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An easy and quick dinner that combines different components cooked in one pot is called a one-pot meal. This technique saves time and labour while reducing kitchen clutter. One-pot meals are flexible, healthy, and easy to make at home. With their well-balanced mix of vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins, they ensure a satisfying and healthful dinner without requiring a lot of cooking equipment.
During the monsoon season, the craving for warm, comforting food increases. The rainy weather often calls for something hearty and delicious that can be whipped up quickly. The best way to do this is with one-pot meals. They're simple to make and give you the fibre and warmth you need on cold, wet days. You can make these meals, from creamy pasta to spicy rice dishes, taste better by adding veggies and spices that are in season. Let's look at five nutritious one-pot monsoon meals that you may make at home.
Homemade Monsoon One Pot Meals
1. Masala Vegetable Khichdi
Masala Vegetable Khichdi is a comforting dish made with rice, a variety of vegetables, and aromatic spices. To prepare, heat ghee in a pressure cooker and add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and jeera. Once they start to splutter, add ginger-garlic paste, followed by chopped onions and tomatoes. Add your preferred chopped veggies, such as cauliflower, carrots, green peas, and capsicum, and cook until they soften. Season with turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt. Add rice, mix well, and pour in 3-4 cups of water. Pressure cook for about five whistles. Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of ghee before serving hot.
2. Mac & Cheese
Almost everyone loves mac and cheese. It's easy to make and tastes great. Start by taking macaroni in a microwave-safe bowl and adding water. Microwave for about two minutes until the macaroni is cooked. Drain the water, add milk and shredded cheddar cheese, and stir well. Microwave for another minute until the cheese melts and blends perfectly with the pasta. Serve hot, and enjoy this quick and cheesy delight.
3. Soya Pulao
Soya Pulao is a tasty and healthy food that is high in protein. Monsoon season and soya pulao combine extremely well. Begin by soaking soya chunks in hot water for 15 minutes. Once soaked, squeeze out the water and marinate the chunks with curd, red chilli, ginger-garlic paste, and coriander powder. Set aside for a while. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add whole spices, including cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and bay leaf. Add chopped onions and fry until golden. Mix in the marinated soya chunks and cook with tomatoes and slit green chillies until soft. Add soaked rice, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Pour enough water to cover the rice, and pressure cook for two whistles. Serve this aromatic pulao with raita or chutney.
4. Burnt Chilli Garlic Fried Rice
Burnt Chilli Garlic Fried Rice is a spicy and aromatic dish that brings a burst of flavours to your palate. It combines the essence of Indo-Chinese cuisine with a fiery twist. Start by heating oil in a pan and adding chopped garlic and dried red chillies. Let them brown to achieve a burnt, smoky flavour. Add cooked rice and stir-fry with soy sauce, vinegar, and a mix of chopped vegetables like bell peppers and spring onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still crunchy. Serve this spicy fried rice hot and enjoy the robust flavours.
5. Leftover Roti Noodles
Leftover Roti Noodles are a creative way to transform plain chapatis into a delicious fusion dish. Cut leftover rotis into thin strips resembling noodles. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Stir-fry for a minute, then add chopped vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and spring onions. Toss in the roti strips and mix well with soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of ketchup. Cook until the roti absorbs the sauces and the vegetables are tender. This dish is perfect for using up leftovers and is packed with fiery Chinese flavours, making it a must-try for fusion cuisine lovers.
These five healthy monsoon one-pot meals are perfect for the rainy season. They are easy to prepare, nutritious, and comforting. Each dish brings a unique flavour and is ideal for those looking for quick and wholesome meal options. Try these recipes at home and enjoy the delightful tastes of the monsoon.
