With the start of the new year and the chill of winter, it’s time to stay cozy with comfort food. Savory, warming, one-pot dishes are ideal streamlined meals to simmer and enjoy. Combine your favorite fresh and dried ingredients. Add in antioxidant and polyphenol rich teas and make the most of spices and herbs; and there’s nothing as comforting as curling up with a warm, hearty meal that nourishes the body and soul. 

Start by exploring the world of one-pot wonders, dishes that come together seamlessly in a single vessel, infusing deep, robust flavors. Favorite soul-satisfying stews are the perfect antidote to the blustery weather outside. Hot, comforting, one-pot meals are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty but can’t spend hours slaving in the kitchen. Easy-to-prepare dishes combine a variety of fresh, wholesome ingredients cooked together in a single pot or Dutch oven, resulting in deep, complex flavors and minimal cleanup. 

As an added benefit, one-pot wonders are not only simple to prepare, but also make excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy delicious, wholesome meals throughout the week with minimal effort.

Experiment with a variety of spices that elevate the taste of your dishes and offer a wealth of health benefits. For a rich, earthy flavor, try stirring in a blend of ground cumin, smoked paprika and chili powder to chili or stew. The cumin lends intoxicating earthiness, the paprika imparts a subtle smokiness and the chili powder provides a gentle heat that gradually builds.

Fragrant herbs like rosemary, thyme and bay leaves make wonderful additions, infusing the dish with an herbal complexity that complements the spices beautifully. 

And, here’s a nourishing tip for a tea-infused twist. Brew a pot of chamomile or ginger tea and substitute this as the liquid in your soups and stews. Tea lends a soothing, slightly sweet note that balances the heartiness of the meal. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to layering spices, herbs and teas into cozy comfort foods, allowing you to curate unique flavor profiles that will warm both the body and the soul on a chilly day.

One favorite delicious and nutritious one-pot meal is a savory beef and vegetable stew, brimming with tender chunks of beef, earthy root vegetables and a rich, aromatic broth. Simmered to perfection in flavorful broth, the tender chunks of beef pair beautifully with an assortment of vibrant veggies like carrots, potatoes, onions and peas, creating a well-rounded and nutrient-dense meal.

Or, for a vegetarian option, try a vibrant, veggie-packed curry made with creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices and an assortment of nutrient-dense produce such as spinach, chickpeas and sweet potatoes. Or, consider a butternut squash and quinoa chili, featuring the natural sweetness of roasted squash, the protein-packed goodness of quinoa and a blend of warming spices that give it a delightful kick. 

And, for a cozy, comforting dish on a chilly evening, you can’t go wrong with a hearty chicken and wild rice soup where chicken breasts, wild rice and fresh herbs and spices meld together in a creamy, velvety base. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started, but add herbs and spices to taste. 

One-Pot Chicken and Wild Rice

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 cup wild rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Return chicken to the pot. Add the wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

No matter which meal you choose to make, easy one-pot wonders allow you to enjoy a delicious, well-balanced meal with minimal time and effort, making them the perfect solution for busy home cooks looking for a nourishing, hassle-free dinner.