How many times have you looked in your fridge and been absolutely stumped about what to make for dinner? You know you should probably cook something from scratch, but the thought of having to wash a bunch of dishes afterward is just too much.
Plus, following a recipe can be tricky and sometimes results in an expensive grocery bill. Enter: one pot meals! These recipes are not only fool-proof, but they’re also healthy and wallet-friendly. So go ahead and give them a try next time you’re feeling stuck in a culinary rut. Bon appetit!
Healthy one pot meals for family
When it comes to starting a meal, protein can be hugely versatile. Whether you opt for chicken, tofu, lentils, or something else completely, you’re sure to find something everyone at the table will enjoy.
It’s amazing how much flavor can be packed into one ingredient – perhaps some tasty Thai green curry chicken with fragrant coconut rice, or stir-fried pak choi with lightly spiced roasted tofu? Plus, no one has to know just how healthy it all is: the key is in the presentation!
Easy one pot meals vegetarian
I’m always intimidated by the challenge of how to make a delicious meal out of what I had on hand. But recently I started trying to “up my veggie game” by throwing whatever vegetables I had into any dish – from tacos to fried rice.
Not only does it upgrade nutrient content, but adding veggies has become such a great way to make whatever meal exciting and flavorful. Plus, the extra volume means I might have leftovers the next day (definitely a plus!).
Who would have thought that all it takes is some clever veggie deployment for an inspired home-cooked meal?
Throw in some spices for flavor
Looking for a way to take your cooking to the next level? It’s all about the spices! Whether it’s a pinch of basil, a smidgen of oregano, or a (generous) handful of paprika, you can easily elevate every dish with just a few flavorful additions.
Learning how to create the perfect spice mix is an art as much as it is a science and should be done carefully — trust me on this one, I still regret that time I used cumin instead of oregano. But once you’ve mastered their balance and ratio, the possibilities are endless – no meal need ever be boring again!
Cook everything in one pot on the stovetop or in a slow cooker
If you hate doing the dishes as much as I do, then cooking everything in one pot on the stovetop or in a slow cooker is an absolute dream come true. Adopting this revolutionary method of cooking has allowed me to prepare delicious meals and still keep the number of dirty dishes at a minimum — which is every busy family’s secret wish.
One pot triumphed over my reluctance to spend two hours squeaky cleaning afterward, and now I can finally understand why so many people recommend it! If you haven’t tried it yet, grab your chef hat and don’t waste any minute longer: it might be just what you need!
Small healthy meals for one
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be steak and kale salads formatted for a small army. It’s actually easier than you’d think to make delicious, balanced meals in snack-sized portions! Save time and effort by separating out single servings at once that can then be taken along for meals on the go or just microwaved as needed throughout the day.
Small healthy meals for one can include a combination of protein sources like hard-boiled eggs, dairy-free yogurt, or vegan protein source paired with fiber-filled side options like sliced carrots and whole grain crackers.
It’s not always exciting to eat exactly what your body needs but with a little creativity, prepping individualized meals will put you well on your way to success when it comes to reaching health and wellness goals!
What is the cheapest and healthiest meal?
It’s hard to give a definitive answer when it comes to what the cheapest and healthiest meal is. After all, tastes differ from person to person, and health needs vary from individual to individual. That being said, some great options are usually dishes like soups and stews, fresh salads incorporating lots of vegetables, or even homemade smoothies made with seasonal fruits and veggies.
Not only can these meals be incredibly economical but they can be incredibly healthy too! Eating this way not only optimizes your physical health but also encourages you to connect more deeply with the ingredients and their sources — creating a meaningful and thoughtful connection between our bodies and the environment around us. Gives new meaning to the saying, ‘Be one with the universe…’ doesn’t it?
How can poor people eat healthy?
It’s no secret that being on a budget can make healthy eating much harder. But it doesn’t have to be impossible! The key is planning and creativity. Start by making a grocery list of nutritious items — like seasonal fruits and vegetables, bulk foods such as grains or nuts, and lean proteins — that are within your budget.
During the shopping trip, look for store specials or discounts for certain items, and don’t forget to check out the shop’s freezer section; typically, frozen foods are cheaper than their fresh counterparts. Furthermore, you can also take advantage of farmer’s markets in your area—often times local farmers offer fresher produce at a fraction of the price compared to supermarkets.
In addition, get involved with organizations that provide virtual cooking classes and nutrition education – they can provide invaluable tips on stretching meals further while staying healthy!
Here are some healthy one pot meals on a budget:
Chicken and vegetable stir-fry:
This is a classic one pot meal that is both healthy and affordable. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, but some good options include broccoli, carrots, peppers, and onions. To make the stir-fry, simply cook the chicken in a wok or large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. Serve over rice or noodles.
Chicken and vegetable stir-fry
Lentil soup:
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they are also very affordable. To make lentil soup, simply saute some onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add the lentils, water, and your favorite spices. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Lentil soup
Pasta with tomato sauce:
This is a simple and easy-to-make one pot meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Simply cook the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat up some tomato sauce in a saucepan. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and serve.
Pasta with tomato sauce
Fried rice:
This is a versatile one pot meal that can be made with whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand. To make fried rice, simply cook some rice according to the package directions. While the rice is cooking, saute some onions, garlic, and vegetables in a wok or large skillet. Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked rice and stir-fry until everything is heated through.
Fried rice
Chickpea curry:
This is a flavorful and satisfying one pot meal that is packed with protein and fiber. To make chickpea curry, simply saute some onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add the chickpeas, curry powder, and your favorite vegetables. Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Chickpea curry
These are just a few ideas for healthy one pot meals on a budget. With a little creativity, you can easily create delicious and affordable meals that are perfect for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basic formula for a one pot meal, go forth and experiment! Try out different flavor combinations and let us know what your favorite is. Don’t be afraid to get creative – even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, you’ll still end up with a healthy and delicious meal that was easy to make. So what are you waiting for? Go try out some of these one pot meals and enjoy!
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.