When life gets busy, cooking can feel like just another chore on your never-ending to-do list. That’s where one-pot meals come to the rescue! These meals are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients and flavor, making them perfect for families.
Why One-Pot Meals Are a Game-Changer
- Less Cleanup: Since everything cooks in a single pot, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time with your family.
- Time-Saving: Most one-pot meals require minimal prep and can simmer on the stove while you take care of other tasks.
- Nutritious and Balanced: You can easily pack in proteins, vegetables, and grains for a wholesome meal.
- Flexible for All Ages: If your baby is older than 8 months but younger than 1 year, you can take out their portion before adding salt and strong spices for the rest of the family.
Here are three delicious one-pot meals that work for the whole family, including a chicken, fish, and vegetarian option.
1. Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew
(A warm, comforting dish packed with protein and fiber)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Chicken breast (boneless, diced) – 400g
- Sweet potatoes (peeled, diced) – 300g
- Carrot (chopped) – 100g
- Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium (80g)
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Canned diced tomatoes – 400g
- Low-sodium vegetable broth – 500ml
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Cumin – 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (optional, add after taking out baby’s portion)
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – for garnish
How to Cook
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until it turns golden brown.
- Stir in the sweet potatoes, carrots, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft.
- Remove a portion for your baby before adding paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
2. One-Pot Salmon and Rice
(A protein-rich and omega-3-packed family meal)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Salmon fillet (skinless, cut into chunks) – 400g
- Brown rice – 250g
- Zucchini (grated) – 100g
- Carrot (grated) – 100g
- Onion (chopped) – 1 medium (80g)
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Coconut milk – 400ml
- Low-sodium vegetable broth – 500ml
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Turmeric – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (optional, add after removing baby’s portion)
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Fresh dill – for garnish
How to Cook
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add the brown rice, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add grated zucchini and carrot, and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove baby’s portion, then stir in turmeric, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the salmon chunks and cook for 5 more minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh dill before serving.
3. Creamy Lentil and Spinach Curry (Vegetarian)
(A hearty, plant-based dish full of protein and fiber)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Red lentils (rinsed) – 250g
- Carrot (chopped) – 100g
- Bell pepper (chopped) – 100g
- Onion (chopped) – 1 medium (80g)
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Canned diced tomatoes – 400g
- Coconut milk – 400ml
- Low-sodium vegetable broth – 500ml
- Spinach – 100g
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Curry powder – 1 tsp
- Cumin – 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (optional, add after taking out baby’s portion)
How to Cook
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the lentils, carrots, and bell pepper, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
- Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove baby’s portion, then add curry powder, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy families. They help cut down on prep time, make cleaning easier, and are packed with nutrients to keep everyone healthy. Plus, with small adjustments, you can make sure your baby gets a healthy portion before adding extra seasonings for the rest of the family.
Would you like to see more one-pot meal ideas? Let me know in the comments!
Please note that I speak from personal experience. For substantiated information, i always recommend that you take a look at the World Health Organization.
