We all know how demanding life is and how important it is to keep the right pace, especially when good health is the key today. I had been experiencing a significant decrease in my energy levels towards the end of the day. I even found it increasingly challenging to prepare the appropriate meal within the limited time. This led me to consider the struggles many individuals face, particularly busy professionals and working parents. Consequently, I felt compelled to contribute by creating efficient meal plans centred around recipes with minimal ingredients. My focus has been on devising meal plans suitable for hectic weekdays, resulting in the formulation of one-pot meal options.

Whenever a dinner can be prepared using just one cooking vessel, it is almost guaranteed that the recipe will not necessitate an abundance of ingredients, excessive effort, or result in a sink full of dirty dishes.

This week, I am populating my meal plan with uncomplicated one-pot meals that will cater to both adult and child palates at my dining table. Here is a list of a few healthy and tasty meal plans that are not only easy but exciting too to create.

Monday: Chicken Pot Rice With Veggies

Preparing a family-sized pot meal on a Monday night is entirely feasible. With a few clever techniques, it is surprisingly more manageable than anticipated and can be ready in under 30 minutes. The recipe relies on rotisserie chicken and fresh vegetables, requiring minimal preparation and quick cooking. Additionally, I usually set aside one of the chicken breasts for the next night’s (Tuesday) dinner.

Tuesday: 20-Minute Chicken, Sweet Potato and Brown Rice Bowls

I just thought of something ridiculously healthy while surfing through my fridge, and this meal plan popped in my head. Make a brown rice bowl with the leftover rotisserie chicken and lots of veggies. Use any roasted vegetables in the fridge, like sweet potatoes or whatever is left over from the weekend.

Wednesday: One-pot tomato, Chickpeas and Sticky Rice

Basic pantry staples such as rice, chickpeas, broth and crushed tomatoes are foundational to this 15-minute dish. While reminiscent of risotto, it possesses its distinct character. The added benefit of chickpeas is that they provide a protein boost, rendering the meal exceptionally satiating. Moreover, surplus portions will be available for subsequent lunch-time use.

Thursday: 15-Minute Chicken, Veggies, Fried Rice

My son has a strong preference for rice. Thus, fried rice has become a regular feature on our dinner menu. I typically thaw a bag of rice from the freezer and prepare it with premium chicken pieces and an assortment of frozen vegetables.

Friday: The Best One-Pot Noodles, Veggies & Cheese

The most time-consuming aspect of preparing this weekend night dinner involves grating the cheese, a task I intend to carry out while the water is boiling. I usually complement the meal with a serving of roasted frozen broccoli. The entire dinner will be ready in approximately 15 minutes—making it an exceptionally swift preparation.

In support of stress-free cooking
Meal planning can be challenging, especially for beginners. However, it’s the key to stress-free weeknight dinners. As a chef and a homemaker, I have just tried to curate some interesting, quick recipes. I will be delighted to work on its detailed recipe, and I can only hope that it will inspire you all to help alleviate your struggles of preparing dinner night after night, whether you’re cooking for one person or a large family.

I value your feedback and suggestions. Wishing you a productive and successful week ahead!

Know more about the author at www.chefshubhisingh.com