One-pot recipes are a total no-brainer for those looking for easy, no-fuss cooking. That’s if you can call it cooking.
So why are one-pot recipes becoming so trendy?
- Minimal cooking. While you can technically call it cooking, one-pot recipes call for less active cooking, freeing you up to do other things. Like watching Netflix instead of watching the pot boil.
- Cleanup is a breeze. Minimal cleanup afterward is always a plus for those with busy schedules.
- One-pot recipes are hard to mess up. From amateurs to professionals, one-pot recipes are a breeze because they’re easy to make.
Picking the Proper Pot
There are a variety of pots out there and it’s important to understand how to use them properly. Some pots, like cast iron pots, hold heat well but take time to heat due to the thick material. Stainless steel pots heat relatively quickly and distribute heat proportionately. Proper pot usage is key in order to make sure that your one-pot recipes don’t burn.
Cooking Order
The order in which you add and cook your ingredients is vital in your one-pot recipe. This ensures that all the ingredients are cooked safely and properly. If you add certain meats like beef or shrimp too soon, they can get rubbery. If you add grains like rice too late, they can be undercooked.
In most cases, dry ingredients like grains and beans are added first. Rule of thumb, ingredients are added from the duration it takes to cook them.
Customization
One-pot recipes are great because they’re easily customizable. Swap out an ingredient to add your own take on a recipe. Test out new flavors by trying different ingredients or seasonings and spices.
Word of caution: Always season to taste. Certain foods cook longer, certain flavors can also intensify. Be mindful when seasoning and taste as you move through your recipe. Don’t be too heavy-handed either; adding water doesn’t always fix a recipe.
Leftovers
One-pot recipes are always a great way to bring new life to leftovers by making a new dish. Using leftovers helps with sustainability and reduces food waste. Good for the planet and for your pockets. Check out our Use Up Leftovers page to see how you can upscale your leftovers into something new.
Recommended Recipes
Ready to dive into one-pot recipes? Try out our new One-Pot Lemon Parmesan Shrimp with Broccoli and Quinoa recipe and our Weeknight Chicken in a Pot.
