste and serve.

---

4. One-Pot Chili

A spicy and comforting meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 can beans (kidney or black beans), drained
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili powder.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm with bread or rice.

---

5. One-Pot Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles

Quick, colorful, and perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 200g noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles in a large pot with a little water until nearly done.
2. Drain most water, leaving a little in the pot.
3. Add oil, vegetables, and soy sauce, stir-fry for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

---

These one-pot wonders are perfect for anyone who wants a quick, easy, and tasty meal with minimal cleanup. They are budget-friendly, flavorful, and simple enough for any home cook.