One Pot Wonders – Simple and Healthy Family Meals

You would think that because I’m a work at home mom, I have all the time in the world to whip up gourmet meals for Chris and Angeline each evening. Well, there’s this thing about working from home…you are usually busy all day WORKING. And when I’m not working on the blog, networking, or baking up sweet treats to blog about, I’m cleaning, running errands, or taking care of the cats, dogs, etc. By the time dinner rolls around, I’m just as unmotivated to cook as Chris is after getting home from his office job!

One pot wonders – meals that can be cooked in one pot- are the perfect solution to this problem. They require little effort, save on washing up, can be reheated in microwaves the next day and are still home cooked and healthy. Read on for three one pot wonders that will revolutionize your family’s weekly menu!

Simple Stew

A stew’s basic ingredients are simple and cheap – onions, stock, potatoes and vegetables. The great thing about a stew one pot is that you can be creative and cook a different style every time. Online recipes are plentiful and range from Spanish and Turkish stews to traditional British and Soul Food variations. Red lentils or mushrooms are a great vegetarian substitute for meat. Serve with crusty bread.

Mexican Chili

This classic favorite is the ultimate one pot and, like stew, is cheap to make. I probably make chili once or twice a month, alternating between beef and chicken and using different kinds of beans. Onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes and mixed beans are the basic ingredients and can all be thrown into the pot along with chili powder and spices to taste. Vegetarians can be creative by adding different vegetables and lentils as opposed to minced beef. The style of chili can be different every time you cook by adding chunky veg and pulses depending on what you have on the cupboards! You can find my recipe for a slow cooker chili here!

Spanish or Italian Rice

Both risottos and paella are yummy one pot rice dishes that are incredibly easy to cook. The important thing is that you use the correct rice and cook it in stock for a sufficient amount of time before you add other ingredients. There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavors and styles, from traditional seafood paella to a creamy pea and ham risotto. Just serve with salad and garlic bread

Recipe variations for all three of these one pots abound online, so you need never get bored of these classic dishes. By sticking to one pot you can create healthy, tasty meals for your family in a way that fits conveniently into your busy schedule!