by staff

You know the drill. It’s been a long day – your brain is tired from work, house chores are piling up, and you have zero energy. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up afterward. So, you resort to ordering takeout, eating cereal for dinner, or microwaving a frozen meal, although you know it’s not the healthiest and pocket-friendly option. Don’t worry. There’s one solution that will improve your dinner routine, i.e., one-pot meals.

One-pot meals are a saving grace for busy individuals and families. They require minimal effort, use only one pot or pan, and can be ready within a few minutes. Plus, clean-up is a breeze since you only have one dish to wash.

So, put away the takeout menus, and let’s explore seven healthy and hearty one-pot meals that will save you time and energy and satisfy your taste buds.

1. Chicken and Tortilla Soup
Are you craving a soul-warming bowl of soup? This Mexican soup will make you go “mmmmm” with every spoonful.
You need:
• Lime juice
• Black beans
• Chicken stock
• Green chilies
• Water
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Dried oregano
• Cumin
• Chicken
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Tomatoes
• Salt
In a Dutch oven on medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 4 minutes. Then, mix in diced tomatoes, green chilies, whole chicken, and black beans. Pour in chicken stock, water, salt, and spices. Let it simmer covered for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken, put it back in the pot, and let it simmer. Finally, add lime juice and adjust the salt to your taste. Follow this chicken and tortilla soup recipe for tips and learn to make bean-free or slow-cooker variations.

2. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Have you got leftover beef in your fridge? This colorful stir-fry is perfect for whipping up a quick and healthy meal.
You need:
• Cabbage
• Red bell pepper
• Broccoli florets
• Carrot
• Beef
• Garlic cloves
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Honey or maple syrup
• Sesame oil
First, slice the cabbage thinly. Then, stir-fry with garlic cloves and sesame oil for about 2 minutes. Next, add in sliced beef and cook until browned. In goes the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Finally, mix in soy sauce or coconut aminos and honey or maple syrup to taste. Serve this beef and cabbage stir-fry over rice or quinoa, and enjoy a flavorful and nutrient-packed meal.

3. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
This easy-baked salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The refreshing lemon and herbs will leave you wanting more.
You need:
• Salmon fillets
• Lemon
• Garlic cloves
• Dried parsley
• Dried dill
• Salt
• Olive oil
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare the salmon fillets by rubbing them with minced garlic, dried parsley, and dried dill. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top and drizzle with olive oil. Avoid the salmon marinating mistake to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Put the salmon in a baking dish lined with foil or parchment paper. Slice the lemon into thin rounds and put them on the salmon. Bake for about 15 minutes or until flaky and cooked through. Serve with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.

4. Prawn Jalfrezi
Spice up your dinner rotation with this delicious prawn jalfrezi recipe. This dish is a mood-boosting mix of flavors, spices, and juicy prawns.
You need:
• Prawns
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Tomatoes
• Garlic cloves
• Ginger
• Turmeric powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook until softened. Mix in diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt to the mixture. Stir well and let it cook for a minute or two. Next, add the prawns to the pan and coat them with the spice mixture. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Serve with naan bread or basmati rice for a delightful meal.

5. One-Pot Lentil Chicken
You may wonder, “lentil and chicken together?” But this one-pot lentil chicken recipe will be a delightful and nutritious combination.
You need:
• Chicken breast
• Lentils
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Salt
Take a large pot and heat some oil in it. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until they start to soften. Next, add chicken breast and season with thyme and salt. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. Add lentils and broth to the pot when the chicken is lightly browned. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are fully cooked. Serve hot for a hearty and healthy meal.

6. Chicken & Chorizo Jamabalaya
Want to try a new spin on traditional Jambalaya? This chicken and chorizo version is an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
You need:
• Chicken thighs
• Chorizo sausage
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Celery
• Garlic cloves
• Tomato paste
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Long grain rice
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
In a large pot, cook chopped chicken thighs until they are browned. Remove from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, cook sliced chorizo sausage until it starts to release its oils. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they soften. Next, add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, and paprika to the pot and cook for a few minutes. Add long-grain rice and stir until it is coated with the mixture. Pour in chicken broth and tomatoes, then bring it to a boil. Cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Add the chicken back into the pot and cook for five more minutes. Your delicious chicken and chorizo Jambalaya is now ready for serving.

Conclusion
Busy days or lazy evenings, these one-pot meals are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to prep, require minimal ingredients, and, best of all – have fewer dishes to clean up. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want a quick and delicious meal, try the chicken and tortilla soup and feel the goodness of homemade comfort food. You can also whip up some delicious prawn jalfrezi or one-pot lentil chicken for a delightful and nutritious meal. If you’re a meaty delight lover, beef and cabbage stir-fry is a must-try. Baked salmon with lemon and herb seasoning is another flavorful, soul-pleasing meal to add to your one-pot recipe list.

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