Time constraints are a common challenge in people's lives, leading to a preference for quick and easy cooking. With limited time for elaborate meals, individuals often resort to fast food. An alternative approach is to embrace one-pot recipes, a cooking method that combines various ingredients in a single pot or pan.
This yields flavorful and complete meals with minimal effort. Whether preparing pasta, rice, or a mix of vegetables and proteins, one-pot dishes offer a practical solution for busy individuals or those desiring kitchen simplicity.
Explore a variety of one-pot Indian dishes that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
- Vegetable Pulao
This is one of the popular Indian dishes that can be made in under 20 minutes. This is a wholesome meal that can be prepared by sautéing a mix of diced carrots, peas, and finely chopped onions. The addition of whole spices like cumin, cardamom, and cloves infuses an aroma into the dish. After toasting the rice along with vegetables and spices, add water or vegetable broth to it. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, lower the flame, and cover the pot with a lid. Cook till the rice is perfectly cooked and the flavours of the vegetables and spices are absorbed. Serve it with kadhi.
- Khichdi
This dish can be effortlessly prepared in under 20 minutes. This one-pot meal combines rice and lentils, which are seasoned with spices and incorporates a whole lot of vegetables. The dish can be made by tempering cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and other aromatic spices. The rice, lentils, and vegetables are then added to the fragrant base, which is then simmered with water. This dish is comforting and healthy.
- Spinach-Dal Rice
This is a quick and nourishing dish that is made with red or yellow lentils cooked with fresh spinach leaves. The dish is rich in protein and vitamins. In a heated pan, cumin seeds are tempered, to which onions and garlic are added.
The lentils and rice are then added, followed by a dash of turmeric, red chilli powder, and garam masala. After the lentils and rice simmer, spinach is added and allowed to cook further until soft. A dash of water can be added to bring it to a khichdi consistency as well. Garnish it with chopped onions and serve it hot.
- Quinoa Pilaf
This wholesome pilaf is made by cooking quinoa with lots of veggies. Start the cooking process by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly and keeping it aside. Saute the aromatics, such as onions and garlic, in olive oil until the aroma evokes. Add the washed quinoa and cook for a couple of minutes. Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, and carrots, and cook with water until it becomes perfect. Add seasonings like thyme or coriander leaves.
- Chickpea Stir Fry
This is a delightful and quick one-pot dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. This is made with a medley of vegetables, resulting in a flavourful and nutritious meal. Chickpeas are sautéed with crisp, colourful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of chilli powder provides a burst of flavour. It is perfect for individuals who are in the weight-loss process.
- Lemon Rice
This is a quick South Indian dish that combines the zesty flavours of lemon, making it an ideal choice for a fast and satisfying meal. This dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes by sautéing the cooked rice by tempering mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and curry leaves, which infuse the grains with a medley of spices. The magic is created when the fresh lemon is squeezed, adding a tangy and refreshing twist. The rice is garnished with roasted peanuts and cashews.