Dishes? Not Today!

One-pot meals that save time, effort and your sanity

Love Cooking, Hate Dishes? Same.

I’m so excited to dive into this week’s topic: one-pot vegan meals. If you’ve ever stared at a pile of dishes after cooking and thought, “There’s gotta be a better way,” this one’s for you. One-pot meals are the ultimate solution for busy nights, lazy weekends or anytime you want something hearty and delicious without the cleanup drama.

Life is busy, and the last thing anyone wants after cooking is a sink full of pots and pans. One-pot meals simplify everything. You prep, cook and serve from the same pot. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Plus, these meals are:

• Customizable: You can tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and you’ve got lunches or dinners sorted for days.

• Perfect for Flavors: Cooking everything together means all those spices and seasonings mingle beautifully, giving you a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.

This week, I’ve got not one but three killer recipes for you. The first one is free for everyone and the others? It’s an exclusive for my paid subscribers. Ready to join the party? Hit that Upgrade Now button—your support keeps this kitchen experiment going strong.

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The Big One-Pot Framework

This framework is designed to help you create a complete and satisfying dish using ingredients you already have on hand. The best part? It’s flexible, so you can mix and match based on what’s in your kitchen. Here’s how to structure your perfect one-pot meal:

1. Base

The base sets the tone for your dish and provides the carbohydrates for energy. Choose one:

• Grains: Rice, quinoa, farro or couscous.

• Pasta: Spaghetti, orzo or penne.

• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or even frozen hash browns.

Pro Tip: Adjust the liquid ratio depending on your base. Grains like rice and quinoa absorb more liquid, so keep extra broth handy.

2. Veggies

Vegetables add color, texture and a load of vitamins. Use a variety to keep things interesting:

• Fresh: Zucchini, carrots, kale, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers.

• Frozen: Peas, corn, green beans, or cauliflower.

• Canned: Diced tomatoes, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.

Pro Tip: Add heartier veggies (like carrots or sweet potatoes) earlier and quick-cooking ones (like spinach or peas) near the end to avoid overcooking.

3. Protein

• Beans: Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, or white beans.

• Lentils: Red lentils for creamy dishes or green lentils for texture.

• Tofu or Tempeh: Cube and sauté before adding to maintain texture.

Pro Tip: Use pre-cooked or canned beans/lentils to save time, and rinse them well to reduce sodium.

4. Liquid

The liquid is the heart of a one-pot meal—it ties everything together and carries the flavor:

• Broth: Vegetable stock for a neutral base or mushroom broth for richness.

• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness (perfect for curries).

• Tomato Base: Use canned diced tomatoes, tomato puree, or even marinara sauce.

Pro Tip: Start with less liquid than you think you’ll need, as veggies release water during cooking. You can always add more if needed.

5. Seasoning

This is where the magic happens. Spices and seasonings take your dish from bland to brilliant.

• Spices: Cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili flakes, or curry powder.

• Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, cilantro, or thyme.

• Umami Boosters: Nutritional yeast, miso paste, soy sauce, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Pro Tip: Season as you go and taste often. If it’s missing something, add a pinch of salt or an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to brighten it up.

Bonus Add-Ons

Once you’ve got the basics down, here are a few extras to elevate your one-pot meals:

• Crunch: Add toasted nuts, breadcrumbs, or seeds as a topping.

• Creaminess: Stir in tahini, plant-based yogurt, or a dollop of vegan sour cream.

• Garnishes: Finish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of citrus for brightness.

Make it foolproof

1. Layer Wisely: Start with aromatics (like onions, garlic, or ginger), then add harder-to-cook ingredients like grains or potatoes. Finish with quick-cooking veggies and greens.

2. Keep Tasting: Flavors evolve as everything simmers together, so don’t wait until the end to adjust seasoning.

3. Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your ingredients have enough room to cook evenly. A bigger pot is your friend.

Now, let’s get into the free recipe for this week.

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Smoky Lentils & Rice

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• ½ tsp salt

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 Tbsp (33 g) tomato paste

• ½ Tbsp (3 g) smoked paprika

• ½ Tbsp (3 g) ground cumin

• ½ Tbsp (3 g) ground coriander

• 3 cups (720 mL) vegetable stock

• 2 cups (50 g) kale, finely chopped

• 1 cup (180 g) cooked brown lentils

• ⅓ cup (67 g) uncooked basmati rice

• Garnish: Pickled onions & fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onions with salt until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin; cook for 2 minutes.

2. Stir in vegetable stock, kale, lentils, and rinsed rice. Bring to a boil.

3. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.

4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley and pickled onions for extra brightness and flavor.

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Weekly Recipe Roundup

This week, I've discovered some fantastic vegan one-pot meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Here are my top picks:

1. One-Pot Red Lentil Chili
   A hearty chili made with red lentils, offering a smoky and flavorful experience. It's protein- and fiber-rich, perfect for cold nights and feeding a crowd.

   Minimalist Baker

2. One-Pot Kale, Mushroom, and Garlic Spaghetti
   This dish combines kale, mushrooms, and garlic with spaghetti for a wholesome meal. It's a quick and easy recipe that's full of flavor.

   Vegan Heaven

3. One-Pot Vegan Jambalaya
   A plant-based take on the classic Creole dish, this jambalaya is packed with vegetables and spices, all cooked in one pot for simplicity.

   Karissa's Vegan Kitchen

4. One-Pot Pumpkin Yellow Curry
   This curry features pumpkin and a blend of spices, creating a creamy and satisfying meal that's easy to make in one pot.

   Minimalist Baker

Now paid subscribers, stick around for the extra recipes I’ve got for you this week. You might have seen a sneak peak on my Instagram. It’s comforting, colorful and packed full of protein.