One-dish cooking is deeply rooted in culinary history.
A single pot of food bubbling over a fire made the most of whatever meat and vegetables were seasonably available, freeing families to complete other necessary tasks of the day - from building shelters to finding more food. Today, families have convenient modern appliances and more than enough food available at the local grocery store. But we still must make time to cook.
Somewhere along the way from our ancient roots to now, the simplicity of one-dish cooking got lost. Cooking a great meal doesn’t always need to involve multiple pans or skillets, since sometimes we just don’t have the time or patience. When looking to simplify your mealtimes – and your life - look to the past and embrace the joys of one-dish cooking.
Save time in the evening
One-dish cooking usually requires just a small amount of prep time and while the meal is simmering away on the stove-top or in the oven, you are free to do as you wish. Help the kids with homework, play outside, read a chapter of your latest book or catch up on your hobbies. Whatever you choose to do, you can relax with the knowledge that a nourishing meal is on the way and you don’t have to lift a finger while it gets there.
Cost efficient: Use less meat
A little bit of meat goes a long way in one-dish cooking. Meat is usually the most expensive grocery item on the list, so using less saves money. Longer cooking times also mean that less expensive cuts such as chicken thighs or drumsticks or stewing beef can be used for delicious results. Round out the one-pot meals with inexpensive rice or pasta and seasonal vegetables and you’ve got a dinner fit for any budget.
Less mess
One-dish literally means just one pot. And one cooking dish means very little clean up during and after the meal. Saving time on clean up frees even more time to spend as you wish.
Endless one-dish variety
Rice, pasta, vegetables, meats, beans - the possibilities are endless when it comes to one-dish cooking. It’s almost magical, and highly satisfying, as the ingredients come together into something absolutely flavourful.